> www.youthfocus.com.au

Youth Focus is a West Australian, non-profit community based organisation working with young people 12-18 years of age who are showing early signs associated with suicide, depression and self-harm. Youth Focus values young lives by ensuring the emotional well-being of young people, developing their self worth and offering them the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Youth Focus provides the following range of services:
• Youth Counselling
• Family Counselling
• Peer Support Program
• Mentor Program
• Volunteer Program
Youth and Family Counselling
Youth Counsellors work exclusively with the young person or where appropriate in partnership with their family and a Youth Focus Family Counsellor.

Youth Focus provides a friendly, confidential and professional service for young people who are in need of counselling and support. Youth Focus Counsellors are trained professionals with the skills necessary to assist young people in identifying coping strategies to deal with issues associated with suicide, depression and self-harm.

Youth and Family Counselling appointments are free of charge and available at our office. Youth Counselling is also available on an outreach basis - where Counsellors meet with clients at home, school or at a convenient location.

Peer Support Program
The Peer Support Program provides therapeutic group work for young people 14-18 years who are showing early signs associated with suicide, depression and self-harm.

The Peer Support Program involves pre-camp recreation based groups, a weekend therapeutic camp and post-camp support groups. The Peer Support Program combines social, creative and physical activities with an emphasis on a safe, fun, non-judgemental group based experience for young people.

Mentor Program
The Mentor Program supports young people 14-18 years who are showing early signs associated with suicide, depression and self-harm. Mentors engage in 6 weeks training, are Police screened and matched with a young person based on their interests, gender, location and their ability to help meet the needs of the young person.
A Youth Focus Counsellor assesses the need for a Mentor based on the young person’s goals and interests. The Counsellor continues to work and support the Mentor and young person throughout the relationship.

Volunteer Program
Youth Focus provides a range of opportunities for sponsors, supporters and members of the community to assist Youth Focus through volunteering. You can become a valuable member of the Youth Focus team and aid in the delivery and co-ordination of our Events and Fundraising activities, Peer Support and Mentoring Programs.

For additional information regarding Youth Focus contact us on (08) 9361 4222 or email youthfocus@yct.asn.au.

> www.mercyministries.com.au

Mercy Ministries exists to see young women reach their full potential through participation in our residential based program. Their goal is to see each young woman who enters the program emerge confident and full of hope for her future.

Eating disorders, depression, self harm, unplanned pregnancy, abuse and drug addictions – these alarming social issues are more than problems … they are symptoms of a deeper crisis … problems much deeper than what lies on the surface. There are root causes in people that bring about the multiple social problems that we face in our society today. We must deal with these causes and not just the symptoms.

At Mercy Ministries, a willing heart and sincere desire to change are the only requirements for entering the program and beginning the ultimate path to transformation. Young women facing such life controlling issues can experience unconditional love that brings hope, restoration and healing to the spirit, soul and body.

Mercy Ministries provides a structured, residential program for young women 16 to 28 years equipping them with life principles and social skills, training in nutrition and fitness, career guidance and access to education.

The Mercy Ministries program is provided free of charge, and that is one of the first steps in building a bridge of trust between her and the staff. Many young women have already been in programs that cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars a day. Each you woman needs to know the Mercy Ministries program is about changing lives – not about making money. Christian counseling is the core of each young woman’s time at Mercy Ministries.

All staff are highly trained and committed to helping each young woman restore hope and stability to her life.

Mercy Ministries currently operates homes in New South Wales and Queensland, with young women from all over Australia able to participate in the program. The Perth Home is expected to open in 2008 and planning is underway for a home to be opened in other states.