ACT Health’s Office of Mental Health and Wellbeing has launched a new online tool to help young Canberrans navigate the Territory’s mental health services and resources.
Announced by Minister for Mental Health, Emma Davidson, MindMap aims to improve understanding of, and access to, support services so that young people are empowered to make informed decisions for their mental health and wellbeing needs.
Ms Davidson said the Office co-designed MindMap with young people, “as they best know what is needed to support their mental health and wellbeing outcomes”.
“The website helps children and young people under 25 to navigate support in a practical, safe and anonymous way by providing information on expected wait times, how to access services, advising if a referral is required and linking to resources which are best suited to their needs,” she said
“Young people are incredibly resilient in the face of global challenges, such as climate change, and their day-to-day experiences of school, friends, dating and work.
“But when these things impact their wellbeing and mental health, it’s vital they have access to resources and support that meets their needs.”
Ms Davidson said the new online tool would help young people to seek support and information relevant to their individual needs.
The Minister said MindMap made navigating the Territory’s mental health system easier by empowering young people to choose which support was best for them and showing them how to access it.
“With almost 300 online resources about understanding mental health challenges, strategies and self-care, it will add more to a young person’s toolkit so they can make decisions about their own mental wellbeing and also know how they can help their peers and friends,” she said.
Ms Davidson said the online tool was available 24/7 to find service support and information and was staffed with Youth Navigators, including counsellors, between noon and 11pm seven days a week.
She said the Office co-designed MindMap with the Australian National University, ACT Youth Coalition, the ACT Youth Advisory Committee and Marymead, which led the day-to-day management of the portal.
The Office’s MindMap tool can be accessed at this PS News link.
