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A new mental health initiative is set to launch in Canberra, providing free trauma-informed care for teenagers aged 13 to 17, and those aged 18 if they are still in school. The Uniting Youth Trauma Service, the first of its kind in Australia, aims to support young people who have experienced trauma through a comprehensive range of services, including peer support and family assistance. According to ABC News, the service has been developed with input from young people who have firsthand experience with trauma.

Uniting’s head of mental health, Chantal Nagib, emphasized the service’s focus on creating a safe and supportive environment for teens facing mental health challenges. “What we’re wanting to do is walk alongside young people to offer them a safe space where they feel listened to, heard, and where we can directly provide support and treatment for the impacts of trauma in their life,” she stated.

Backed by $4 million in joint funding from the ACT and federal governments over two years, the service will employ a multidisciplinary team, including peer workers with lived experience, to address a variety of trauma-related issues. This team will provide not only mental health care but also family intervention support, ensuring a holistic approach to treatment.

The service is designed to operate with significant input from young people, including members of the Child and Youth Mental Health Alliance Reference Group. Their involvement has helped prioritize essential services such as transitional support and ongoing care. Elian Au, a member of this group, noted that the service’s open-door policy and focus on trauma therapy make it particularly beneficial for young people.

Currently, the Youth Trauma Service is in the process of recruiting staff and conducting additional co-design sessions with the youth community. It will be co-located in Lyneham with existing mental health services, including headspace Primary Care and headspace Early Psychosis, creating a central hub for young people to seek help. Once operational, the service will accept referrals from GPs and allow self-referrals from young people, families, and carers, facilitating easier access to essential mental health support.