NSW Labor has pledged to spend $17 million on mental health support service Kids Helpline, if voted into government next year.
Labor leader Chris Minns said the funding would be spent over four years to recruit more counsellors for the three-decades-old organisation.
"They do incredible work for the youth of Australia, but they need financial support," Mr Minns said at a Kids Helpline Centre in Blacktown in western Sydney.
"The $17 million will be used to provide additional counselling services for children in NSW.
"We know that there's been a 25 per cent increase in the number of young people that have sought out mental health services since the pre-pandemic period".
The opposition's announcement coincided with R U OK? Day, which is aimed at raising awareness about suicide prevention.
Mr Minns also called on the NSW government to match Labor's funding commitment.
"We believe it'll save lives and help many, many children in NSW," he said.
Lifeline 13 11 14
Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 (for people aged 5 to 25)
