A focus on our youth
Community support for at-risk youth
In March 2022, a new eight-bed facility opened to provide interim supported accommodation for young people with mental health issues experiencing — or at risk of — homelessness.
Known as Momentum QP and located in Queens Park, the service caters to people between the ages of 16 and 24 years. It provides them with safe, comfortable accommodation for up to a year during which time they can take advantage of a range of clinical and other psychosocial support services, all of which are designed to help get them back on their feet. This includes help finding work and alternative accommodation prior to leaving.
Through its provision of clinical in-reach, EMHS is one of several organisations that contribute to the service. Its in-reach is provided by a psychiatrist, psychologist and nurse, who are otherwise based at BHS.
Peer workers play a key role in the service which is led by Richmond Wellbeing and is supported by Cyrenian House and Anglicare WA.
Youth Community Assessment and Treatment Team (YCATT)
With young people disproportionately affected by mental ill-health and having the highest prevalence and incidence of mental illness across the lifespan, the launch of the Youth Community Assessment and Treatment Team (YCATT) filled a much-needed void in EMHS’ suite of services for young people.
Opened for referrals in April 2022, YCATT provides a brief, targeted, evidence-based assessment and intervention service for young people and their carers. It will complement the work of the East Metropolitan Youth Unit (EMyU), which was established in 2018 to provide inpatient care for young people experiencing complex and acute mental health issues.
In particular, the new service supports people transitioning back into the community from the EMyU.
YCATT’s services are offered from BHS and satellite locations across the EMHS catchment area.
Plan to tackle youth drinking
EMHS’ Health Promotion Team has played a key role in the launch of an ambitious plan to minimise alcohol-related harm among young people (12-17 years) in three local government areas (LGAs) within its catchment — the Town of Victoria Park and cities of Belmont and South Perth.
The Youth Alcohol Action Plan (YAAP) 2022-25 — launched in June 2022 — sets out clear strategies and actions to be implemented over three years, focusing on five areas known to influence alcohol-related harm:
- underage drinking
- adult supply
- marketing
- accessibility
- community connections.
The YAAP is the result of a two-year collaboration between EMHS and the LGAs, Cancer Council WA, Alcohol and Drug Foundation, Department of Education, WA Police and Police and Citizens Youth Club, as well as extensive engagement with young people, community organisations and peak bodies.
Some sobering facts
- Binge drinking at a young age carries into adulthood for 90% of males and
70% of females - Under 25’s make up 22% of all alcohol-related ED admissions
- Under 25’s accounted for 30% of all deaths on WA roads where alcohol was a factor
- The later teenagers delay their first alcoholic drink, the less likely they are to become regular users of alcohol
