New Youth Psychosocial Support Packages

The State Government has invested $9.5 million over four years to deliver 30 new youth psychosocial support packages (YPSP).

The YPSP will help young people aged 16 to 24 years who experience mental health issues, including those with co-occurring alcohol and other drugs issues, who need short-term support to manage day-to-day living. As part of the YPSP, young people can access one-on-one support and group programs and other activities that connect them with non-clinical care and other services they may need. This may include supports to improve their physical health and emotional stability, connect to community, family and friends, secure employment and advance their education and skills.

Young people will be provided with varying levels of support each week depending on their individual needs. These packages will assist young people living in the community, either independently or in the family home, to increasingly participate in and contribute to community, social, and economic life. Where applicable, the packages will also provide support to family members.

The Mental Health Commission has procured an independent Support Coordination provider to oversee implementation of the program and a panel of non-government Service Providers to deliver the packages.

In their Support Coordination function, Pillar Support Coordination is responsible for:

• Overseeing the referral process, which includes convening a panel to assess referrals, and allocating the support level and funding for each young person;
• Supporting young people to choose their preferred Service Provider from the panel of providers;
• Reviewing and endorsing individual support packages created by the panel providers; and
• Regularly engaging with young people utilising the packages to ensure their needs are being met.

Anglicare WA and Mind Australia are responsible for delivering the support packages. Leveraging their experience in delivering recovery-based programs to young people, they are responsible for:

• Developing individual support packages in partnership with the young person; and
• Providing psychosocial supports as detailed in the young person’s individual support package.

Pillar Support Coordination, Anglicare WA and Mind Australia have been working collaboratively to provide support to a number of young people in the Perth Metro area since April 2023.

For more information on the YPSP program, including how to complete a referral, contact Pillar Support Coordination.  Tel: (08) 6253 4700 or E: ypsp@pillar.org.au