Co-Designing a Youth Mental Health Outreach Service in Ten Remote Communities in Western NSW
Tracks
Mossman - In-Person
| Friday, November 8, 2024 |
| 9:45 AM - 10:05 AM |
| Mossman Ballroom |
Overview
Hannah Kennedy, Impact Co and Brendan Cubby, Marathon Health
Speaker
Brendan Cubby
Program Manager - Youth Outreach Project
Marathon Health
Co-Designing a Youth Mental Health Outreach Service in Ten Remote Communities in Western NSW
Abstract
Introduction:
Many young people in regional and remote areas struggle to access mental health services. This presentation explores how Marathon Health, a community health provider, addressed this gap by co-designing a culturally safe Youth Outreach Program (YOP) for ten communities in Western NSW.
In partnership with headspace National, Impact Co. and First Nations Co., Marathon Health embarked on a co-design journey. This involved over 250 young people (aged 12-25), their families, community members, Aboriginal-Controlled Organisations and Elders. Over 30 workshops were held at schools, youth centres, and local services, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity. The co-design focused on how a youth mental health service can foster relationships with young people, building trust and rapport to encourage help-seeking behaviour.
The Power of Co-Design:
Our trauma-informed and culturally safe approach yielded valuable insights:
Learning 1: First Nations-led consultations: Integrating local First Nations people fostered trust with young people and increased their likelihood of participating. We addressed power imbalances with language, style and dress.
Learning 2: Adapting our Approach to Accommodate for Each Community: We recognised varying health literacy levels and adjusted our approach using various strategies, including basketball, to create safe spaces to discuss issues. This ensured that everyone could contribute effectively.
Learning 3: Place-Based Design: Considering the unique needs and contexts of each community was crucial. Two communities just two hours from each other can have completely different profiles and, therefore, different needs. We mapped each community service landscape to help understand gaps.
Join the Discussion:
This presentation invites you to explore the benefits of co-designing youth mental health services and consider how to implement similar approaches in your communities. We will share key takeaways and lessons learned to empower you to bridge the gap in mental health access for young people.
Many young people in regional and remote areas struggle to access mental health services. This presentation explores how Marathon Health, a community health provider, addressed this gap by co-designing a culturally safe Youth Outreach Program (YOP) for ten communities in Western NSW.
In partnership with headspace National, Impact Co. and First Nations Co., Marathon Health embarked on a co-design journey. This involved over 250 young people (aged 12-25), their families, community members, Aboriginal-Controlled Organisations and Elders. Over 30 workshops were held at schools, youth centres, and local services, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity. The co-design focused on how a youth mental health service can foster relationships with young people, building trust and rapport to encourage help-seeking behaviour.
The Power of Co-Design:
Our trauma-informed and culturally safe approach yielded valuable insights:
Learning 1: First Nations-led consultations: Integrating local First Nations people fostered trust with young people and increased their likelihood of participating. We addressed power imbalances with language, style and dress.
Learning 2: Adapting our Approach to Accommodate for Each Community: We recognised varying health literacy levels and adjusted our approach using various strategies, including basketball, to create safe spaces to discuss issues. This ensured that everyone could contribute effectively.
Learning 3: Place-Based Design: Considering the unique needs and contexts of each community was crucial. Two communities just two hours from each other can have completely different profiles and, therefore, different needs. We mapped each community service landscape to help understand gaps.
Join the Discussion:
This presentation invites you to explore the benefits of co-designing youth mental health services and consider how to implement similar approaches in your communities. We will share key takeaways and lessons learned to empower you to bridge the gap in mental health access for young people.
Biography
My Name is Brendan Cubby. I’m a proud Murrawarri man from Goodooga, a small town in NSW with a population of around 250 people. I have strong connections to my culture and community. I grew up in a remote area with limited access to mental health support, healthcare and job opportunities.
I felt like there could be more out there for me so I ventured out and gained valuable experience working with schools, Rehab centres, mental health support, Community services, custodial environment and many other work experiences.
I have always been passionate about working with young people and supporting them with different issues they may be faced with. It is rewarding seeing them overcome obstacles in their lives and knowing that I have supported them in some way.
