Amid the stress of school and flood recovery, a donkey is helping the mental health of students

A donkey foal being raised at a high school in New South Wales' central west as a support animal for students has had an immediate impact on the school community.

Ten-month-old Bria the donkey recently joined West Wyalong High School as a support animal to help students with learning difficulties, those seeking support, and those students whose families were recovering from last year's floods.

Year 12 student Brianna Hanrahan said she has been an immediate hit at the school.

"Doing the HSC there is a lot of stress and anxiety and Bria just calms you down and makes you forget about everything," Brianna said.

"You will walk out and she will do her little prance around the yard. You have to stop and smile at her."

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Article written by: Hamish Cole