A new drop-in mental health service for Wanganui youth is set to open its doors next month.
SUPP, named by young people involved in the development of the project, was established with funding from the Ministry of Health provided to set up a service able to reach youth who often felt isolated and afraid to ask for help.
The Whanganui District Health Board (WDHB) is one of six boards throughout the country chosen to develop the drop-in service.
SUPP is a nod to the expression "What's up?", but over time it's hoped young people will also identify it with "Sort your Problems" or "Support your Peers". The name came after WDHB portfolio manager, child and youth, Jon Buchan asked young people for ideas as to how the service could be designed to make it appealing for those using it. He asked them to help develop a service and brand that would "speak" to them.
He and staff from other agencies involved in the project hope over time young people and their families will identify the name SUPP with all WDHB youth services. Those agencies include Balance Whanganui, Supporting Families with Mental Illness, the Whanganui Regional Health Network, the Youth Service Trust and Te Oranganui Iwi Health Authority.