The new Therapy and Counselling Room puts children’s mental health on the curriculum at a Bermagui school. Photo: Supplied.
A designated classroom has opened at a Far South Coast preschool with the goal of helping children and their families process trauma and improve their mental health.
Bermagui Preschool began working to open the designated Therapy and Counselling Room in the aftermath of the 2019-2020 Black Summer bushfires and its impacts on the children’s wellbeing and resilience.
Director and early childhood teacher Narelle Myers said the room prioritised resilience, as well as recovery from traumatic events.
“This project will support each child and family to learn, within ourselves and our community, [that] we have the power and the resilience to be strong in our own mental health and wellbeing,” she said.
“When children develop these skills at a young age, it helps them with any future stress, anxiety and trauma that may present in their increasingly complex lives.
“By also supporting our families and educators to develop the knowledge and skills to raise resilient children, our communities become more vibrant and stronger.”
In the dedicated space, Bermagui Preschool will host various activities – such as art and play therapy, cooking, gardening and storytelling – to support children’s emotional development and recovery.
The children can work in small groups or take part in one-on-one counselling, whereby they learn through play how to manage their emotions.
The room also includes cubby nooks and sensory areas.
Federal Member for Eden-Monaro Kristy McBain said the new facility would support young children – and their families – across the Far South Coast.
“I applaud Bermagui Preschool for leading this really important initiative for young children and their families given the many challenging experiences they have faced in recent years,” she said.
“Both levels of government are proud to be providing support for families to access long-term programs that deliver positive physical, mental health, and personal safety outcomes.
“Disasters can be traumatic for communities, and the recovery process can bring a lot of change. Initiatives like this one in Bermagui provide an opportunity for families to process trauma and create stronger connections within the community.”
Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said the project came as communities looked to the future.
“The Bermagui Preschool Therapy and Counselling Room project is an example of the Australian and NSW governments’ commitment to building stronger, more resilient regional economies after disasters,” she said.
“The NSW Government is supporting the long-term development of regional communities, ensuring they have the infrastructure and services needed to grow and thrive.
“Through the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund, both levels of government are backing community projects on the South Coast that will boost preparedness for future disasters, encourage economic recovery, aid tourism and bring people together.”
The Therapy and Counselling Room project was funded with $892,284 from the Federal and NSW governments.
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