The Education Directorate has made a range of support services available to help school communities through the COVID-19 lockdown.
The Directorate said it was a difficult time for ACT public school families and students.
“We are all going through this together, so please continue to be kind to each other and to yourselves during this time,” the Directorate said.
“Everyone is experiencing the anxiety and uncertainty of COVID-19 and people need different types of support to help them through lockdown,” it said.
“If your ACT public school children and young people require extra help and assistance, our school psychologists are available to provide support through telehealth.”
The Directorate said people could access the service by calling 6205 1559 between 9am and 4.30pm, or by making a booking request via an online form.
It said ACT Health had also pulled together links and phone numbers for a range of support services available to the wider ACT community.
Minister for Education and Youth Affairs, Yvette Berry encouraged parents and carers to reach out if they or their children needed mental health support.
“I know this is a really difficult time for many of us and we manage work, and having our kids at home, and keeping up to date with all of the fast-moving public health notices,” Ms Berry said.
“So it’s also completely understandable if you or your child is feeling anxious or worried about the pandemic, I know my own children are feeling it,” she said.
“So, if you or your child needs help, there are a range of services available for you.
“This is really important.”
Ms Berry said there was no reason for people to feel embarrassed about asking for help.
The Directorate’s school psychologist booking request form can be accessed at this PS News link and ACT Health’s support services information at this link.
