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TERM 2 2012
N e wsletter
Vol: 6 Issue: 2
Launch of ycentral van
ycentral Community Outreach Van ycentral is very excited to launch our new outreach van The van is a key component to ycentral outreach program that will allow young people to meet and interact with staff from ycentral to dispel any myths regarding mental health and mental health services, it is hoped this initiative will reduce stigma associated with mental health. The ycentral outreach van will provide opportunities for promotion, prevention and early intervention for mental health across the community, focussing specifically on young people 12-24 years, but also targeting families, carers, schools and other services. It will provide an avenue for young people to access information through a means that is non-confrontational and youth friendly. The ycentral van will be hitting the streets with giveaway show bags and information about healthy relationships, how to stress less, links to websites and friendly health professionals. We are grateful for the generosity of Spandex (Spandex specialises in sign making and digital print) who kindly donated time, energy and bore the expense of getting the ycentral outreach van wrapped. Sincere thanks to Spandex and Local Signs for their hard work. The first launch of the van was in youth week at the ‘Going Off At The Swamp’ (GOATS) Festival in San Remo on Sunday the 15th April. There was also a BBQ at Terrigal Beach on Friday 20th April near the surf club. ycentral would like to thank Gosford City Council (GCC) Lifeguards for their support at many of our events over the past years. Craig Healey, Supervisor, GCC Lifeguards and his team are committed to supporting ycentral events that promote youth mental health. We continue to enjoy a great partnership and look forward to our next joint venture.....!!!!
A big thankyou to Spandex for their generosity with the fantastic results of the wrapping of the van. Spandex donated their time, energy and cost of the entire job. The ycentral Community Outreach Van has been seen around the coast at a range of community activities already. Last week the van was seen at the Peninsula Links Day (PLD) held at Woy Woy. The PLD day targets people within the local community who are ‘doing it tough’ and provides them with a range of personal services such as haircuts, massage, clothing, food hampers, Central Coast Local Health District Podiatry Services and Community Nursing immunisations to name a few. Additionally, government and non-government services attended to raise their profile within the community to increase their access to those needing assistance. Over 500 people organisations such as the Salvation Army, Carer Respite, Central Coast Local Health District Children & Young People’s Mental Health, Accommodation Services, Centrelink and Job Services. These were just a few of the services on the day with Rotary and Salvation Army provided everyone with a sausage sandwich and cold drink. Deborah O’Neill Federal MP for Robertson also spent a couple of hours talking to the different organisations including staff from ycentral. Deborah was also more than happy to have her photo taken with the ycentral staff and our Van. Deborah has always been a great supporter of ycentral services which includes Children & Young People’s Mental Health and headspace CC. The van also attended the CC Schools Indigenous touch footy game as part of Reconciliation Week. If you see the van out and about come and say hello to the friendly staff from ycentral.
MENTAL HEALTH AND EDUCATION WORKING TOGETHER
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