New support: Interdisciplinary teams for Vienna's schools from November

New support: Interdisciplinary teams for Vienna's schools from November

From November from November, Vienna takes an important step to improve mental health of schoolchildren. The city uses interdisciplinary teams at compulsory schools to respond to the psychosocial challenges that have increased in recent years. These teams will begin in a total of 15 schools in the districts of favorites and Margareten with the aim of supporting up to 15,000 students.

The initiative is a direct answer to the growing problems caused by the effects of pandemic, the Ukraine war, the climate crisis and current inflation. "The number of psychosocial stress in children and adolescents is increasing throughout Europe. That is why we have to react quickly and effectively here," said Social City Councilor Peter Hacker (SPÖ). Schools as central learning locations need special support in such difficult times to promote the mental health of young people.

targeted help in schools

With the formation of multi -professional teams, quick and uncomplicated support is offered. These experts will relieve both pupils and teachers in psychosocial problems. The support should be made early so that potential problems can be met immediately. The approach includes prevention, crisis intervention, as well as advice and diagnostics from possible mental illnesses.

clinical psychologists, social workers and occupational therapists will work with special support in school associations, each consisting of three to four schools. At least one person from the team will attend one of the schools every day to form trust and offer targeted support.

mobile teams for broader support

In addition to the teams that are allocated, there will be two mobile teams that can be active in every school district in Vienna if necessary. These mobile teams are an important addition to quickly help schools without current support needs in an emergency. A specially furnished hotline for school management will also be available from November.

Mayor Michael Ludwig (SPÖ) emphasized the important role of this initiative: "The health of young people has a top priority and is pursued in Vienna with great commitment. Through our new multi -professional teams, we offer direct, uncomplicated and free support."

That is why it remains to be seen what positive effects this measure on the psychosocial health of the students will have and to what extent it can serve as a model for other cities. With this project, the city of Vienna sets a strong sign in the fight against the psychological challenges that many young people meet today, according to the current information from www.meinbeinbezirk.at .