We work with children and their families in Hunter New England LHD and deliver services and support for their wellbeing in a connective and supportive way.
Some young people do not have the support they need to access proper health care. This can mean missing the care they need when experiencing difficulties or knowing what the right type of care is.
Our services focus on supporting young people by helping them to engage effectively with health and other services.
The Youth Engagement Service (YES) works with young people, aged 12 to 17 years, and their families or carers to connect them to the right support at the right time.
We work with young people, aged 12 to 17 years, after an emergency department presentation or a hospital admission.
Sometimes we also see young people who are at risk of developing or with worsening mental health concerns, if they do not have the right interventions.
Our purpose is to make sure existing services are not duplicated. To do this, we work together with other health services to support with engagement and provide linkage when there are some barriers.
Our services include:
The YES team is made up of the following clinicians:
We will usually contact you. You can call (02) 4923 6041 between 8am - 4.30pm, Monday to Friday.
If we are unable to answer please leave a message, we check these regularly.
The Youth Health Team is a free and confidential health service that works with young people aged 12 to 18 years.
Priority is given to young people who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, or have limited support from family or caregivers.
We support young people who frequent, live, work or study in the regions of Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, or Port Stephens.
Our team works to improve the health outcomes of young people with complex health and social needs.
We use a strengths-based, harm minimisation approach that respects and supports the young person to take responsibility for their health care.
We assist and encourage young people by providing:
We offer young people a confidential health and wellbeing assessment, exploring key areas of their life to better understand their needs.
From there, we walk alongside the young person to set personalised goals, empowering them to take charge of their health in a way that works best for them.
Note: Youth Health is not a specialist mental health service. If you or someone you know needs help with mental health, call the Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511.
If you or someone you know is in a crisis situation or needs urgent medical attention, call 000 (triple zero) or go to the nearest Emergency Department.
Our team is made up of the following clinicians:
If you would like to refer a young person to our team, please use our youth health referral form.
If you would like to find out more about our service or discuss a potential referral, please email HNELHD-YouthHealthTeam@health.nsw.gov.au or call (02) 4925 7804 between 8am - 4.30pm, Monday to Friday.
If we are unable to answer please leave a message, we check these regularly.
The Youth Drug and Alcohol Clinical Service (YDACS) is a specialist service that works with young people, aged up to 18 years, experiencing moderate to severe drug or alcohol use.
Learn more about YDACS and how to contact our service.
The YDACS is flexible and can be designed to fit an individual young person's needs.
We understand that all young people come from diverse backgrounds, genders, sexuality, cultures and have their own unique experience and stories.
Some people start using alcohol or drugs to feel good or manage difficult emotions, which may have impacts on their mental health, like:
Using alcohol or drugs can lead to some unwanted and very harmful effects. Often people decide to reach out for help when they or someone close to them can see their use is causing harm.
Our services include:
Our multidisciplinary team include:
Everyone seeking or receiving healthcare in NSW has certain rights. Learn more about your healthcare rights and patient privacy.
We encourage you to ask us any questions or discuss anything you would like to address while you're with us.
Young people can refer themselves to our service. Call 1800 950 755 or email HNELHD-YouthDACS@health.nsw.gov.au to book an appointment.
Families and carers can use the same number and email for information and support.
We understand that families and carers of young people are their greatest strength and best support. Whenever possible, we make sure families are included in the assessment and treatment.
Any service provider can make a referral to our service, including:
To make a referral, use the Youth, Drug and Alcohol Clinical Service referral form.
If you need to cancel your appointment:
Phone:1800 950 755
Email:HNELHD-YouthDACS@health.nsw.gov.au
YDACS Newcastle street address:
Thwaites Building
4/72 Watt Street
Newcastle NSW 2300
YDACS Taree street address:
Macquarie Street Centre
Suite 1, 1/7 Macquarie Street
Taree NSW 2430
Young people can also contact these service organisations for help and support for their specific needs.
Learn more about alcohol and other drugs support services in Hunter New England.
Learn more about transgender and gender diversity services in Hunter New England.
Learn more about sexual health services in Hunter New England.
Learn more about mental health services in Hunter New England.
Transition care is when you move from paediatric (child) to adult health care.
It is the process of getting ready to move to the adult health care system and typically happens when you turn 18.
The NSW Agency for Clinical Innovation's Transition Care Service helps young people (14 to 25 years) with chronic health conditions in NSW to prepare to manage their health care more independently, including:
For more information, resources and service support go to the Transition Care Network website.
Parents and carers can find information for moving to adult health services, including common issues to address before and during the process.
