A new program in the Highlands will allow youth across the shire easier access to mental health treatment.
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Community Links Wellbeing has received funding from PHN (Primary Health Network) to run ReFrame in the Wingecarribee and Wollondilly.
It allows young people aged 12-25 to access three hours of counselling without a doctor’s referral.
Community Links Wellbeing clinical program director Martin Lumetzberger said it was a great program that enabled them to break down barriers and stigma surrounding access to mental health services.
“It’s really important to encourage young people to talk and engage,” he said
“ReFrame is a new model. We hope it hits the mark.”
ReFrame is also more flexible than previous programs and enables clinicians to meet young people where they feel most comfortable, whether it be at home, at school or in a public place.
“It’s been great to have that flexibility,” youth engagement worker Luke Roki said.
Mr Roki said they had already engaged with people who had been reluctant to access mental health services through traditional pathways.
A walk in centre in the heart of Bowral will soon be open, for youth to drop in and chat to staff.
Mr Lumetzberger said it provided a casual environment for young people to explore their options, with private consulting rooms upstairs.
Community Links Wellbeing community engagement manager Larry Whipper (also a Wingecarribee Shire councillor) said PHN was aware of the challenges faced in accessing mental health treatment in remote and rural communities.
“PHN have been really responsive to the needs of rural and remote communities and have listened to the community’s need,” he said.
Once youth have made a connection with Community Links Wellbeing youth engagement workers and accessed the free counselling, ReFrame allows the clinicians to help young people on their journey.
Clinicians can then go with them to their GP to get a referral for continued sessions and help them feel more comfortable with the process.
Cr Whipper said Highlands artist Ben Quilty had come on board as patron of ReFrame.
The program also allows clinicians to reach out to schools and while high schools are the main target, Cr Whipper said they also hoped to engage with primary school students, particularly those in Year 6 about to make the transition to high school.
Several of the clinicians involved in ReFrame have grown up in the Highlands and have years of local connections which have helped them recognise the needs of the Wingecarribee.
“We know our communities,” Cr Whipper said.
Once the walk in centre is officially opened later this month, Cr Whipper said it was expected to be open for business five days a week in either the morning or afternoon.
But with ReFrame already up and running, there is still plenty of support for young people in the Highlands struggling with mental health issues.
People can get in touch with the intake officer or speak with Community Links Wellbeing staff at Wingecarribee Family Support Services located at 1A Crimea Street, Balaclava. .
Mr Lumetzberger said they had already engaged with about 60 people since ReFrame began, who had responded well to the flexibility of the program and being able to choose where they had their sessions.
Call or text 0455 104 104 or email mhintake@communitylinks.org.au for more information on ReFrame.
