Your teacher is often the best person to talk to first. They know you well and can listen to your concerns, help solve problems and connect you with other support if you need it.

Your school leaders help make sure everyone feels safe, supported and included at school. They can help you with wellbeing concerns, difficult situations or anything that is affecting your learning.

Every NSW public school student can get support from a school counsellor or school psychologist. These are staff who are trained to help children and young people with their wellbeing, learning and mental health.

A school counsellor or school psychologist can:

• help students who are feeling worried, sad, stressed or upset
• support students with friendships, schoolwork or problems at school
• help your family understand and support your learning and wellbeing
• connect you and your family with other services and supports when needed.

School counsellors and school psychologists are respectful, supportive and trained to help students with their learning, wellbeing and mental health.

Conversations with a school counsellor or school psychologist are confidential.

Some schools have access to a wellbeing nurse. A wellbeing nurse is a registered nurse who works across a number of schools to help connect students and families with health and community services. They are there to help support schools, students and families in addressing health needs, coordinate appropriate assessments and assist with referrals to any needed medical or social services.

Some schools may have a student support officer. Student support officers are trained youth workers or social workers who work as part of the school's wellbeing team. They help students build resilience, strengthen relationships, develop social and emotional skills and connect with community support services.

Some schools may have a School Chaplain or Student Wellbeing Officer. These staff help support the wellbeing of students, their families and the wider school community.

A School Chaplain or Student Wellbeing Officer can:

• support students who may be feeling worried, upset or need someone to talk to
• provide care and support to help students feel safe, included and connected at school
• help students build positive relationships and wellbeing skills.

Voice-over:

At every school, there are adults you can talk to should you ever have a problem. It doesn’t matter how big or small that problem might seem, there is always someone to help you. How about we go and meet some of them?

Your class teacher is always a great person to start with. If you are feeling sad, worried, unsafe or concerned about anything happening at school and in the playground, at home or outside of school, they want to hear what you have to say and find a way to help you.

You can also speak with other teachers, your school librarian, your principal, and the staff in the front office.

Your school might also have a Wellbeing Nurse, Student Wellbeing Officer or a Student Support Officer. All of these people will listen to your problems and if they think you need more help, they will find the best person for you.

All students, who go to New South Wales public schools from Kindergarten to Year 12, can also speak to someone from the school counselling service.

In your primary school, your school counsellor or school psychologist is someone who can sit with and just speak to you about things you want to talk about, or they may organise a small group to share tips and ideas important to all students.

If you don’t know who your school counsellor or school psychologist is, ask your teacher and they can introduce you.

So, you can see, there are lots of different people at your school that you can talk to – about anything.

When it comes to looking after yourself, you don’t have to do it on your own. You are important to all the teachers and other staff in your school. There is always someone there for you. So, when you need help, be sure to let them know.

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