YOUTH Mental Health services in Port Stephens received a boost in funding this week when Taylor Martin MLC presented COPSY Inc which operates the free jupiter youth counselling services in the region with $94,500 to continue their work.

Sadly the service is seeing an increase in referrals for young people who require counselling.

The team at COPSY is led by President Brooke Vitnell who has been working hard to ensure that the Minister understands the needs of youth in the region.

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Importantly the funding is not tied to any particular activity, which will allow COPSY to be nimble and address the needs of youth through the provision of additional counselling services.

Taylor Martin MLC for the Hunter told News Of The Area, “This emergency funding from our government is specifically to address the increased workload from the COVID pandemic, to address the pressure on young people at this time.”

Brooke Vitnell President of COPSY thanked Taylor Martin for recognising the plight of COPSY and how crucial the services that COPSY delivers are across the Tomaree Peninsula.

She also thanked the Minister for his intervention which has resulted in this funding for the program.

The team at COPSY likened the funding to a lifebelt that can be used as needed.

Off the back of the launch of services at Tilligerry, COPSY plans to open up services in Raymond Terrace as well where there is also a need for youth mental health services.

Vitnell went on to say that the services are “by the community for the community.”

She is pleased to say that COPSY has enjoyed the support of the community in reaching their goals so far.

Without jupiter the youth of Port Stephens need to travel to John Hunter Hospital to access services which can mean multiple buses and parents needing to take time off work to attend appointments.

By Marian SAMPSON