Council puts $10,000 into youth fund

Bridgetown-Greenbushes Shire Council has agreed to donate $10,000 dollars to the 3 Tier Mental Health Service, a Blackwood Youth Action program that helps Year 10 students with their mental health.

The program provides mental health awareness, prevention, intervention and treatment referrals for students across six schools in the Warren Blackwood Region.

It is the third council to extend funding to the program, following in the footsteps of Manjimup and Nannup, which donated $20,000 and $5000 respectively.

The program’s initial request was for $5000 but an amendment was made during the council proceedings to double that figure.

Shire president John Nicholas said the $10,000 figure was in keeping with the relative size of the shire compared to the other shires that had contributed.

“Council agreed with the amendment that we probably should make a little bit bigger contribution than what was originally planned,” he said.

Mr Nicholas said the donation was intended to be a one-off.

“We’ve made it very clear that this is not continuing funding,” he said.

‘These are issues that need to be funded by central governments, either Commonwealth or State, they are not issues that need to be funded by local governments, that's for sure.

“This is a health issue and therefore this is very much a state responsibility ... this is certainly not something that the local government should be funding.”

Blackwood Youth Action chairwoman Dr Sarah Youngson said she was overwhelmed by the donation.

“Their generosity is really moving and we’re just so grateful for their support,”she said.

“Given the difficult times our young people are facing, I think it’s more important than ever that we support our youth’s mental health and this program is all about that.”