A Port Macquarie man who raised concerns about access to mental health resources and services has accepted a role with an organisation focused on the well-being of young people.
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Lee Hancock will take up a role as senior program manager - schools with ReachOut on August 27.
ReachOut specifically targets young people aged 14 years to 25 and families.
Its online programs were first made available over 20 years ago.
Mr Hancock said the new role would enable him to pursue a new found passion.
"This is a strategy role. ReachOut is looking to increase the use of its resources which are based on well-being and mental health for school students," he said.
"My role includes getting those resources into the classroom.
"While this role came about from something negative for me, I think there will be some positive results in there too."
Mr Hancock said he wanted to bring recognition that teaching is a tough profession to his new role.
While we must continue to focus on the students, there should also be awareness about teachers' well-being too.
- Lee Hancock
"While we must continue to focus on the students, there should also be awareness about teachers' well-being too," he said.
"That recognition is that teaching is a pretty tough profession. On the surface it appears an easy profession but it can be draining.
"More than 50 per cent of young teachers don't last more than five years in the profession.
"I think that is a shocking and sad statistic."
He said there are many challenges within the school system which can sometimes leave teachers and students struggling.
"We need to acknowledge those problems and find solutions," he added.
Mr Hancock said he plans to continue to work in changing the way mental health resources and access are recognised within the community and the wider hospital system.
His new role is based in Sydney. ReachOut is an Australia-wide organisation.
If you or someone you know needs crisis support phone Lifeline on 13 11 14, for local mental health services in the community phone the NSW Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511. You can also search for ReachOut online.
