Youth Health Information

Where Do I Get Help?
Speak to your own GP (family doctor) about your problems and they may offer help themselves or refer you to a specialist service such as psychiatrists, psychologists, counsellors or other services.

Psychiatrists are doctors specialising in mental illnesses and you will need a referral letter from your GP. CLICK HERE  to find closest GP.

Psychologists have a university degree in psychology and specialise in understanding how thinking and behaviour affect how we feel. They can teach patients how to change their thinking and behaviour to reduce or eliminate symptoms of illness and manage stressful life experiences. You can find a list of local psychologists in the phone book under 'psychologists' or your GP may advise you.

Counsellors come from a range of training backgrounds and offer support and advice for a range of situations and conditions eg individual, couple, family therapy. You can find local services in the phone book under 'counselling'.

LOCAL SERVICES

Sutherland Child, Youth & Family Counselling Team
This service provides free access to counselling by a social worker or psychologist.  Counselling is available to children & youth (up to age 18) who live, work or go to school in the Sutherland Shire. Individual & group counselling sessions are available, as well as information on health and community resources. Services are free and you don’t need a referral. All counselling is confidential, except if there is concerns about the safety of clients or relevant others.
Phone: (02) 9522 1000

Sutherland Mental Health Services
The Sutherland Mental Health services have a number of teams that can help young adults (18+) with a variety of issues. This service offers full assessment of mental health issues and will refer to other services if further assistance is required.. The Access Team offers advice to people with mental health problems, their families, GPs and other health professionals and service providers.
Phone: (02) 9540 7474

Sutherland Drug and Alcohol Service
This service can provide a phone assessment and arrange an appointment for relevant treatment. It can also provide helpful resources for those just seeking information about Drug & Alcohol issues. Treatment services include detoxification, individual and group counselling and welfare assistance (among others). Services are located at various places throughout the Shire and Illawarra region.
Phone: (02) 9113 2944

Sutherland Cannabis Clinic
The Sutherland Cannabis Clinic is a free counselling service for people 16 years and over who would like to reduce or stop their cannabis (marijuana) use. Anyone can refer themselves or a friend, if the person has given them consent to do so. Once a referral is received a counsellor will contact the person to arrange an appointment.
Phone: (02) 8536 0300

READY Project
The READY Project offers information and referral for young people who need support dealing with drug and alcohol and other related health issues, and for parents and adults working with young people. The READY project also provides education in the community for drug/health related issues.
Phone: (02) 9570 9465 or email ready@stgeorgeyouth.org.

Shire Wide Youth Service
Shire Wide provides a range of programs and services for youth in the Sutherland Shire. This includes assistance with issues such as; homelessness, court support, access to free health services, mental health & sexual health information as well as other kinds of information and support. Shire Wide always has a range of youth activities going on at their two drop-in centres in Miranda and Menai.

The Kiora Park Youth Health Clinic is open from 6-8 pm on Thursday evenings at Shire Wide Youth Service in Miranda.  Appointments are not necessary and there is no cost to the young person.  All consultations are confidential. Medicare card not essential.

Phone: Miranda (02) 9525 7919      Menai  (02) 9543 6440
Website: http://www.shirewideyouth.org.au

Sutherland Shire Youth Network
This website provides access to a local Youth Services Directory, upcoming events and activities as well as information and resources on different youth issues.
Website: http://www.ssyn.org.au/  

EDYS
Engadine District Youth Services (EDYS) is a  free community based, non-government organisation that works with youth (11 to 18 years) and the people that are important to them such as parents, carers and extended family.There is a youth centre where young people can relax with friends, get involved in fun activities and chat to qualified Youth Workers about different issues.
Phone: (02) 9548 2734

24 HOUR PHONE ASSISTANCE 

Lifeline:  13 11 14
Kids Help Line:  1800 551 800  

USEFUL WEBSITES

ORYGEN Youth Health
Orygen Youth Health (OYH) is works to improve the mental health and wellbeing of young people. Orygen Youth Health produces a range of resources about youth mental health issues, including videos, booklets, animations, information sheets and manuals.
Website: http://www.oyh.org.au/  

DRUG-ARM Australasia
DRUG ARM Australasia is an organisation committed to the promotion of a healthy lifestyle without the use of unnecessary drugs. The name DRUG ARM comes from Drug Awareness, Rehabilitation and Management. DRUG ARM provides outreach of compassion and caring through education, awareness, prevention and support programs in the area of alcohol and other drug use.
Website: http://www.drugarm.com.au 

Mental Health association of NSW 
MHA have various mental health initiatives which result in increased community awareness and knowledge of mental health issues. They work towards a society free from prejudice and discrimination against people living with mental illness. The interactive website contains various resources and information about mental health.
Website: http://www.mentalhealth.asn.au/ 

SANE Australia
SANE Australia is a national charity which conducts programs and campaigns to improve the lives of people living with mental illness, their family and friends. It operates a Helpline and website, which includes various information and fact sheets for people or carers of people with mental illness.
Website: www.sane.org.au 

Black Dog Institute
The Black Dog Institute specialise in information and resources regarding mood disorders - a range of disorders that include depression and bipolar disorder (formerly called 'manic depression'). The Institute aims to improve the lives of those affected - and in turn - the lives of their families and friends.
Website: http://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/

Youth Beyond Blue 
Youth Beyond Blue gives advice on ways to recognize depression and how to talk about it, and to let young people know what services are out there to help.
Phone: 1300 22 46 36
Website: http://www.youthbeyondblue.com/

Reach Out 
Reach out is a website which focuses on youth issues. There are three main sections: Find provides information and stories on a range of mental health issues, Explore is a tool that finds you information based on how you’re feeling that day and Connect tells where you go to connect with the community through forums, the blog and youth participation area.
Website: http://au.reachout.com/ 

Headspace
Headspace provides mental and health wellbeing support, information and services to young people and their families across Australia. The people that work at headspace provide solutions for young people aged 12 to 25 years.
Website: www.headspace.org.au