By Sumeyya Ilanbey
Melton and Bacchus Marsh youth with “complex” mental health needs can look forward to accessing services without leaving the region.
Community health service providers, including Djerriwarrh Health Services, have teamed up to find ways to provide better and more tailored services to young people with mental illnesses.
The project is being lead by youth mental health service provider Orygen and will involve discussions with local youth, their families and health services to find out what the gaps are and what can be done to improve quality of life for young people living in Macedon Ranges, Sunbury, Melton and Bacchus Marsh.
It is hoped the project will identify what each of the four regions needs and what their capacities to deliver services are. The initiative has a $1.78 million budget from North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network.
Orygen clinical programs director Liz Burgat said the outer suburbs were generally under-resourced and weren’t able to deliver all the appropriate services for young people living with mental health issues.
“If young people need to travel a long way to get services, it makes it harder for them,” Ms Burgat said.
“The cost of travel can sometimes be a barrier if they can’t easily get public transport or drive there. We want to make it easier for young people.”
