A new youth health hub for young people with locations in Lilydale, Belgrave, Healesville and Yarra Junction is on track to open in August 2020.
In March 2019, the Australian Government announced $4.5m funding for the Integrated Youth Health Hub (IYHH), which will provide young people, and their families and carers with a single entry point to access a range of no cost or low cost primary health care, community and social services.
The Knox headspace satellite in Lilydale, which is separately funded by the Australian Government, will work in collaboration with the hub.
Following a competitive tender process by Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network (EMPHN), a consortium led by Inspiro Community Health Service, including Oonah Health and Community Services Aboriginal Corporation, Eastern Community Legal Centre, Anchor and Cire, will operate the hub.
Federal Member for Casey Tony Smith MP said today’s announcement that locally based organisations will run the new Integrated Youth Health Hub is welcome news.
“With $4.5 million of Federal Government funding over three years, the Lilydale based hub, along with a separately funded headspace satellite service, will deliver vital health and support services for young people aged between 12 and 25 living in the outer east, the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges.
“Having fought for improved youth health services, it’s great to know the hub and headspace satellite service will soon get underway and be making a difference in people’s lives,” he said.
EMPHN CEO Janine Wilson said the service aims to improve access, service coordination and integration for young people in the region.
“Through the hub, young people and their families will be able to access a range of health and wellbeing activities; mental, physical and sexual health services, including access to a General Practitioner; as well as alcohol and other drugs services; and community and social services such as housing and legal assistance,” she said.
Inspiro Community Health CEO Sue Sestan said the activities and services will be delivered by the consortium members and a range of other local partners.
“How the services are delivered will be guided by the voice of young people from the area via a Youth Reference Group.
“The services will be appropriate to the local community, providing connections, interventions and seamless care to young people where and when they need it,” she said.
Oonah CEO Anne Jenkin said our experience of embracing and supporting our young people and celebrating culture is key to our identity.
“We’re pleased to be bringing that expertise and approach into the hub development with our partners,” she said.
Anchor CEO Heidi Tucker said the hub will feature a strong ‘lived experience’ workforce.
“We will employ staff who have used a variety of health services as young people who will assist other young people to navigate and use the services they need,” she said.
Cire CEO Gus Seremetis said the five partners bring diverse skills and expertise as well as additional venues across the Yarra Ranges, with a strong local presence and connections.
“As well as adding value, this will create opportunities for more community involvement.
“We will also work closely with Yarra Ranges Council and other agency partners to bring the Hub to life,” he said.
Eastern Community Legal Centre CEO Michael Smith said young people need to feel they belong and can trust the services they access.
“Once they have that, they usually don’t want to retell their story to lots of different professionals.
“The hub gives us a real opportunity to wrap health and other supports around them, with confidentiality and care,” he said.
The hub will be located in Lilydale with outreach services operating from Belgrave, Healesville and Yarra Junction.
The hub was co-designed with local health and community services, the education sector, Yarra Ranges Council, youth representatives and other community members.
A Youth Reference Group will be involved in designing, monitoring and evaluating hub activities and services during its operation.
The hub is currently funded until 30 June 2022 by the Australian Government under the PHN program.
Photo Caption: Celebrating the funding announcement of the Integrated Youth Health Hub in March 2019.
Media enquiries: Claire James claire.james@emphn.org.au 0425 887 397
About EMPHN: Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network is primarily funded by the Australian Government to improve the care and support people receive from health services. We aim to improve the health of our community by ensuring people receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time. www.emphn.org.au