Young people facing mental health issues will have more access to life-changing support after a new accommodation unit was installed at Homestead For Youth.
The Pinjarra-based non-profit organisation will be able to provide help and a safe place for at least six extra vulnerable young people at its Residential Farm and Recovery Home.
Funded by PEACH Alcoa and AWA Bank and delivered with support from Freo Group, the unit will take the pressure off current accommodation, including a small dining area and shared bathrooms and bedrooms.
Since Homestead For Youth opened its doors in 2014, the organisation has helped hundreds of young people and their families by using horses, cars, outdoor activities and the arts to help engage, motivate and inspire vulnerable youth.
Their innovative family-style recovery program allows them to stay onsite for four to 12 months to learn life and mental health skills, receive counselling, go to school, and have the space to work through life-altering issues in a safe, structured environment.
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Co-founder Marty Fadelli said the new accommodation unit would allow Homestead For Youth to expand the program for young people living with mental health issues, including anxiety and depression.
"We currently have nine young people staying at our Residential Farm and Recovery Home, but our waiting list is growing larger and until now we just simply haven't been able to accommodate more teenagers," he said.
"This new unit means at least six more young people can access support and therapy to help them cope with some really complex issues."
Mr Fadelli said some were even coming from as far as the eastern states to receive help at Homestead For Youth.
"The program supports young people from across Peel, as well as regional areas like Albany and Geraldton, and even someone from Melbourne," he said.
"Word is starting to spread and we're hoping to be able to expand Homestead For Youth into other states in the future.
"We're fortunate enough to have the support of many generous partners who, like Freo Group and Alcoa, donate their services and time to help us make a difference. As a self-funded organisation, we couldn't grow without their support."
This new unit means at least six more young people can access support and therapy to help them cope with some really complex issues.
- Homestead For Youth co-founder Marty Fadelli
Freo Group chief executive Tony Canci said he was motivated to support Homestead For Youth after learning of the high number of young people in Peel taking their own lives.
"We were introduced to the work of Homestead For Youth earlier this year and it really struck a chord with our team," he said.
"Being a locally-based business and employing many young people ourselves, it was quite confronting to learn that Peel has one of the highest youth suicide rates in Australia.
"Mental health is a really important issue facing so many, and it's a privilege to extend whatever support we can to Homestead For Youth."
For more information about Homestead for Youth, visit the website.
If you, or someone you know, needs help contact Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800, Lifeline on 131 114, or beyondblue on 1300 22 46 36.
