Last week, we celebrated the official launch of YFlex, a free mental health service for young people aged 12 to 25 living in Perth South.
Since first opening its doors last October, YFlex has provided support to 160 young people who are experiencing complex and ongoing mental health challenges, demonstrating the need for flexible, tailored support for young people.
YFlex is delivered by an integrated team of allied health workers, mental health nurses, youth peer workers, family/carer peer workers and a psychiatrist.
Using a trauma-informed approach, the YFlex team supports young people to discover their strengths, develop healthy coping skills and make positive changes to their mental health and wellbeing.
Support is flexible and responsive, with appointments offered at the service, at home, in the community or via telehealth.
YFlex supports young people with emerging to established mental health challenges who need more than brief intervention but do not meet the criteria for higher‑intensity services.
The service fills a critical gap between primary care, brief support and acute services, and is closely integrated with headspace, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), GPs, schools and community organisations.
YFlex has been co‑designed with young people to prioritise safety, choice, flexibility and meaningful relationships.
Aimee Wright, a Youth Representative on the YFlex Advisory Committee who helped shape the service, is now a member of the Operational Governance Committee, providing advice and oversight on implementation, outcomes and safety.
At the YFlex launch event, Aimee spoke of her pride in being a part of the co-design process.
‘What I love most about YFlex is that it recognises young people as experts in their own lives,’ she said.
‘It values lived experience, not as an afterthought, but as a core part of how the service is shaped and delivered.
‘I am proud to be part of a program that is bridging service gaps, challenging old ways of thinking and creating something that truly responds to what young people need.’
Tom Dalton, CEO of Neami National, said YFlex builds on Neami’s long‑standing commitment to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of young people.
Tom highlighted the number of young people accessing the service since its launch, which he said demonstrates ‘strong demand for flexible, relationship‑based support that meets young people earlier and in ways that fit their lives.’
YFlex is a Neami National service, supported by funding from the Australian Government under the PHN Program and commissioned by WA Primary Health Alliance.
