SYDNEY, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) -- The number of school counsellors in bushfire-affected areas is set to increase significantly, with the Australian state government of New South Wales (NSW) announcing greater mental health support for students and staff in the wake of the recent crisis.
Working closely with principals and their communities, NSW Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said on Thursday that there will be a tailored approach to ensure that each school has the short and long term help they need.
"With the impact of the bushfires across NSW, there is a need to increase, target and coordinate mental health support for students and schools," she said.
"Many schools have been impacted since November last year, with some staff and students losing their homes, seeing communities in distress and witnessing extreme evacuation efforts, which would be very upsetting for anyone to experience."
"Even students who were holidaying with their families on the South Coast during this time would still be feeling the distressing effects and we will be ensuring they are also supported upon their return to school."
So far, the state government has identified 113 schools where increased counselling services will be rolled out. Of those, 77 are considered to be in need of "intensive support."
As part of the program principals along with parent and citizen associations will also receive professional advice so they can properly identify signs of stress in children.
