Alicia Zahra, Debbie McCabe, Tony Fotios, Frank Alban MLA,  Josh Radwell and Minister Tony Simpson discuss the grant.
Camera IconAlicia Zahra, Debbie McCabe, Tony Fotios, Frank Alban MLA, Josh Radwell and Minister Tony Simpson discuss the grant. Credit: Supplied/David Baylis        www.communitypix.com.au d458994

Grant could prove a lifesaver for youngsters in Ellenbrook and surrounds

Montana ArdonThe Advocate

Youth Minister Tony Simpson announced $123,200 in government funding on Thursday to support the Ellenbrook Enhanced Youth Services Project, which aims to provide a range of youth mental health, counselling, family and |education services to the local community.

“This grant will enable the project to be piloted for 12 months to improve the presence of youth-|focused services for young people and their families,” the Minister said.

“Youth Focus will collaborate with existing service providers in the community to deliver services, including school support and youth workers.”

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Not-for-profit organisation Youth Focus works to stop youth suicide through preventative and educational programs.

Last year, the WA-based service provided more than 1000 counselling sessions to families around the state.

General manager Tony Fotios said the grant would provide a boost to Youth Focus.

“The funding will provide a suite of services to the Ellenbrook area with the view of building |capacity for services and support for young people at risk of suicide and self harm,” he said.

Mr Simpson said an integrated approach would enable community, youth and family support services to be based in a local facility that was easily accessible for young people and families.

“Those who have experienced loss as a result of suicide should have access to programs that provide support for bereavement,” he said.

“These services will be extremely important, particularly for young people, to ensure they feel a sense of connection and |belonging in their communities when faced with difficult life experiences.”

Swan Mayor Mick Wainwright said the funding was a long time coming.

“We have advocated for increased support services for young people in Ellenbrook for the past four years and are pleased that funding has been allocated to this vital project,” he said.

“On behalf of local residents, I thank the State Government for investing in the Ellenbrook Enhanced Youth Services Project and look forward to seeing the positive outcomes of this service.”

If you or anyone you know needs help, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.