YOUTHS in the Mitchell Shire have peace of mind, with the Mitchell Youth Council partnering with the Mental Health Foundation Australia (MHFA) to launch a free pop-up psychological counselling hub at the Broadford Youth Centre for the next six months.
The service will offer safe, non-judgmental and local protection for youths, with short-term counselling and early intervention support provided by psychologists and counsellors. Young people are encouraged to support the service, as are families and carers.
The service will be free for vulnerable community members across the Mitchell Shire, which will also have a simple, confidential intake which guides the level of support needed to young people.
It followed successful advocation from the Mitchell Youth Council to score funding from the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal to support its Mental Health Initiative.
The funding allowed The Bridge Youth and Family Services to deliver its early intervention program until October.
The program includes one-on-one support, goal setting and case management, therapeutic interventions and flexible appointment options.
Mitchell Shire Council Mayor Councillor John Dougall said this was an important moment for the Mitchell community.
“Creating safe, accessible mental health support close to home is one of the most important things we can do for our young people,” he said.
“This partnership between the Mental Health Foundation Australia and our Youth Council shows what’s possible when community, service providers and young leaders work together.
“We know many families are facing long wait times or long travel distances to get help, so having free, early‑intervention counselling available right here in Broadford will make a real difference.”
MHFA Vice-Chairperson Jim Goodin said there was shared commitment with the Mitchell Youth Council.
“As the Vice-Chairperson of the Mental Health Foundation Australia, I am pleased to launch the free Pop-up Psychological Counselling Hub for young people in Broadford to make early mental health support available close to home,” he said.
“Working alongside the Mitchell Shire Youth Council, we are committed to reducing barriers such as travel, wait times and costs, so young people can get timely, compassionate care when they need it.”