Young Tasmanians need mental health support

Tasmanian Labor

· COVID-19 pandemic has had big impact on mental health

· Australians reaching out for support in record numbers

· Mental health workers needed in all schools

On World Suicide Prevention Day, Labor has called for increased support for young Tasmanians to ensure good mental health.

Shadow Minister for Mental Health Sarah Lovell said recent figures released by Lifeline show a surge in demand for mental health support.

“Young Tasmanians in particular have had a very difficult year. Providing adequate mental wellbeing support is essential not only to help them get through this time, but also to improve their mental health and resilience into the future.

“COVID-19 has presented many challenges that have adversely affected the mental health of young people. They’ve had significant disruption to their routine with the quick rollout of learning from home, challenges associated with social isolation and significant uncertainty about the future.

“Today, Labor is calling on the government to adopt our policy to put mental health workers in every public school across the state.

“The effects of this pandemic on people’s mental health and wellbeing aren’t going to disappear by the time this health crisis is over. Now is the time to commit to, and invest in, the future of young Tasmanians.”

Sarah Lovell

Shadow Minister for Mental Health

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