Young people in Western Australia’s grain growing regions face significant barriers to accessing mental health support, including distance, transport, waitlists, stigma, cost and many other factors that can prevent a young person from seeking help when they’re facing challenges with their mental health.
We’re proud to be part of the CBH Regional Mental Wellness Program, alongside Lifeline WA, MIFWA and the Black Dog Institute, which enables us to offer young people across the region online mental health support at no cost to them or their families.
Young people in Western Australia’s grain growing regions face significant barriers to accessing mental health support, including distance, transport, waitlists, stigma, cost and many other factors that can prevent a young person from seeking help when they’re facing challenges with their mental health.
We’re proud to be part of the CBH Regional Mental Wellness Program, alongside Lifeline WA, MIFWA and the Black Dog Institute, which enables us to offer young people across the region online mental health support at no cost to them or their families.
Our Youth Counsellor and Community Engagement Officer from Youth Focus Peel recently visited two of the schools where they provide online counselling. Alongside delivering mental health education through a Mental Notes session, the visit offered students the opportunity to ask questions about seeking support and what it might look like – building familiarity and connection between our Youth Counsellors and the young people who may wish to use the service in the future. During their visit, they also connected with teachers and support staff – often the ones first noticing when a student is struggling or are approached by students – these connections and conversations are a reminder that the service is available for them to refer students to if challenges arise.
Their first stop was Wagin District High School, where they connected with students from Years 7–10, followed by Katanning Senior High School.
“At both schools, students had important conversations about mental health, wellbeing, looking out for themselves and, importantly, looking out for each other. The student participation was incredible, and the program was well received, making the day feel incredibly rewarding,” shared Michelle, Community Engagement Officer.
“Days like these are a wonderful reminder of why we’re willing to travel the extra kilometres to reach young people in regional communities. Mental health support and education shouldn’t be limited by postcode, and being able to take Mental Notes across the Wheatbelt is something I feel incredibly proud of.”
It’s thanks to the support of CBH Group that we’re able to offer young people free, online mental health support – reducing barriers so that when young people reach out for help, services are there to support them through their mental health journey. As part of the program, has produced a Regional Crisis Information Resource to support those looking for mental health support in the grain growing regions.
