$5 million lifeline for young people

Above: Assistant Minister for Mental Health Donna Kirkland with Denise Cumming, Mind Australia's Executive Director of Queensland Operations, at the new Caboolture Youth Residential Rehabilitation Service.

A new $5.3 million Caboolture Youth Residential Rehabilitation Service has officially opened for young people with mental health issues.

It will provide 24/7 care and long-term support for those aged 16-21 whose mental health is preventing them leading independent lives.

First residents will soon move into the four-bed facility and can stay for up to 12 months receiving psychosocial support in the “home-like setting”.

The new service is primarily for those from Caboolture and Redcliffe, with staff always on site using accommodation in a separate building.

Caboolture YRRS the first such service in Moreton Bay region, but the fifth in Queensland following Cairns, Townsville, Everton Park and Greenslopes.

Mind Australia, a leading provider of community-based psychological services, will operate the new service with Metro North Hospital and Health Service providing clinical interventions.

“This crucial new service will make an enormous difference to the lives of young people with mental illness in Caboolture and Redcliffe,” Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Tim Nicholls said.

“Making sure young Queenslanders can get specialist support and care close to home - and when they need it – will ensure they can live happier and healthier lives.”

Assistant Minister for Mental Health Donna Kirkland said the service takes a fresh, innovative approach to youth mental health services.

“This offers long-term, community-based residential mental health care for young Queenslanders to recover from mental illness in a safe, home-like environment,” she said.

“I can’t wait to hear how this service will change young lives.”

Opening day pictures

Mind Australia CEO Gill Callister said youth residential recovery services help young people take positive steps.

“By supporting young people to develop key skills at a crucial time in their development, they can prevent life-long mental health challenges,” she said.

All referrals, including to the new Caboolture facility, are through a co-ordinator hosted by Children’s Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service.

Referrals are assessed by a statewide panel, including representatives from the local hospital and health service and NGO operating youth residential rehabilitation services.

The service is funded under the Better Care Together plan with an investment of $5.3 million over four years contracted with Mind Australia.