Support in place for young people with mental illness

HEADSPACE Darwin, operated by Anglicare NT, offers a variety of early intervention mental health services for 12 to 25 year olds.

Anglicare NT general manager of mental health Jade Gooding said their services covered mental health, physical health, work and study support, as well as alcohol and other drug services.

“The team at Headspace Darwin provide primary mental health care, mild to moder- ate mental health services, to young people and their families while raising community awareness on mental health issues,” she said.

“The team also has an early psychosis program which provides a wrap-around service for young people who are currently experiencing a psychosis or are at risk of psychosis-type symptoms.

“It is an integrated service that is easy to access and responsive to young people and their families. Medical professionals work alongside allied health disciplines to provide a holistic, person-centred approach to care.”

The youth early psychosis program provides a range of services to restore development and help young people back on track, as well as minimising the impact on the family system.

These services include therapy, case management, assertive outreach, family work, functional recovery (including groups, peer support and family support) and partnerships with other community organisations to enhance the young person’s care.

Anglicare NT has delivered headspace services in Darwin and Palmerston for more than eight years.

Anglicare NT chief executive Dave Pugh said the partnership with Headspace ensured local young people had access to world-class mental health support. “It’s so important that young people feel safe accessing support services early and that families and young people get good information and strategies as soon as possible,” he said.

For more information, contact the team at headspace Darwin on 8931 5999.

If a young person is in crisis, please call the Mental Health Access Team on 1800 682 288.