Central’s tāmariki will benefit from a new wellbeing pilot, a ‘counsellor in schools’ programme being added to REAP Central Otago’s services for the next two years.

Central Otago REAP education coordinator Mandy Greer said the ‘Counsellor in Schools’ programme will become an important part of the educational outreach on offer. 

“We know children face barriers to participation, being present at school and their ability to retain information can be severely compromised when their mental health and wellbeing is not cared for.

“We know the pastoral care of children, their whānau and teachers globally supports better outcomes for learning. We have seen an increase in threats to wellbeing, in recent times, as people navigate world changes and the effects on our way of life from the Covid pandemic.”

For some, the effect is life changing, Mandy said.  

“As a result, we wish to focus more on improving wellbeing for our local tāmariki.”

Central Otago REAP manager Bernice Lepper said the ‘Counsellor in Schools’ programme is a new initiative and part of the educational outreach on offer in a partnership framework with eight pilot schools.

“Our programme will offer opportunities for children from eight schools to engage with a counsellor during their school day to learn ways to navigate times of challenge.

“We believe building strong and connected communities will… create more equitable outcomes for our rural learners, their families and whānau, and our tāmariki.”

Bernice said Central Otago REAP was very grateful for ongoing support of the Central Lakes Trust (CLT) and Otago Community Trust to run the programmes and extend them to Central Otago.

CLT granted $30,000 annually for the next two years to support the establishment of the programme last month.

Along with Clyde School, the other Central schools participating in the pilot are Millers Flat, Roxburgh Area School, Poolburn School, Omakau School, The Terrace School, Alexandra Primary School and St Gerard’s School.

The initiative comes on the back of a Ministry of Education Counsellor in Schools programme being delivered across Aotearoa in 141 primary, intermediate, area and small secondary schools for around 24,290 of the country’s most vulnerable learners. CO Reap believes there is a need in our region as well,” CLT chief executive Susan Finlay said.

“It is hoped that the two year pilot will provide the data to show the need within our community to support future engagement with Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health and Oranga Tāmariki so they may host counsellors for all schools in our region in the future.”