youth support

A mental illness at an early age can interrupt cognitive development and create a confused sense
of identity. When unaddressed it can lead to a longer and less certain recovery process. Australian
communities are now coming to recognise the importance of investing in our youth and as Australian
governments are paying closer attention to youth wellbeing, more resources have been allocated to
the cause.

Almost a decade ago Ermha created its first program devoted to young people with a mental illness.
However it is currently under-resourced. Ermha is seeking to expand the program in order to provide
our large and growing region with holistic support packages that offer

  • One-to-one and group support
  • Peer support
  • Skills development
  • Personal mental health education
  • Support to carers

The numbers show that when support is available as soon as possible after the first onset of
symptoms of mental ill health recovery is often faster and more complete.

Ermha advocates a collaborative model of support for youth that includes one-to-one and group
support with peers and/or Ermha workers who assist young people to work on personal aspects of
their recovery.

Peers who have a lived experience of a mental illness and who are also well-advanced in their own
recovery can offer a powerful sense of hope because they are the “walking, talking” embodiment
of recovery. They are best placed to quickly establish bonds of trust that can kick start the support
process.

Mental health education is vital because people who understand the nature of their mental illness
are better prepared to act in ways that diminish the likelihood of symptom flare-ups and they
acquire strategies that promote wellbeing. Vocational training and education are also a core aspect
of any successful youth recovery program. An independent and productive future will often require
knowledge and skills that lead to employment.

It is not only the support recipient who is on the recovery journey – family, carers and friends are often
pillars of support. However, we recognise that it can be difficult to maintain consistent support and
that respite and education are as important to carers as they are to the care recipient.
Ermha identifies and funds a range of options for young people who use our services and frequently
lobbies governments to allocate more resources to this vital area.