How the James Frizelle Charitable Foundation is helping us overcome barriers to mental health support
Young people in regional areas like Northern NSW face unique barriers in accessing mental health support. Getting to a therapist appointment can be particularly challenging, with limited public transport options, lack of a responsible adult to drive them and the absence of personal vehicles or a bike to get there due to socio-economic constraints. This is on top of the challenges that the young person is already facing, such as complex trauma, disadvantage and emerging mental health issues.
Our outreach model is designed to bridge this gap by meeting young people where they are at, quite literally, with our therapists driving to meet young people for their appointments – whether that’s at home, school, out in nature or wherever they feel most comfortable to open up.
That’s why we are incredibly grateful to the James Frizelle Charitable Foundation for their generous donation of a brand new Hyundai Kona to support this mental health outreach work. This new vehicle will be vital in helping our team of therapists travel the thousands of kilometres they cover each month, ensuring that young people don’t miss out when it comes to accessing the mental health care they deserve.
In addition, we are thrilled that the James Frizelle Charitable Foundation has also committed to help fund our Elev8 group activities program for the next three years. For young people transitioning out of one-on-one therapy, Elev8 offers ongoing support, group activities, and multi-day camps that promote personal development and wellbeing. Events within the program range from small-group sessions to resume-building workshops, social and therapeutic activities, and leadership skill-building. Designed with youth input, Elev8 tailors its activities to young people’s needs and interests, fostering a strong sense of agency and autonomy.
Providing transportation to and from Elev8 events is essential. Many participants who struggle with transport disadvantage would otherwise miss out on these invaluable experiences. With Frizelle’s support, we can continue ensuring that young people throughout the Far North Coast have free access to activities that build independence, confidence, and social connections.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to James Frizelle and Trish Harris for their generosity and commitment to our cause. Their support makes a profound difference, bringing critical mental health care within reach of more young people in our community.
