Local support committment

Two-pronged approach for youth alcohol support

St John of God Geelong Hospital has announced a major new commitment to youth mental health services and drug and alcohol support by partnering with headspace Barwon to provide a key triage position. At the same time the hospital is raising awareness of alcohol issues through participating in charity fundraiser, FebFast.

The partnership with headspace – the national youth mental health foundation – expands St John of God Health Care’s commitment to Social Outreach and Advocacy services for young people in need with more than $300,000 in funding over three years.

Experienced dual diagnosis clinician, Julie Halifax, has been appointed to the triage role at the headspace centre at Corio Shopping Centre. Julie will develop clinical practices and standards of the centre, providing comprehensive assessments and counselling for young people in need of support as well as education for families of clients and referrals to other mental health practitioners where appropriate.

Meanwhile, St John of God Geelong Hospital caregivers are playing a significant role in developing alcohol awareness in the community by pledging to lay-off the booze throughout February.

St John of God Health Care has been one of the leading organisations to support FebFast over the last three years, fundraising for other organisations that support young people with alcohol or drug problems. The organisation’s caregivers raised more than $20,000 for the cause last year and are leading the team fundraising challenge again in 2012.

 “We are delighted to confirm our support for headspace over the next three years as it builds on our existing commitment to young people experiencing mental health issues in the Greater Geelong area,” said Taanya Widdicombe, Director of Community Development at St John of God Geelong Hospital. “Julie already has extensive experience in dual diagnosis of co-occurring mental health and substance use issues and she is really excited to be providing this essential support to young people in our community.”

“At the same time we are looking to raise awareness about alcohol issues in the community by engaging with FebFast. More than 20 of our caregivers gave up alcohol last February to highlight problems that many Australians face and we are keen to broaden our support for young people with alcohol and drug use issues by fundraising through this excellent initiative.”

Group Manager of Youth at St John of God Health Care, Mike Board, added: “Supporting headspace in this way is an extension of the organisation’s Social Outreach and Advocacy services for young people in need across Victoria. Our two Horizon Houses in Geelong have been supporting homeless young people for many years but we are also very committed to providing mental health services where there is a clear community need.”