New platform to help young people

FEDERATION University Australia researchers have worked with other organisations to develop a free online mental health platform for children.

The program called Momentum is designed to ensure children

aged seven to 17-years-old do not have to wait for or miss out on treatment.

The project was a collaboration between Federation University Australia, Griffith University, the University of Queensland, Queensland University of Technology, Australian National University, and the lead institution, the University of Southern Queensland.

The project cost $5 million and input was heard from organisations such as Kids Helpline, Stride, Education Queensland, West Moreton Health, Children’s Health Queensland and Darling Downs and West Moreton Primary Health Network.

Federation University Australia’s professor Britt Klein was one of the researchers and she said there is high demand for mental health care.

“Momentum is essentially a one-stop shop for young people to get help for a variety of mental health problems like anxiety, depression and sleep difficulties,” she said.

“Waiting lists to see a psychologist can be over 12 months, while the number of young people experiencing mental health issues continues to climb.

“We urgently need a new solution to address this significant crisis and ensure all young Australians, no matter who they are or where they are from, have access to quality mental health care when they need it.”

Program lead, Sonja March, from the University of Southern Queensland, said the app was created with the input of hundreds of people.

“Momentum is unique because it delivers a thorough assessment of the young person’s situation to determine their need for help and then builds a personal program just for them,” she said.

“It will get young people the help they need, when they need it, using a method they are used to.”

To find out more about the app visit momentumhub.org.au.