I have worked in a range of sectors including Education, Community Services, Juvenile Justice and Mental Health. These different positions have given me the opportunity to gain valuable knowledge, skills and experience working with young people that have been exposed to and experienced trauma, neglect, homelessness, mental health issues, learning difficulties, PTSD, abuse and a range of other issues.
I believe Working with young people and providing early intervention is key to achieving successful outcomes.
I currently work for Marathon Health in a program called the Youth Outreach Project that provides local Aboriginal people in remote communities the opportunity to undertake a traineeship for twelve months and to participate in gaining a certificate in either mental health, health care and community services with the opportunity to gain full time employment at the end of their traineeship.
Overall supporting vulnerable people, young people and my mob is something I’m very proud of.
Hannah Kennedy
Consultant
Impact Co
Co-Designing a Youth Mental Health Outreach Service in Ten Remote Communities in Western NSW
Abstract
Many young people in regional and remote areas struggle to access mental health services. This presentation explores how Marathon Health, a community health provider, addressed this gap by co-designing a culturally safe Youth Outreach Program (YOP) for ten communities in Western NSW.
In partnership with headspace National, Impact Co. and First Nations Co., Marathon Health embarked on a co-design journey. This involved over 250 young people (aged 12-25), their families, community members, Aboriginal-Controlled Organisations and Elders. Over 30 workshops were held at schools, youth centres, and local services, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity. The co-design focused on how a youth mental health service can foster relationships with young people, building trust and rapport to encourage help-seeking behaviour.
Join the Discussion:
This presentation invites you to explore the benefits of co-designing youth mental health services and consider how to implement similar approaches in your communities. We will share key takeaways and lessons learned to empower you to bridge the gap in mental health access for young people.
Three Key Learnings:
Our trauma-informed and culturally safe approach yielded valuable insights.
Learning 1: First Nations-led consultations: Integrating local First Nations people fostered trust with young people and increased their likelihood of participating. We addressed power imbalances with language, style and dress.
Learning 2: Adapting our Approach to Accommodate for Each Community: We recognised varying health literacy levels and adjusted our approach using various strategies, including basketball, to create safe spaces to discuss issues. This ensured that everyone could contribute effectively.
Learning 3: Place-Based Design: Considering the unique needs and contexts of each community was crucial. Two communities just two hours from each other can have completely different profiles and, therefore, different needs. We mapped each community service landscape to help understand gaps.
In partnership with headspace National, Impact Co. and First Nations Co., Marathon Health embarked on a co-design journey. This involved over 250 young people (aged 12-25), their families, community members, Aboriginal-Controlled Organisations and Elders. Over 30 workshops were held at schools, youth centres, and local services, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity. The co-design focused on how a youth mental health service can foster relationships with young people, building trust and rapport to encourage help-seeking behaviour.
Join the Discussion:
This presentation invites you to explore the benefits of co-designing youth mental health services and consider how to implement similar approaches in your communities. We will share key takeaways and lessons learned to empower you to bridge the gap in mental health access for young people.
Three Key Learnings:
Our trauma-informed and culturally safe approach yielded valuable insights.
Learning 1: First Nations-led consultations: Integrating local First Nations people fostered trust with young people and increased their likelihood of participating. We addressed power imbalances with language, style and dress.
Learning 2: Adapting our Approach to Accommodate for Each Community: We recognised varying health literacy levels and adjusted our approach using various strategies, including basketball, to create safe spaces to discuss issues. This ensured that everyone could contribute effectively.
Learning 3: Place-Based Design: Considering the unique needs and contexts of each community was crucial. Two communities just two hours from each other can have completely different profiles and, therefore, different needs. We mapped each community service landscape to help understand gaps.
Biography
B Health Science (Public Health), MHA. Hannah (she/her) is a Consultant at Impact Co. Hannah has more than 8 years of experience working as a project manager in the health sector. Hannah has a proven track record of building strong relationships with stakeholders across various settings and levels of organisations. Hannah has utilised her skills in stakeholder management and change management to deliver successful projects in health, mental health and social services.
Before Impact Co., Hannah worked as a project manager across several tertiary and government health settings, including Cabrini Health, Alfred Health and the Department of Health (DHS).
