"There's been a 274 per cent increase in participation at COPSY's (Caring for Our Port Stephens Youth) Jupiter counselling service when compared to last year," said counsellor Paul Pearton, who manages the program.

"Recent restrictions and lockdowns have further heightened the negative impact COVID-19 has had on the mental health and general wellbeing of young people in Port Stephens.

"We are now also seeing some isolated young people who are anxious about going back to school and socialising."

The statistics were relayed to visitor Jennifer Leslie, chair of the Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation, on Wednesday.

In May the foundation provided $55,000 in funding to provide 700 counselling consultations through Jupiter. The free counselling services have proven to benefit young people and help reduce feelings of anxiety and depression.

Ms Leslie said that the charitable foundation was pleased to have been able to fund a COPSY project for a second time. In 2018, it provided $53,000 to fit out the Salamander Bay centre.

"COPSY has told us that three-quarters of people who develop mental wellbeing challenges, first experience symptoms before they are 25 so it is vital that we give young people as much support as possible," Ms Leslie said.

"Providing young people with a welcoming and safe space to talk, and offering services close to home is really important in ensuring they feel comfortable seeking support."

Mr Pearton said that 400 of the fully funded consultations had been delivered to date to 85 local young people.

"Using the (RCADS) Revised Children and Depression Anxiety Scale, and other measures, there has been a significant improvement in feelings of anxiety and in feelings of depression among those who have received counselling," he added.

Mr Pearton said that the counselling consultations were targeted at young people who may not otherwise have access to local services. He said the need for mental health and wellbeing support for Port Stephens' young people was great, given the area's isolation from other youth focused services and limited transport links.

"The Newcastle Permanent funding became even more crucial as the COVID-19 pandemic hit the region," Mr Pearton said.

"When lockdowns hit, we were able to adapt and deliver the consultations via telehealth. Now that lockdowns are over, we are back supporting another 30 young people who prefer the security and connection of face-to-face counselling."

Jupiter is taking new counselling bookings for the first term of 2022, which will also be available from its new consultation rooms at Port Stephens Street, Raymond Terrace.

or more information or to book an appointment visit jupiter.org.au or phone 0490 716 265.

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