Griffith’s new youth service delivered through headspace Griffith and Centracare SouthWest NSW has been recognised for its work in improving mental health and community engagement.
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The service was awarded the Improving Outcomes for Vulnerable Populations or Communities Award at the recent Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network’s (MPHN) annual Primary Healthcare Awards.
Commencing in February this year, C.A.R.E.S., which stands for Coordination, Advocacy, Referral, Education and Support, is an initiative aimed at young people living with or at risk of developing a severe mental illness.
Centre manager for headspace Griffith Sharron Dean said she was honoured to receive the award.
“With limited mental health services available to young people, fewer community and social opportunities, and a growing stigma around mental health, the C.A.R.E.S Youth Service program helps fill a need in the community to support young people in Griffith and surrounding areas like Hay, Narrandera and Leeton,” Ms Dean said.
“We are also engaging with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth as well, with several successfully completing the program.
MPHN CEO, Melissa Neal said the program was pivotal in providing holistic mental health support to young people.
“Programs like C.A.R.E.S. Youth Service is an avenue for young people to gain the support they need including social, emotional, personal or educational,” Ms Neal said.
She said to date the program has helped 24 young people and reports show these participants feel better able to manage their mental health and engage with the community.
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“Young people are our future and it’s important programs like C.A.R.E.S Youth Service continue to provide support to this important group in our communities,” she said.
“As a commissioner of several healthcare services throughout the Murrumbidgee, I’m pleased to see and hear about the real improvements our healthcare providers are making to the health and lives of people living in our region,” Ms Neal.
Four other healthcare providers across the Murrumbidgee were also recognised for their contribution to healthcare in the region.
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