A national pilot programme of counselling and mental health supports for primary school students from next September, is to include the 150 primary schools in county Mayo.

Mayo is one of seven counties included in the 5 million euro pilot scheme for the next academic year, announced today by the Minister for Education Norma Foley.

Ballina based Minister of State Dara Calleary says the news is very welcome.

For the first time ever, clusters of primary schools will be able to avail of significant counselling services through an innovative pilot project.

The new pilot programme is designed to recognise the impact of Covid-19 on primary school-aged children and will work to mitigate the mental health challenges, which may be experienced in schools.

Minister Calleary has been giving more details to Midwest News Editor Teresa O’Malley…