People across western NSW can now access free mental health coaching support developed by Beyond Blue, delivered by Marathon Health and funded by Western NSW Primary Health Network.

The NewAccess program, launched in Dubbo on Wednesday, March 13, is available to people over 16 years living in the WNSW PHN area.

NewAccess is available to anyone feeling stressed, anxious, isolated or struggling to deal with difficult work or personal life challenges “ getting on top of challenges like these can prevent conditions such as depression.

NewAccess pairs people with a mental health coach trained in Low Intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. Over six free sessions, coaches give people the skills they need to get on top of the issues causing their distress.

NewAccess coaches come from a range of backgrounds including agriculture, farming, Indigenous and youth mental health services.

Coaches will develop individual recovery plans for each person, empowering them to manage their own mental health especially if those issues arise again.

The program is available in person, by phone and via Skype and Facetime, making it easier for people living in rural areas to access quality support without long delays.

A doctor’s referral is not required but general practitioners can refer patients to NewAccess.

More information here.