Australian schools are more than just places of learning; they are vital community spaces. But the mental health and wellbeing needs of children and young people are increasing, and school staff are seeing growing numbers of students requiring additional support.
As the places where children and young people spend much of their time, schools are uniquely positioned to help students navigate the impacts of trauma, social and economic disadvantage, and ongoing environmental and community challenges. Schools need to be prepared to provide timely, accessible support that promotes wellbeing, strengthens resilience and helps students reach their full potential.
What the Data Tells Us About Youth Mental Health
The urgency of this issue was highlighted in the 2025 Mission Australia Youth Survey, which heard from over 17,000 young people aged 14–19. The findings were a wake-up call for the education sector:
- 39% of young people reported stress related to their mental health;
- 19% scored in the high psychological distress range;
- 18% missed school due to anxiety, depression, or mental health issues; and
- 58% cited school or study problems as a major source of stress.
As Mission Australia CEO Sharon Callister noted, there is a desperate need for early access to wellbeing support so that interventions happen before issues escalate.
Bridging the Gap for Teachers and Staff
Teachers and school staff are often the first responders to this distress, yet many report feeling unprepared to provide the specialised support students require. Secondary school staff, in particular, have identified mental health professional development as a top priority.
This is where the Graduate Certificate in School Wellbeing Support at the University of New England (UNE) comes in. Developed in consultation with education leaders, this course is designed to strengthen effective wellbeing interventions across the country.
What Skills Does the Graduate Certificate Provide?
The program focuses on trauma-informed approaches and real-world insights into the issues often experienced by children and families. Students engage with units specifically designed for the modern school environment, including:
- Counselling: Building core interpersonal skills to support students.
- Juvenile Justice and Child Protection: Navigating complex legal and safety frameworks.
- Wellbeing Frameworks: Implementing evidence-based support in an educational setting.
- Informed Wellbeing Strategies: Developing effective responses to critical issues of abuse, suicidal ideation and self-harm, harmful sexual behaviour, school anxiety and absenteeism.
Expert Insights: Designed for Busy Professionals
Carrie Maclure, from the UNE School of Health, emphasises that the course is designed to capture real-life issues for children within schools.
Schools have a commitment to wellbeing but face increasing needs that have been exacerbated since COVID,” Carrie explains. “We have developed this course with input from social work, counselling and education staff at UNE to draw on contemporary research and provide specialised support.
The course isn’t just for teachers. It is designed for a range of professionals, including:
- Counsellors and pastoral care staff;
- Social workers and youth workers;
- School nurses; and
- Teachers’ aides and support staff.
Study Suited to Your Life
We know that school staff are incredibly busy. That’s why the Graduate Certificate in School Wellbeing Support is delivered entirely online.
- Duration: Complete in as little as one year (part-time).
- Flexibility: Pathways are available that recognise your previous undergraduate degree and professional experience.
- National Reach: Graduates are equipped to take advantage of wellbeing support roles in schools across Australia.
Become a trusted wellbeing professional with the ability to provide timely, trauma-informed support that strengthens student mental health, wellbeing, engagement and success at school.
Where can I study school wellbeing support in Australia? The University of New England (UNE) offers a Graduate Certificate in School Wellbeing Support designed for teachers, nurses, and welfare staff.
Can I study a School Wellbeing course online? Yes, UNE’s Graduate Certificate in School Wellbeing Support is delivered 100% online and can be completed in one year of part-time study.
What does a School Wellbeing Support course cover? The UNE course covers counselling skills, trauma-informed practice, child protection, juvenile justice, and frameworks for providing mental health support in schools.
Is there a demand for wellbeing roles in Australian schools? Yes. Schools are increasingly seeking staff with specialised professional development in mental health and student wellbeing.
For more information, head here.
