Sir David Martin Foundation - Helping young people in crisis

Natasha

Natasha was referred to Creative Youth Initiatives through another mental health service provider. She was alone, having moved away from all her family and friends in Perth, with no social networks and she was living in a hostel. She was suffering with significant mental health problems and was unable to communicate effectively with anyone. She was terribly withdrawn, had low self esteem and was unable to make eye contact.

The Creative Youth Initiatives student support programme worked with Natasha to assess her immediate needs. As Natasha had moved interstate and ceased to have contact with her family, it was important for her to start building a support network of people she trusted and liked. In addition, it became important for Natasha to find stable accommodation where both herself and her personal belongings would be safe and secure.

Creative Youth Initiatives have achieved significant outcomes for Natasha as she is now in stable long term accommodation. Through a corporate partner they were able to supply Natasha with a mobile phone which has allowed her to leave contact details for job applications. Through this Natasha has been empowered to gain casual employment and make contact with her family again. The good news is Natasha is now regularly seeing a counsellor and her mental health issues are stabilised. Her self esteem and communication skills have improved significantly and Natasha feels she is once again in control of her life.