One of the main barriers stopping local youth from receiving the help they need is the lack of knowledge of services available, many of Gunnedah's organisations have agreed this week.
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Representatives from local mental health services, youth services, and schools gathered on Tuesday to discuss youth mental health, and many barriers were listed, as well as lack of knowledge.
These included long wait times, no instant access, no after school support, the stigma of mental health, and affordability.
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JobLink Plus youth consultant Prue Jeffrey was in attendance at the meeting, and said everyone in Gunnedah had a responsibility to ensure young people knew what was available.
"We are an amazing community with so many amazing services and very dedicated people who work for young people and the best outcomes for young people," Ms Jeffrey said.
"It's okay not to be okay, and it's okay, if your friend is having a rough day, to be that person to help your friend."
Winanga-Li Aboriginal Child and Family Centre engagement and development manager Kate McGrath said it was especially great that representatives from Gunnedah High School were in attendance at the meeting.
"The organisations that young people already have contact with, like the school, essentially build their capacity to make their referrals rather than young people having to seek out on their own accord what services they may need," Ms McGrath said.
"Having them involved in these conversations makes it easier to take meaningful action."
Even it's just a ... friend, there's always going to be someone there to help.
- Winanga-Li's Kate McGrath
Ms McGrath agreed with Ms Jeffrey in that it was the Gunnedah community's responsibility to "really assist in making sure that people are supported to link in with whatever service may be suitable."
"The issue isn't lack of services ... Gunnedah is extremely well resourced in the youth space and challenges are more around stigma and not realising things don't have to be at crisis point to ask for help," she said.
"Even it's just a ... friend, there's always going to be someone there to help."
"There's always another service and they don't need to feel that their options are limited."
Other organisations that were in attendance include Gunnedah headspace, Gunnedah Family Support, Flourish Australia, Hunter New England Health, and many others.
Jessica Worboys
Education and youth reporter at the Northern Daily Leader. Get in touch via jessica.worboys@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Education and youth reporter at the Northern Daily Leader. Get in touch via jessica.worboys@austcommunitymedia.com.au
