“Funding for these services is life-changing. If I didn’t have access to Youth Focus, I would not be where I am today.”
- Imogen*, 24
In her early 20s, Imogen* did something incredibly brave. She moved out of the city by herself, to take a new job in a small regional town far away from her support network. She was trying something new to manage her stress levels, which were contributing to a severe tic disorder similar to Tourette’s. But even though she’d moved, Imogen was still in a tough place, mentally. That’s why one of the first things she did on her arrival was to get in touch with us.
“You can imagine my shock when I walked into the local Youth Focus centre and was able to immediately speak to someone and see a clinician within a week. With mental health, waiting a month can make all the difference.”
We see young people like Imogen on a daily basis. Wonderful, talented people with so much to give, trying to navigate an uncertain world with the added burden of mental health challenges they never asked for.
They need support, not in 12 months or two years but now – and where they live, not hundreds of kilometres from home.
That’s why we’ve made it our mission to ensure there’s free access to youth-focused mental health counsellors and support across Western Australia, from Albany to Meekatharra.
It’s amazing how a little support in the right place can turn a young person’s life around
Excitingly, our support is helping Imogen realise what she is truly capable of. Always interested in art and craft, she’d never really rated herself as any good. But with our encouragement, she entered the local 'Blank Walls' art competition – and won. Her Artwork is now proudly hanging on the wall, as a testament to Imogen, and other young people, that mental health support can change young lives.
“It really boosted my confidence that maybe I am skilled at art and could pursue it more.”
This is a young woman who is now finding her feet and flourishing creatively, thanks to people like you who cared enough to stand beside her when her world felt difficult, lonely and confusing.
With your help, we aim to break down as many barriers to accessing mental health support regionally as we can. So that when a young person is brave enough to put their hand up for help, they’re able to access the support they need, at no cost, and without having to wait.
As Imogen said, “It can be so scary accessing help. Living in a small regional town, there can be stigma around it. [Youth Focus] is so good at understanding why that’s important and making it feel like a safe, confidential space. I feel so welcomed.”
Research tells us that the sooner young people get the help they need, the more likely they are to have better outcomes.
Your donation can help us provide evidence-based, youth-centric support that helps young people like Imogen to thrive, wherever they are at.
Names and pictures changed to protect privacy.
“You can imagine my shock when I walked into the local Youth Focus centre and was able to immediately speak to someone and see a clinician within a week. With mental health, waiting a month can make all the difference.” Imogen*
A letter from Imogen
At 18, I developed a stress-triggered tic disorder, similar to Tourette’s which has made my life difficult to navigate. It was a big reason why I decided to get out of the city. Youth Focus was one of my first stops upon moving to my new home in a regional town. I’m so grateful for all the support I received, especially from the staff. They make me feel welcome and appreciated.
Having a place to go locally is life-changing. When I was in the city, before I developed my tics, I could feel within me something was about to “snap”. I contacted so many people and was put on countless wait lists, but by the time I got an appointment it was too late and I was already hospitalised.
Life’s really different for me now. Since winning the local art competition, I have begun to paint more frequently and invest in my art skills. I created an art Instagram account and participated in a three-week art exhibition, which was a massive learning curve. I even tried team sports for the first time and participated in my first ever grand final this year.
I think it’s so important to find little things that spark joy, and those things will get you through. It’s not going to get easy quickly, and that’s ok. But if you can find little moments in life to hold onto, that make waking up worth it, then you’re already doing great.
With your support, together we can make a difference
$50
Youth Mental Health Services
Just $50 can help connect a young person with our mental health services when they need them.
$100
Mental Health Education programs
A $100 donation can help contribute to Youth Focus mental health education programs to students in schools.
$150
Youth Engagement programs
A $150 donation can help Youth Focus to deliver creative local youth engagement programs.
$200
Youth Counselling sessions
A $200 gift can help provide a young person with life-changing counselling sessions with a Youth Focus counsellor.
See how your donation will make an impact
We believe in the potential of all young people.
Youth Focus are committed to delivering high-quality, safe, and consistent services for young people across our locations, tailored to meet the unique needs of each community. We believe in delivering innovative and accessible mental health services and programs, that empower young people to get the support they need, as quickly as possible.
