Children and young people living in Coffs Harbour engaging in serious self-harming behaviour or having ongoing thoughts of suicide can now access practical, non-clinical support in the community to help their recovery.
Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh said the new service is a welcome addition to the existing local mental health supports for young people.
“This will give children and young people living in Coffs Harbour practical, caring support to help them re-discover hope for their future,” Mr Singh said.
Aftercare is a non-clinical service provided in the immediate months after someone has attempted suicide or engaged in serious self-harming practices.
Minister for Mental Health and Regional Youth Bronnie Taylor said this type of support has been highly effective for adults.
“It’s so important we continue to trial bold solutions that have the proven potential to keep more of our children and young people safe from ongoing feelings of hopelessness and disconnection,” Mrs Taylor said.
The service focuses on providing support that responds to individual needs. It includes one-on-one and group activities that will help a person thrive in their day-to-day life. This could include developing coping skills, strengthening relationships with family and friends, identifying education or work opportunities, managing addiction, or finding secure housing.
The new youth-specific service, led by New Horizons, has been co-designed with young people with lived experience of suicide, subject matter experts, and a consortium of support agencies.
New Horizons employs Children and Young People Champions – people with lived experience of suicide whose role is to create an empathetic and safe environment for anyone seeking support.
Coffs Harbour Champion, Daisy, said any child, young person, parent or carer is welcome to get in touch if they think they could benefit from the service.
“When a young person comes to us, I hope to give them the support I didn’t have,” Daisy said.
“I want to help them build the foundations of a healthy life.”
If you, or someone you know, is thinking about suicide or experiencing a personal crisis or distress, please seek help immediately by calling 000 (Triple Zero) or one of these services: Lifeline 13 11 14 | Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467 | NSW Mental Health Line 1800 011 511.
