Jupiter changes funding model as it supports Port Stephens youth

A LOCAL young person seeking counselling might be dealing with bullying, refusing school, anxiety, or conflict at home.

Then they have to work out how to get to an appointment.

Jupiter Clinical Service Manager and Counsellor Avril Saunders said limited bus services were one of the barriers the team considered when arranging appointments.

“We know there are many barriers for young people to access services,” Ms Saunders said.

“One is travel, as bus services are very limited in Port Stephens.”

There is no wrong way of reaching out to Jupiter.

“Young people can contact Jupiter themselves to talk or be referred by a parent, school, workplace, doctor, or another service,” she added.

After a referral, the young person joins a waitlist. The team aims to call within a week for a discussion, assess any risks, and make a further referral if their needs fall outside the counsellors’ scope.

An intake appointment and ongoing sessions can then be arranged.

Ms Saunders said young people sometimes arrive after short-term help elsewhere, with a fixed number of appointments. They may need support for longer.

At Jupiter, they can keep seeing the same counsellor without needing a Mental Health Care Plan.

She described a young woman who received support throughout school while facing difficulties with studies and relationships. She later spoke about her experience at Jupiter’s gala, studied counselling at TAFE, and has now graduated.

Funding ongoing care is a challenge. Jupiter has introduced a Community Contribution Model after changes to its funding and difficulties relying on small grants. Families who can afford to contribute can choose an amount suited to them; those who cannot pay can still receive fully supported counselling.

The service’s gala on 16 October at Restaurant 2317 in Soldiers Point will raise money for those fully supported places.

Guest speaker is Ruth Wilson OAM, with magician JD entertaining guests. Raffles are also planned, along with a three-course dinner. Wine Selectors has donated the wine.

Tickets are available through jupiter.org.au.

The funds raised will help young people on the fully supported plan receive counselling “for as long as they need it”.

By Althea GUINSBERG