Not only have they discovered a general reluctance to seek help but also evidence that it’s too difficult to reach those services where transport is inadequate.

The Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health has surveyed groups of young people, parents, teachers and service providers in recent weeks to determine what help young people in Port Stephens need.

“We’re seeing a lot of issues around transport and access to services,” Dr Kate Davies, one of the project’s researchers said.

“It’s all of those rural and semi rural areas like Lemon Tree, Medowie and Karuah.

“Nationally, we also know there’s still a stigma associated with mental health and we’ve already found that in Port Stephens.”

The surveys have discovered both real and perceived barriers between youths and help services.

“There are a number of services both inside and outside of Port Stephens and not everyone is aware of them,” Dr Davies said.

“Some of them have waiting lists while others require travel, and there’s a cost issue with some too.”

Caring for Our Port Stephens Youth (COPSY) wants to see better mental health services for young people in Port Stephens.

To do so it first needed to determine how big the issue was.

COPSY commissioned the study in partnership with the Hunter New England Central Coast Primary Health Network and Port Stephens Council.

The research team from the Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health, attached to the University of Newcastle, begun its field work in September.

The team’s next step is to discuss its finding at two forums on November 16 and 17 before it makes a series of final recommendations.

“A Port Stephens-based headspace is something that has come up in our conversations; headspace is the key service model in Australia for youth mental health,” Dr Davies said.

“It’s one of the options we’ll be talking about but it’s not the only model.

“It might well be the dream model for Port Stephens but there are other options and the might involve building up some of the existing services.”

But there is evidence to suggest headspace is already popular.

“There are already youths from Port Stephens using the Maitland and Newcastle service but transport is a real issue,” Dr Davies said. 

Both workshops are open for all to attend. The first forum is scheduled for Tomaree Library at 5.30pm on November 16.

The second event will take place at Raymond Terrace Library from noon on November 17.

To register for the study or one of the two workshops, contact Kate Davies at the Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health on 4042 1623 or email kate.davies@newcastle.edu.au.