by Lorna Gordon

Free child and youth counselling services are now available at North West Community Services in Riverstone

If your child is in need of mental health support and you feel like they have fallen through the cracks, then you may be interested to know that child and youth mental health support is available in Blacktown, and it is of no cost to the family.

Based at the North West Community Services( NWCS) Neighbourhood Centre in Riverstone, the free and confidential Mental Health and Wellbeing program is broadening its reach to support young people aged 5 to 24 living in the Blacktown and Hills local government areas.

NWCS understands how hard it can be for families to access support for children, for a variety of different reasons and aim

to bridge the gap for these vulnerable children and young people. They have found that even when families do get the mental health plan from their doctor, many families struggle to secure regular, ongoing help due to cost, waiting lists or eligibility barriers. The program they offer is specifically designed for children and young people who are not already accessing counselling and there is no need for a mental health plan from your GP, although you can choose to get one,

The small but highly skilled team currently includes four professionals with backgrounds in counselling, youth work, social services, social work and psychology. Among them is Rachel Napier, a child and youth counsellor with extensive experience supporting young people through complex challenges.

“ We cater to people who may not be able to access other services,” Rachel explained.“ It’ s an important service and probably not many people are aware it exists. We’ re now in a position to expand and open it up further to the community.”

What sets the program apart is its traumainformed, holistic and multifaceted approach. Rather than a one-sizefits-all model, therapists tailor support to the individual, drawing on

a range of evidence-based therapies including art therapy and play therapy. These creative approaches can be especially powerful for younger children or those who find it difficult to express their emotions verbally.

The service can assist with a wide range of concerns, including depression and suicidal ideation, self-harm, anxiety and panic, self-esteem issues, grief and loss, stress management and social skills development. Support is also available for young people experiencing attachment difficulties, trauma and abuse, sexuality and gender-related issues, alcohol and drug use, behavioural challenges and the impacts of living in at-risk situations. Importantly, families do not need a formal referral to access support. Referrals from GP’ s are accepted, but so are self-referrals, referrals made by parents, family members, or school counsellors. Referrals can be made over the phone, in person or via email, making the process as simple and accessible as possible. Appointments are available Monday to Friday, with flexible arrangements offered to accommodate school and family commitments.

For a community as diverse as

Blacktown, accessible and culturally responsive mental health services are vital. By expanding its scope and raising awareness, NWCS is ensuring more local young people can receive the support they need without financial burden.

For more information on the services provided by North West Community Services, you can go to their website at www. nwcs. org. au, or to make an appointment to see the Child and Youth Services team you can contact( 02) 9627 3622.