Mental Wellbeing

Communities That Care Alpine (CTCA) is a community-based initiative designed to promote the healthy development of children and young people. Underpinned by the Social Development Strategy, CTCA aims to improve the lives of children, young people and families living in the Alpine Shire. There are 5 phases to CTC to guide communities towards identifying and understanding local needs, setting priorities, and implementing tested effective strategies to address those needs. Established in 2010, CTCA is a coordinated approach between Alpine Health, Alpine Shire Council, North East Local Learning and Employment Network and North East Support & Action for Youth. In order to assist with the coordinated approach of the partnership, CTCA developed the Alpine Shire Youth Strategy - Alpine Shire 2022-24 (Low Res) Youth Strategy

Key achievements of CTCA include:

• FReeZA and Engage youth events
• Youth and Teen Mental Health First Aid
• Myrtleford’s #bekindtoyourmind Mental Health Week
• B4Work Program
• Development of the Youth Communications Framework
• Delivery of the Alpine Shire Youth Awards
• The launch of the Online Youth Hub
• Establishment of the Resilient Alpine Youth Squad.
• The creation of the Lighthouse Youth Space

You can read the full report of key achievements here – Final CTCA Report

This program concluded in December 2024, however partners remain committed to working for and with youth of the Alpine Shire. This partnership is now called the Alpine Shire Youth Support Network.

Following on from mental wellbeing week in 2023, between August and October, additional workshops were held with secondary schools in Mt Beauty, Bright and Myrtleford for years 7 – 10. These sessions targeted emotional awareness, confidence in looking after one’s wellbeing, and knowledge of services and support available to them.

Myrtleford schools have now participated in #Bekindtoyourmind mental wellbeing week for the 3^rd year in a row, with their latest participation in April 2024. The week consisted of:

• Guest speaker Chelsea Frawley presenting on mental health red flags, substance use and how to seek help.
• Mental wellbeing workshops being delivered to years 7 to 10, providing them with skills to look after their wellbeing and seek support.

Facilitator Lee Couch delivered a deep thinking meditation workshop, which applied ancient and traditional methods, including connectedness with people, spirit and land. This workshop was delivered in Myrtleford on the 18^th April 2024, and additional sessions will be provided later in the year to Bright and Mt Beauty. 

Alpine Shire Council has been supporting the delivery of mental health first aid to young people and parents. The idea of this training is to upskill the community to identify when someone is at need of support, and be able to provide that support in the most effective way possible.

Alpine Health is also exploring the possibility of offering this training more broadly to community.  

The Alpine Saints Myrtleford Football Netball Club Wellbeing Team was formed in 2021 and is now considered a hub where individuals can access support and referrals to improve and maintain mental wellness. The team aims to provide support for those who are experiencing mental health issues and need a confidential ear to listen and direct them to the appropriate support or services before problems escalate. If you want to establish a Wellbeing Team at your club or organisation, please contact us.

This documentary was screened in October 2023 at Myrtleford and Mt Beauty, and is a true story about love, loss and reconnection through the story of Brenda Matthews. These screenings were hosted by Lee Couch, a proud Gamilaroi woman, who is currently living on Taugurong, Dhudhuroa and Waywuru Country. 125 local people attended and were able to connect through yarning following the film, facilitated by Lee. This film is now available for viewing on Netflix.