Action group aims to connect more young people

Blackwood Youth Action is set for a busy week, with the launch of its wraparound BYA Connect service today and the presentation of a $25,000 donation from the Bridgetown Rotary Club on Monday to begin work on its new youth hang out space.

BYA Connect aims to provide a single point of access for youths aged 12 to 25 who are looking for mental health support within the shires of Boyup Brook, Bridgetown-Greenbushes, Manjimup and Nannup.

A youth psychologist will help triage young people and to direct them to other services, agencies and professionals within the young person’s shire of residence.

The program may refer the young person to appropriate services dealing with physical and mental health, parenting, employment, education, training, homelessness support and social integration.

Blackwood Youth Action youth psychologist Rebecca Jones said the program would broaden young people’s access to youth services.

“The introduction of BYA Connect will broaden young people’s access to local youth services while reducing the time, stress and confusion trying to find suitable support close to home,” she said.

The youth hang out space will be based in the old officer-in-charge residence, located next to the Bridgetown Court House.

Members of BYA will help in the refurbishment of the centre and BYA has received a donation of 10 sets of personal protective equipment from Talison Lithium to help keep them safe while they work on the new venue.

For more information on either program, contact Blackwood Youth Action’s youth services coordinator Lisa Burgess on 0400 939 266.