Wellbeing campaign encourages HSC students to ask for help

HSC students and their families will have 24-hour access to support from Australia’s leading mental health service for young people in the lead up to exams.

Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said that in addition to the wellbeing programs being run at schools, the government has extended a partnership with ReachOut on the Stay Healthy HSC Hub providing advice for HSC students for staying healthy while preparing for their exams.

“Physical and mental wellbeing are more important than ever at the moment, as students continue their HSC preparations while learning from home,” Ms Mitchell said.

Students also need to remember that no matter what happens in response to the pandemic you will get your HSC, so continue studying hard and look after yourself.

“Last year, despite disruptions, HSC students still achieved results consistent with the year groups before them and we will support the Class of 2021 in the same way.”

Minister for Mental Health, Regional Youth and Women Bronnie Taylor said the hub was a great resource to help HSC students and their parents cope during a challenging time.

“This resource draws together some fantastic information to help students look after themselves and each other and provides links to extra help if they are feeling overwhelmed or particularly stressed out,” Mrs Taylor said.

CEO of ReachOut Ashley de Silva said parents and carers play an integral role in supporting the wellbeing of their teenagers at this time.

“Year 12 is a significant time in a young person’s life and we know it can also be a stressful experience. ReachOut is pleased to be working with the NSW Government to help provide mental health support for HSC students and encourage them to seek help if they need it,” Mr de Silva said.

“Our research shows that young people will often turn to their parents and carers when they are stressed. We encourage parents to check in with their teenagers regularly to see how they are feeling, have open conversations about how to manage stress and also look for strategies that might help lighten their load, in particular around assessment or exam times.

The wellbeing campaign includes a one-stop-shop for students with advice, resources and information available on the Stay Healthy HSC hub.

“We’ve seen schools across the state implement really meaningful wellbeing programs to support students in the context of COVID-19, particularly for HSC students as they complete their final year of school. This is about building on that work and ensuring all students know there is somewhere they can go for advice,” Ms Mitchell said.