SWAN Hill headspace manager Kirsty Jacobs says while there are many mental health resources, people are often unaware of the support available.
While the youth focused facility specialises in early, mild to moderate illness, Ms Jacobs said the headspace team can help anyone to navigate the system, and direct them to the appropriate care.
“We educate people at lots of different levels,” Ms Jacobs said.
“We engage with the community to raise awareness and to ensure young people are safe. We aim to educate those around young people about triggers or warning signs.
“We also help support meaningful community, work, career and sport activities for young people.”
Headspace Swan Hill engaged with 452 young people in 2021, and through a range of community events the organisation was able to engage around 10,000 people.
“Their work is mainly in the area of early intervention, and giving people and communities the tools to support the strength and resilience of young people when they are not coping well,” Ms Jacobs said.
She said everyone from GPs and nurses, to schools and sporting clubs had a role to play in encouraging mental wellness.
“For those at a higher risk, we support them to engage with the right service for them,” Ms Jacobs said.
“We never turn them away, but we work with them to ensure they are getting the right level of support.”
In more extreme cases, individuals will be assessed for risk and may be directed to a hospital emergency department and other “tertiary” or higher level mental health care.
There is a triage line available 24/7 at 1300 363 788 with dedicated Mental Health Clinicians who work with crisis. Other cases may also be referred to Bendigo Health Mental Health services.
Swan Hill District Health Counselling Services also offer Applied Suicide Intervention Training (ASIST) that equips community members with skills to have conversations with people they are concerned about.
“We want to increase capacity, and awareness is a good place to start. We want to give the community skills and resources to support young people and also be aware of where to go if they are concerned about someone they care about” Ms Jacobs said.
“Young people need connection to community and culture at such a pivotal time in their lives as well as resources that support their coping as early as possible.”
BREAKOUT – Key Royal Commission recommendations affecting regional Australians
The Royal Commission recommended:
Additional resources be provided to enable mental health and wellbeing services operating in regional Victoria to deliver services to small or geographically isolated rural communities.
By the end of 2022, trial two new digital service delivery initiatives in rural and regional areas that meet the needs of local communities.
Establish an incentive scheme to attract mental health and wellbeing workers to rural and regional mental health and wellbeing services.
Retain mental health and wellbeing workers in such services.
By mid-2021, establish eight interim regional bodies to provide advice to the Mental Health and Wellbeing Division in the Department of Health as it plans, develops, coordinates, funds and monitors a range of mental health and wellbeing services in each region.
By no later than the end of 2023, replace interim regional bodies with legislated regional Mental Health and Wellbeing Boards to undertake workforce, service and capital planning for mental health and wellbeing services.
