Youth outreach service takin' it to the streets
9 October
It’s bright, colourful, easy to spot and could be coming to a youth venue near you.
Emblazoned with artwork created by local young people, the distinctive youth van will hit the streets in parts of the Lower Hunter and in the Upper Hunter as part of a mobile outreach mental health project run by Hunter New England Health.
The Youth Mental Health Project is an Area-wide initiative that also operates in the Manning and Tablelands-North West areas.
The Hunter project will be officially launched on World Mental Health Day, Saturday, 10 October at the Coming Together: Sharing Stories and Celebrating Community festival in Maitland **.
Service Manager for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services Brad Parker said the project targets young people aged between 14 and 24 who are at risk of developing a mental health problem or a diagnosed mental illness.
“It also focuses on mental health prevention and provides interventions at youth drop-in centres, schools and other youth venues and events in the community,” Mr Parker said.
“Through the van and other outreach services we provide consultation and mental health assessments. We don’t provide a treatment service but we do provide referrals to services for young people.”
Youth Mental Health Project Officer and social worker Natalie Kentish said the Hunter van will visit centres in Maitland, the Coalfields, Dungog and the Upper Hunter.
“The mobile outreach allows us to take the service to young people rather than always expecting them to come to us,” Ms Kentish said.
“If you will excuse the pun, it is a great vehicle for us to be proactive and really engage with young people in our region on their home ground.
“It is all about prevention and intervening early so that young people can access and use treatment services at the first sign that mental health problems may be emerging.” Ms Kentish said.
The years between 14 and 24 have been found to be the peak period for the onset of major mental illness.
Research shows 75 per cent of mental health disorders begin before the age of 25 years. However, 70 per cent of young people who experience mental health and substance use problems don’t seek help.
Depression among young people is common. So too is anxiety.
“Just like adults, young people can be beset by a range of mental health problems – getting help early is crucial,” Ms Kentish said.
The Youth Mental Health Project is also a partnership with Hunter Headspace and hopes to foster partnerships with existing services to help provide a pathway for young people seeking help.
Much of the artwork for the vehicles was designed by young people from around the region, at workshops held at Hunter Headspace, the Muswellbrook Youth Service and the Nexus Child and Adolescent Mental Health Unit at John Hunter Hospital. Hunter Aboriginal artist Les Elvin has also lent his talents, painting a traditional story of the Hunter Valley to feature on the van.
Young people concerned about their own mental health or a friend should contact:
• Beyondblue – 1300 22 4636
• Lifeline – 13 11 14
• Kids helpline – 1800 551 800
DID YOU KNOW:
• Depression is the most common mental health problem among young Australians aged 12-25 years. Around 1 in 4 young people will have had a depressive disorder by the end of their adolescence
• Around 1 in 10 young Australians aged 18 to 25 will experience an anxiety disorder in any 12-month period. For young people aged 13 to 17, the figure is around 1 in 25.
Contact: Frances Holz
Phone: 4939 2216