Funding boost to provide mental health support for young men

A VITAL program that aims to prevent teenage suicide has been boosted with a state government grant of nearly $50,000 to support young men across the region through Ballina-based organisation Human Nature.

Human Nature is a youth mental health service dedicated to empowering young people through nature- and adventure-based support. Its focus is to prevent suicide among young men aged 14 to 18.

The funding from the NSW Ministry of Health will provide $48,045 for the program.

It will support 15 young men through nine individual therapeutic sessions and aims to address a range of mental health challenges, including trauma and social isolation.

“It’s significant for us to get government funding for our service because it’s not something we consistently see,” Human Nature CEO Jen Parke said.

“We’re often invisible to policymakers, so we’re really thankful for this support.

“We’ve got a growing reputation for the service we provide, and the outcomes young people achieve with our support.

“This grant allows us to reach and support more young men, preventing them from escalating to crisis.

“It sounds like a lot, but nine sessions is just the tip of the iceberg, and we might need to look at more fundraising to support them.”

The program will also provide case management and referrals to education, employment and health services.

The model combines evidence-based therapy and mentoring with outdoor experiences like fishing and bushwalking.

“It’s less about adventure and more about moving the body away from that clinical setting,” Ms Parke said.

Human Nature founder and psychologist Andy Hamilton said the focus is on providing free, individualised care for the most at-risk young people.

“By stepping in early and surrounding young people with support, we can reduce risk and help them build resilience.”