Minister for Education and Youth, Hildegarde Naughton, has announced the launch of a Wellbeing Grant Scheme to support schools participating in Strand Two of the Counselling and Mental Health Pilots in Primary Schools. The scheme is designed to complement the work of Education Wellbeing Teams, which operate in school clusters across Cork, Carlow, Dublin 7, and Dublin 16. Under the grant, each participating school will receive €2,000 during the 2025/2026 school year to implement initiatives that promote wellbeing among students and the broader school community.
The funding can be used for a range of wellbeing-focused projects, including the development of wellbeing gardens, the purchase of sensory regulation equipment, and the organization of Wellbeing Ambassador programs. These initiatives aim to enhance the overall mental and emotional health of children, fostering a supportive and inclusive school environment.
Minister Naughton emphasized that ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive is a top priority. She highlighted the importance of the Counselling and Mental Health Pilots, noting that the newly established Education Wellbeing Teams provide essential support to schools. These teams work closely with school communities to deliver innovative wellbeing programs and interventions.
Strand Two of the pilot involves Education Wellbeing Teams made up of Education Wellbeing Practitioners and a lead NEPS psychologist, who provide psycho-educational support to parents and teachers, as well as early intervention for children with mild or emerging mental health needs. The pilot operates under the guidance of the National Educational Psychological Service, ensuring that support is evidence-based and aligned with national educational standards.
This grant scheme represents a significant step in expanding the resources available to schools, enabling them to implement practical initiatives that directly enhance student wellbeing and support the ongoing work of Education Wellbeing Teams.
