House a lifesaver for youth

A break is just what the doctor ordered for young people in Wanganui experiencing mental health issues.

A respite house and service opened in Wanganui last year for young people aged 15 to 20 and their families.

In the six months since the respite house opened, many families have benefited, with some saying it's been a lifesaver for them and their child, said Sean Moloney, Whanganui District Health Board child and adolescent mental health service (CAMHS) clinical manager.

Mr Moloney said young people enjoyed having a safe place to retreat to and the respite service gave their parents and caregivers a well-earned chance to relax as well.

He said the health board provided clinical support and funding to Pathways to maintain the house while the organisation provided live-in support for youth staying there.

Established to provide temporary accommodation for one, and sometimes two, young people for up to a week at a time, the house is a nice, suburban property which Pathways rents from Housing New Zealand.

As well as the company of live-in Pathways staff, the young people are given food, can go on supported outings into the community and are taught life skills to do with things such as preparing their meals.

Mr Moloney said given that depression and anxiety were the two most common challenges faced by the youth mental health service and people using Pathways services, a key part of both groups' role was to work with young people in the early stages of their illness.

"And it's to help them maintain their links with the community, their families and encourage them to retain their independence," Mr Moloney said.

"It's a combined effort between the WDHB and Pathways and I'm very proud of what we have achieved and the relationship we've formed."

He said Pathways was doing wonderful work supporting people using its services.

"We responded positively when they approached us last year to see if we would consider working with them to open a respite house and service," Mr Moloney said.

"We know a good respite service can have a very positive influence on a person with mental health issues.

"Wanganui's mental health youth respite house is a first for Pathways."

Led by mental health and addiction services nurse manager Sharon Crombie, the WDHB mental health service was making big strides in forming partnerships with a number of community providers, he said.