The announcement of a pilot of counselling supports in primary schools marks an important development in supporting the well-being and mental health of children. I was delighted to secure this funding as we know that nationally and internationally there is increasing concern about the mental health and well-being of children and young people and that school staff are facing challenges every day in supporting children and young people presenting with these issues. I have listened to schools and to stakeholders and responded to their calls for the provision of mental health services in primary schools. This pilot will support children to cope better with their emotions and feelings, learn about and understand their feelings, develop coping skills and improve their relationships with others. Under this pilot selected schools are provided with easy access to a pre-approved panel of counsellors. This pilot will build on existing good practice, guidance and supports currently available in the system.
NEPS psychologists will work with schools to identify and support the prioritisation of those most in need of access to this counselling support. This is part of the current role of the NEPS psychologist when working with schools – identifying need for and signposting to appropriate services.
The significant work in preparing for this project will be done by my Department, which will manage and provide for all matters relating to Garda Vetting, payments, governance and related training. As this is a pilot project, the NEPS psychologists will work very closely with the schools concerned. What is required by schools is to link with a counsellor on a panel of pre-approved counsellors to provide for the service. This service will be provided, initially, to a small number of children in each school, and as such, I am satisfied that the expert assistance of the psychologists to the schools will provide adequate reassurance and support to implement this project. To the greatest degree possible in the context of the pilot my Department has mitigated additional work for school personnel, whom I know will be eager to participate in this innovative initiative, for the benefit of children in their school.
The Department will be providing detailed information and support to both the schools and the counsellors over the coming months to ensure the smooth running of the pilot.
