Mineral Resources (MinRes) and Youth Focus recently celebrated a decade working together to create brighter futures for young Western Australians.
As a Premier Partner of Youth Focus, MinRes has provided $2.3 million over the past 10 years to help this outstanding not-for-profit provide free mental health support services to thousands of young people across Western Australia each year.
The long-running partnership, renewed for an additional two years in 2023, forms part of MinRes’ commitment to encouraging a culture in which mental health is spoken about openly. This includes staff access to in-house psychology services and mental health first aid training.
To mark the occasion, MinRes Head of Mental Health and clinical psychologist Chris Harris visited Youth Focus’ Burswood headquarters to meet with Chief Executive Officer Derry Simpson.
Reflecting on the past decade and looking towards the important work still to be done, Chris said the length of the partnership stemmed from a powerful alignment between the missions of both organisations.
“MinRes and Youth Focus both consider mental health to be just as important as physical health,” Chris said.
“I’m proud we are working together to help break down barriers and ensure support is accessible for young people.”
Recent Australian Bureau of Statistics figures show mental health challenges among young people have increased almost 50% over the past 15 years.
As the only youth specialist, non-government mental health service provider in Western Australia, Youth Focus sees first hand the growing need for services.
Derry said through the support of organisations like MinRes, Youth Focus can provide evidenced-based, safe and high-quality services at no cost when young people need them most.
“To achieve sustained support for young people, we need long-term partners like MinRes who understand the challenge and are committed to making a difference, just as we are,” she said.
“This partnership means we can support more young people, where and when they need it most.”
While the statistics are a stark reminder of the challenges so many young people face, Youth Focus remains focused on solutions.
“We exist to help create a community where young people can thrive. We know this takes a village – one that unites to support young people as they move through their lives,” Derry added.
“Thanks, MinRes, for being such an important part of this village. Youth Focus could not support the young people of Western Australia without partners like you.”
Learn more about MinRes’ valuable partnership with Youth Focus.
