By Tanya O'Shea, IMPACT Community Services' Managing Director
"STRONGER TOGETHER" is a weekly column where Tanya explores key issues. This week Tanya focuses on the support services available to the region's youth and their family.
The start of a new school year can be an emotionally charged period at the best of times, let alone after a Covid-19 peak.
With local schools back in session, it’s understandable if there’s a heightened sense of anxiety and apprehension; but it’s important to recognise you’re not alone and there’s help available to navigate challenging times.
The gravity of the Covid-19 pandemic can be an enormous adjust for any individual and the region’s youth are no exception.
Young people are not oblivious to their surroundings; they can see and hear how social norms have changed since the outbreak of the pandemic.
And there’s support available at IMPACT Community Services and online.
Digital resources like Head to Health have a wide range of information and advice available for parents and young people with regards to Covid-19 and other aspects of daily life.
While in Bundaberg, IMAPCT Community Services’ has a team of people who aim to improve mental health outcomes for children, young people, and their families.
Family Mental Health Support Services provides flexible, responsive options for children and young people up to the age of 18 who are affected by, or at risk of mental health concerns, and their families.
The FMHSS team offers short-term immediate assistance and intensive long-term early intervention support for young people and their families.
These services support parents to reduce stress and enable young people to reach their potential.
This includes providing evidence-based practices such as ‘The Brave Program’, ‘Bringing Up Great Kids’, ‘Drumbeat’ and ‘Seasons for Growth’ when necessary and applicable to children and their families.
IMPACT’s full host of support services are delivered with a wraparound approach that can be tailored to your exact needs.
We work with each person individually in a way that suits them.
FMHSS will accept referrals of children and young people from any source, including self-referrals, and conduct an initial brief screening process to ensure Family Mental Health Support Services is the appropriate service for them.
A formal diagnosis of mental health conditions is not required to access FMHSS.
For more information about IMPACT’s Family Mental Health Support Services click here or phone 4153 4233.
IMPACT’s headquarter is located at 108 Bargara Rd, Bundaberg East and open from 8am-5pm Monday to Thursday and 8am to 4.30pm on Fridays.