IN each generation, young people have faced some of the same challenges. They’re looking for independence, dealing with physical change, learning about the world around them, dealing with family and friendships and trying to do well at school.

It’s difficult enough for young people to come to terms with these complexities, let alone the changing nature of today’s world. We all know young people are vulnerable to developing mental health issues and depression is one of the most common.

The National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing suggests that

19 per cent of adolescents aged 13–17 have a mental health disorder. Research also suggests that if left untreated, mental health issues can have serious long-term consequences.

But it can be difficult to work out if a young person is just having a rough time or whether there is something more serious happening. Mental health issues are more than moodiness and it’s important to get help.

That’s why we set up the Youth Hub at 43 Carrington Road, Box Hill. It helps young people aged 12–25 and their parents to work out what’s happening, and helps establish what sort of help is needed. There’s nothing wrong with seeking help. There are doctors, psychologists and psychiatrists on site to help people who need it.

The aim is to intervene early so young people and their families can access the right service at the right time and in the right place.

Education, housing and employment support will also be part of the Hub, because we know these areas have a big impact on a young person’s ability to attain a sense of wellbeing.

It’s a very welcoming and friendly place. It’s a place where young people are linked to the services they need in a way that encourages them to be involved in their own health care, but with a level of support that will mean this engagement is successful and cross-referrals are easily made.

The Youth Hub is run by Eastern Health in partnership with Avenues Education, Deakin University, Melbourne East GP Network, Mental Illness Fellowship Australia and MIND Australia.

For more information, call 1300 721 927.