Community Links Wellbeing recently launched a walk-in centre in Wingecarribee Street, Bowral for youth to drop in and have a chat.

The centre supports a new program in the Highlands which allows youth across the shire easier access to mental health treatment.

Community Links Wellbeing received funding from PHN (Primary Health Network) to run ReFrame in the Wingecarribee and Wollondilly.

It will allow young people aged 12 to 25 to access three hours of counselling without a doctor’s referral.

The walk in centre will provide a casual environment for young people to explore their options, with private consulting rooms upstairs.

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.

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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.

ReFrame patron Ben Quilty attended the launch of the walk in centre, along with Goulburn MP Pru Goward.

“I grew up as a young man in north western Sydney where all sorts of levels of dysfunction were going on in that young male community,” Mr Quilty said.

“I think young people are undervalued and misrepresented, and often it’s very difficult growing into adulthood.

“To have a space like this for young people that other adults like myself can encourage people who are in trouble, and I’ve met plenty down here who go through normal, difficult emotional times, can come and have full support for caring people - it’s a huge step to have this service here.”

People can get in touch with the ReFrame intake officer or speak with Community Links Wellbeing staff at Wingecarribee Family Support Services located at 1A Crimea Street, Balaclava. 

The walk in centre is now open at 5 Wingecarribee Street, Bowral.

Call or text 0455 104 104 or email mhintake@communitylinks.org.au for more information on ReFrame.

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