Menu
20
Dec
2019
North Coast Primary Health Network (NCPHN) has been working with local service providers and community members to plan a range of initiatives for the coming year aimed at improving access to, and quality of, youth mental health care in the Coffs Coast region.
NCPHN CEO Julie Sturgess said mental health needs for young people living in and around Coffs Harbour range from those requiring low intensity early interventions to people with more complex challenges.
“The local health system is designed to work together to ensure all young people are receiving the right care, in the right place, at the right time. Our region is committed to a coordinated, whole of health system approach that recognises that it takes a village to support our youth – that no ‘one’ service can do it alone, rather the combination of efforts from different speciality services is what leads to better outcomes,” Ms Sturgess said.
“The newly funded Connect to Wellbeing service is a great example of how early assessment and referral to the appropriate level of care and information can change a young person’s life. Anyone can call Connect to Wellbeing, which is designed to be a first point of contact for a young person seeking help – experienced staff assess individual needs and make sure the most appropriate services are accessed.
“This could include referral to any number of evidence-based services, including Healthy Minds and NewAccess.”
Healthy Minds is a free counselling program with mental health professionals trained to support people through challenging times, while NewAccess provides free early intervention mental health coaching for persons 16 years and over.
“We have been working closely with GenHealth, who operate the local headspace centre, and the Mid North Coast Local Health District to ensure young people’s needs are not only met, but that services are improved in 2020,” Ms Sturgess shared.
From 1 January 2020, Coffs Harbour headspace will no longer employ general practitioners and will instead be supporting young people to access local general practices for their medical needs.
GenHealth CEO Bronwyn Chalmers explained that changing from a combined medical and mental health service to a holistic mental health and social wellbeing service for young people benefits the community.
“Our focus in 2020 is to strengthen a broad range of evidence-based initiatives that can contribute to a young person’s mental health wellbeing.
“Our staff are developing key relationships with local general practices and are working with GPs and practice staff to ensure youth-friendly shared care is available in the community. We are also working with NCPHN and our local communities to design peer workforce support services that can assist vulnerable young people to access local GPs.
“NCPHN have funded a GP Psychiatry Support Line to help local GPs and the important part they play in a young person’s mental health care plan. The GP Psychiatry Support Line is free to use and connects GPs with a psychiatrist who can provide advice on diagnosis, investigation, medication and safety plans,” Ms Chalmers added.
headspace centres are places where young people with mild to moderate mental health challenges can access brief and early intervention services. Young people receiving care from the Coffs Harbour centre are supported holistically with a range of evidence-based services designed to also address the known social determinants of mental health, such as education, employment and housing.
“Our extraordinary team of headspace mental health professionals are committed to early interventions and will be seeking opportunities to increase our social engagement activities for young people – drop in services, art groups, casual assistance and support,” Ms Chalmers said.
“For young people with higher needs, we are able to refer to other local services and programs designed to help support recovery-focused mental health needs. In our area, we are working closely with the Mid North Coast Local Health District (MNCLHD) to support young people to access appropriate levels of care.”
Coffs Harbour headspace staff are excited about upcoming joint initiatives including:
NCPHN has thanked the local community, as well as service and funding partners, for their ongoing support and commitment in caring for, building resilience in, and celebrating our young people. They look forward to continuing to work collectively to ensure the best health outcomes for young people and their families.
24hr Mental Health Line — 1800 011 511
Lifeline — 13 11 14
Beyond Blue — 1300 22 4636
For children under 12 years: Kids Helpline — 1800 551 800
In an emergency, call 000 or go to your nearest hospital emergency department.
North Coast Heat Alert: Take Precautions to Avoid Heat-Related Illness
Breaking It Down in Maclean – Empowering Young Aboriginal People
Contact for media enquiries
NCPHN Media Team
Phone: 0418 615 929