The Minns Labor Government is investing $17.1 million in Kids Helpline to improve access to mental health support for young people in New South Wales. This funding will allow Kids Helpline, run by the community organisation yourtown, to recruit up to 28 additional full-time equivalent (FTE) counsellors.

This increased capacity will enable Kids Helpline to better meet the growing demand for support services, especially for teenagers aged 15-18, who make up the majority of callers. Young people reach out to Kids Helpline for various reasons, including mental health concerns, family problems, school and peer pressures, and emotional distress.

The funding will also be used to upskill existing counsellors, providing them with additional tools to offer better support and strengthen the integration of Kids Helpline with local, area, and statewide mental health, child protection, education, employment, and other social services.

“This $17 million funding injection delivers on our election commitment and shows that the Minns Labor Government is delivering meaningful support to kids who are struggling with their mental health,” said Minister for Mental Health and Youth Rose Jackson. “Telephone helplines and online chat services are often the first point of contact for young people experiencing mental distress because they are convenient, accessible and can provide a quick response. By bringing new counsellors on board, as well as offering development opportunities for existing Kids Helpline staff, we are investing in a workforce that provides invaluable support to our young people when they need it most.”

Kids Helpline Manager Tony Fitzgerald expressed gratitude for the funding, stating, “We are privileged to receive this very substantial funding support to continue Kids Helpline’s critical role within the wellbeing and mental health system. Specifically, this contribution will advance our work with up to 28 additional Kids Helpline counsellors being onboarded over the next four years to take meaningful action to improve support to New South Wales children and young people. We know that increasing counselling resources reduces the risk of suicide and will provide ongoing stability for the dedicated professional counsellor workforce who respond to calls, web chat conversations and emails from young people.”

Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800) operates 24/7 and provides age-appropriate online and phone counselling and support for young people aged 5 to 25.

Related link: Kids Helpline opens its first Melbourne centre