Council is considering its future role as a direct provider of youth counselling in a move aimed at providing more comprehensive healthcare for young people in Knox.
Young people would continue to receive counselling through local service providers such as Eastern Access Community Health (EACH).
Council is committed to enabling young people to access free or low cost local services and has provided (EACH) with grants totalling more than $1.18 million since 2018, enabling the employment of full-time counsellors to support young people in Knox.
Other local providers include Knox Headspace and Meridian Counselling Services provided though Anglicare Victoria.
There are about 30,000 people aged 10-24 years living in Knox and this number is projected to grow to about 32,000 in 2031.
The decision follows a comprehensive review of youth counselling services, prompted by considerable changes since the service was introduced to fill a void in the market. Over time, other service providers have become well established and offer similar and expanded clinical services to the Knox community.
Council will continue to explore further opportunities with our partners to deliver best practice counselling services, and investigate the availability of Council sites for another service provider to expand their reach and accessibility of services for our young people.
Council’s Youth Services will continue to support young people through existing programs and activities, and through the new Knox Youth Hive opening as part of the Knox Library redevelopment on 8 March.
The Youth Hive will provide a dedicated and safe environment for young people to enjoy themselves, engage in social activities and discuss matters with trained youth workers. A key role for Council’s youth workers will be to refer young people to local support services.
Council has also secured funding from the Department of Education to deliver School Focused Youth Services for another two years, working with students in Years 5-12 on issues including school refusal, bullying and relationships.
Staff consultation is currently underway and Council will meet in March to review feedback and make a final decision.
