Growing demand for youth mental health services in the Great Southern has prompted the relocation of the Youth Focus office in Albany.
Youth Focus South-West and Great Southern clinical manager Mica Lanzini said the move to The Link Shopping Arcade would improve access to the vital health service and enable Youth Focus to support more young people in Albany.
“We have expanded our team and service provision with an additional counselling room at our new premises,” Ms Lanzini said. “This means we will be able to see more young people in need of important face-to-face counselling services.”
In addition, the site will be the Great Southern hub for Youth Focus’s ground-breaking web counselling initiative, which offers free, confidential therapy for young people living in regional and remote areas of WA via an online platform.
“We are excited to be involved in the landmark web counselling program. The service is already operating from Wagin and new services at Katanning and Gnowangerup due to start soon,” Ms Lanzini said.
“The move also brings us closer to headspace Albany, which Youth Focus is the lead agency for, so we can share resources and collaborate to support young people.”
Ms Lanzini said the new office was in close proximity to bus routes and schools, improving accessibility for young people. The new office is located at 8/5 St Emilie Way, Albany. Inquiries can be made by calling 6266 4333. The official opening will be held on Thursday, June 21 from 4pm to 6pm.
Youth Focus has provided care and support to more than 20,000 young people through free, unlimited counselling services and outreach programs in schools since 2000.
If you or someone you know needs urgent support please contact the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467, the Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.
MEDIA CONTACT: Nicole Cox – 0419 941 443, [email protected]