Street Connect recognised for collaborative program

Anglicare WA’s Street Connect program was yesterday announced as the recipient of the Commissioner for Children and Young People’s Award for Improved Outcomes in Child and Youth Mental Health.

I was pleased to present the award at the official 2015 Good Outcomes Awards ceremony in recognition of the organisation’s street-based outreach service, which assists highly marginalised, vulnerable and often homeless young people, many of whom experience mental ill health.

As well as providing mobile youth-friendly resources and information, Street Connect is involved in conducting emergency interventions and has developed collaborative relationships with hospitals, police, city rangers and local non-government services to produce strategies to reduce the severity of young people’s mental illness.

The Good Outcomes Awards, presented by the Mental Health Commission, is a celebration of excellence in the mental health industry across WA, with several outstanding individuals, groups and organisations being recognised for their leadership, innovation and continuous improvement efforts.

My congratulations also go to two highly commendable WA services - Ngala’s Tuned in Parenting program, and Busselton Senior High School’s off-site Ignite Program.

Mental health remains an ongoing priority of work for my office.

It is incredibly important that we continue to support programs that assist in improving mental health outcomes for children and young people in WA.

Thank you to all involved for coordinating a fantastic high tea event. I am encouraged by the overwhelming commitment and enthusiasm expressed by all participants.

Jenni Perkins
Acting Commissioner for Children and Young People