Introduction
Family Life is a specialised child and family services organisation with a well-established footprint across the south eastern suburbs of Melbourne through fifty years of service delivery. Family Life’s purpose is to support children and young people to thrive by strengthening families and supporting capable communities in order to achieve optimum mental health. Our long connection to the local community has created an extensive network of community partnerships and connections which enhance the mental health and wellbeing of children, young people and families. Whilst approximately 20% of Australians experience mental ill-health, 40% have never accessed mental health services, with young people less likely than any other age group to seek professional help.5 Over 75% of mental health problems occur before the age of 25.6 We know that among these young people, mental health problems, especially anxiety and mood disorders, are the main cause of disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs)7. Problematic substance use, including alcohol and illicit drugs can accompany mental illness.8
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Identifying risk factors and addressing mental health problems early wherever possible (early in life and early in the development of a condition) is key to reducing the social, emotional and financial costs of mental illness.9 The SHINE program supports children and young people during this early stage. The program fills a significant gap in the area of children’s and young people’s mental health, supporting individuals who do not qualify for, or cannot engage with, more clinical mental health services due to age and complexity of issues, where they would otherwise slip through system gaps. While SHINE has provided mental health support for twelve years, this report provides an overview of the performance and impact of the SHINE program during the last five years - from June 2015 to June 2020.
Australian Government (2019) Kessler et al (2005) https://www.sane.org/information-stories/facts-and-guides/mental-illness-in-younger-people Kelly & Daley (2013) Australian Government (2019)
