- Youth Focus given $123,200 to improve resilience among Ellenbrook youth
Youth Minister Tony Simpson today announced Liberal National Government funding of $123,200 to provide potentially lifesaving services to young people in Ellenbrook and surrounding areas.
Mr Simpson said the grant would support the Ellenbrook Enhanced Youth Services Project which aimed to provide a range of youth mental health, counselling, family and education services to the local community.
The project will be managed by Western Australian not-for-profit organisation Youth Focus, which is working to stop youth suicide through preventative and educational programs.
"This grant will enable the project to be piloted for 12 months to improve the presence of youth-focused services for young people and their families," the Minister said.
"Youth Focus will collaborate with existing service providers in the community to deliver services, including school support and youth workers."
Mr Simpson said an integrated approach would enable community, youth and family support services to be based in a local facility that was easily accessible for young people, families and members of the community.
"Those who have experienced loss as a result of suicide should have access to programs that provide support for bereavement," he said.
"These services will be extremely important, particularly for young people, to ensure they feel a sense of connection and belonging in their communities when faced with difficult life experiences.
"The programs will aim to build capacity and strengthen resilience within families, the community and local service providers."
Fact File
Youth Focus works with young people aged 12 to 25 years old to overcome issues associated with depression, anxiety, self-harm and suicidal thoughts
The organisation provides free and professional face-to-face individual and family counselling and other mental health services
In 2015-16, Youth Focus provided more than 1,000 counselling sessions to families
Minister's office - 6552 6600
