Kevin Anderson announces new youth support service

22nd March 2022

NEW YOUTH SUPPORT SERVICE OPENS IN TAMWORTH

Children and young people living in Tamworth who have suicidal thoughts, have self-harmed or attempted suicide will now have access to community-based, non-clinical support, with the opening of the NSW Government’s new Youth Aftercare service.

Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said the new service is part of an innovative trial by the NSW and Commonwealth Governments to reduce the leading cause of deaths among young people.

“The innovative service will involve rapid follow-up, continuity of care and establishing a genuine, compassionate connection with the young person using the service,” Mr Anderson said.

“The days and weeks after a young person leaves hospital is a crucial time in their recovery and this new service will support them to answer the all-important questions of: ‘Why am I feeling this way? What makes me feel safe? What can I do differently to feel more resilient?

“We know that if we can provide immediate support after a suicide attempt, we can reduce the likelihood of a further attempt.”

Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said the service has been co-designed by young people with lived experience of suicide alongside families and carers, youth mental health support agencies and suicide prevention experts.

“We know that what works for adults doesn’t necessarily work for younger people, which is why this service has been co-designed by young people who’ve been in their same shoes,” Mrs Taylor said.

“This service will not only change lives, it will save lives.”

The Tamworth service is one of four trial sites in NSW for residents up to 25 years of age, alongside Blacktown in western Sydney, Coffs Harbour, and Bankstown in south-west Sydney.

The model of care known is ‘Aftercare’, which is non-clinical, practical and geared towards addressing the social factors contributing to suicidal patterns of behaviour using child and youth-friendly approaches. It is led by non-for-profit New Horizons and the youth aftercare pilot is called i.am.

One of the Young People Champions at the service, Anita, said i.am is all about finding out what is important to the young person.

“Working with young people in their homes, in the local park, or wherever they feel safe is key. We want to help a young person to discover what works for them in relation to navigating the complexities of their situation. It’s so important that they are driving that journey.”

The Youth Aftercare pilot is jointly funded by the NSW Government and through the Commonwealth Health Innovation Fund. It is in addition to the $87 million investment by the NSW Government in new initiatives under the Towards Zero Suicides strategy.

Children, young people, parents or carers are welcome to get in touch to find out more: visit: https://iam.liveshere.org.au/ | Telephone 1300 426 4373 email iam@newhorizons.org.au

Children and young people are also encouraged to drop by and visit the service, no appointment necessary. Office hours are 9am - 5pm, Monday to Friday. Appointments can also be arranged outside of these hours. The address is Suite 3 493 Peel Street, Tamworth. 

If you, or someone you know, is thinking about suicide or experiencing a personal crisis or distress, please seek help immediately by calling Triple Zero or one of these services: Lifeline 13 11 14 | Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 | Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467 | NSW Mental Health Line 1800 011 511.

 

News for March 2022