The funding, secured through the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal, will support a new pop-up youth mental health service, led by the Mitchell Youth Council in partnership with Mitchell Shire Council and local mental health providers.
The service will run from youth rooms in Broadford and Wallan, providing opportunities for community engagement in both group sessions and workshops in safe, youth-friendly spaces.
The initiative will include the facilitating of community events to reduce stigma and encourage early conversations about mental health.
Evidence shows the need for a service like this is urgent.
According to the Mitchell Shire Health Profile, 22 per cent of residents experienced high levels of psychological distress, and nine per cent reported being unable to access local support.
Youth Council’s own surveys found that 55 per cent of young people didn’t feel comfortable talking about their mental health, with mental health rated as the top issue facing local youth.
Mitchell Shire Mayor John Dougall said the project was a vital investment in young people.
“This is a great example of how youth voices can lead real change,” Cr Dougall said.
“Our Youth Council identified the need, developed the idea and now, with this funding, we can make it happen.”
Youth Council Mayor Nic Houghton said young people had been calling for service like this for years.
“Mental health is the biggest issue for young people in Mitchell,” he said.
“We’ve heard it again and again through our surveys and conversations with peers.
“This pop-up service will make it easier to get support closer to home. It’s about removing barriers and showing that it’s okay to ask for help.
“I’d also like to acknowledge the work of former Youth Council members Taylah Macdonald and Heidi Banks, who first identified the service gap and suggested the pop-up model.”
The service will begin later this year and is set to run through to October 2026.
If this article raised any concerns for you, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
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