Free youth mental health care expands in MIA: How to access support
Cost-of-living pressure means it can be difficult for people to access critical and, in some cases, life-saving mental health support. Subscribe now for unlimited access. or signup to continue readingAll. . .
Cost-of-living pressure means it can be difficult for people to access critical and, in some cases, life-saving mental health support. Subscribe now for unlimited access. or signup to continue readingAll articles from our websiteThe digital version ofToday'sPaperAll otherin your areaIn parts of theMurrumbidgee Irrigation Area(MIA), young people might be forced to travel as much as an hour or more just for an appointment. Now, those in theLeetoncatchment have been granted a hand-up, with a new headspace outreach service set to operate in the town. Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN) acting senior lead priority populations Maja Asmus. Picture suppliedThe service is one of 20 new headspace outreach locations being established across regional and remote parts of the country as part of a $27 million-plus government investment. Delivered through headspace Griffith, it will expand access to early intervention mental health support for young people aged 12 to 25 across the Leeton area. Centacare South West NSW chief operating officer Tracey Febo said the organisation was pleased to build on its existing work in Leeton through the new outreach service. "Bringing services closer to young people helps reduce barriers to care and encourages earlier help-seeking," Ms Febo said. Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN) acting senior lead priority populations Maja Asmus said traditionally, those in Leeton have had to travel to Griffith for the nearest service. "Where a young person lives shouldn't determine whether they can access mental health support," Ms Asmus said. "It's exciting to be able to offer a service within Leeton to bolster support specifically for young people in that early intervention space. "Ms Asmus noted that tailoring this investment specifically to regional and rural areas was essential. "For younger people, being able to allocate money to travel to Griffith to see somebody for an hour appointment can be costly," she said. "We know with regional communities that access to face-to-face services can be difficult, so being able to offer a headspace service in Leeton as a face-to-face service is really important. "While some mental health support currently exists locally, Ms Asmus stressed that early intervention remains critical. "Data shows four in 10 young people experience a mental health challenge in a 12-month period, so the earlier young people can access that support, the better they are able to participate in community life and maintain social connections," she said. "We do have other services that provide support for the Leeton community, including our MyStep mental wellbeing program offered through the Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD), which is open to all ages. "She said work was done with Centacare as the lead provider for headspace Griffith to conduct a scan of available services within the Leeton catchment area, taking into consideration factors like public transport and local demographics. Griffith Headspace and Centacare South West NSW staff outside Headspace Griffith in 2023. Picture fileWhile a permanent location in Leeton is pending, Ms Asmus said more details will be made public soon. "We're now in a planning stage, working with headspace Griffith to look at where they will provide that service out of in Leeton," she said. MPHN chief executive Narelle Mills added that the outreach service will significantly improve local access. "This is a significant investment in the wellbeing of young people in the Murrumbidgee region and a positive addition to the mental health services available locally," Ms Mills said. "By building on the strong foundation already established through headspace Griffith, we can connect more young people and families with the support they need. "Further details regarding service commencement dates and access arrangements will be announced as planning progresses. For young people who prefer online or phone support, eheadspace provides free and confidential telephone and web-based services for Australians aged 12 to 25. Did you know:Services are completely free and don't require a referral:Young people can simply walk in, call, or email to get started-no GP referral or Medicare gap fee required. They operate under a "No Wrong Door" policy:If headspace isn't the exact fit, staff will actively help connect the young person to the right external support so no one is left stranded. Parental permission isn't required for teens 15 and over:While family involvement is welcomed, young people aged 15 to 25 can seek support completely independently. Support goes well beyond traditional therapy:In addition to mental health counselling, headspace offers free support for alcohol and drug concerns, sexual health screenings, physical health consultations, and work/study guidance. Local youth directly shape the service:Headspace Griffith features a Youth Reference Group (YRG) made up of local 15- to 25-year-olds who guide and influence the center's programs and community outreach. As it happensBreaking news alertBe the first to know when news breaks.