HCF has announced a new partnership with The Smith Family, a national charity dedicated to children’s education, as part of its broader strategy to improve community health by addressing education, a crucial factor in long-term health outcomes.
HCF’s Commitment to Supporting Disadvantaged Students
Through this three-year collaboration, HCF will support 1,500 students via The Smith Family’s Learning for Life program. This initiative provides financial, educational, and personal assistance to disadvantaged students, offering access to essential educational resources and programs designed to keep students engaged throughout their schooling. This partnership underscores HCF’s commitment to fostering societal change through improved health and educational opportunities.
HCF CEO Sheena Jack emphasized the importance of this partnership, particularly amid the economic challenges facing many Australians.
“In these times of rising affordability challenges and uncertainty, many Australians struggle to cover basic costs while maintaining access to quality healthcare and education,” she stated.
Employee Involvement and Long-term Impact
HCF employees will also have the chance to participate in volunteer activities organized by The Smith Family. Doug Taylor, CEO of The Smith Family, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, noting its potential to create long-term benefits for students and their families.
“Education is a powerful tool for overcoming inequality caused by poverty. Without access to books and learning materials at home, disadvantaged students can fall behind, affecting their confidence and making it harder for them to acquire the skills needed for a secure future,” Taylor said.
Launching the Partnership in Parramatta
The partnership was officially launched at HCF’s office in Parramatta, a key region for the insurer, with a significant number of employees based there. Jack highlighted HCF’s investment in the Parramatta region as part of its broader effort to address social issues like education, which directly influence community health.
“With nearly 350 of our employees working and living in Parramatta, we are deeply committed to this diverse region,” she said.
Currently, approximately 63,000 students nationwide benefit from the Learning for Life scholarships, with a large portion residing in Western Sydney.
Addressing Mental Health Challenges in Schools
HCF recently conducted research that shed light on significant mental health challenges among primary school children. The study revealed that over a third (36%) of primary students experienced stress or unhappiness related to school due to mental health issues in the past year, with nearly a quarter (24%) facing such distress weekly.
These mental health challenges are also impacting school attendance. Nearly 30% of parents reported that their child was late to school due to mental health issues, with about 20% indicating this happened weekly. Additionally, 26% of parents noted partial school-day absences, while nearly 30% reported full-day absences due to these issues.
Clinical psychologist Rebecca Short explained that school attendance problems are often linked to various factors, including mental health disorders and neurodiversity.
“It’s crucial to understand that children are not just avoiding school because they dislike it – there is significant distress for both parents and children struggling with school attendance,” she noted.
The study also highlighted challenges in accessing mental health services, with over a third (35%) of parents not seeking help for their child’s mental health issues.
Linda Opie, HCF’s head of health and wellbeing, emphasized the need for more accessible mental health services.
“By providing convenient access to a range of mental health services and family support, we can empower families to navigate these difficult situations effectively,” she said.