Media Release: Young Tasmanians help co-design clearer pathways to mental health support

Media Release

Young Tasmanians help co-design clearer pathways to mental health support

The Mental Health Council of Tasmania hosted a co-design workshop with young people from across the state in Launceston on Sunday, focused on improving how young Tasmanians find and access mental health support.

The workshop was part of MHCT’s Pathways pilot program, which aims to strengthen help-seeking behaviours among people aged 15 to 24 by providing clearer, practical guidance about available supports and pathways to care.

The session with young people formed part of a broader co-design approach that also includes consultation with parents and carers, and mental health service providers across Tasmania.

Mental Health Council of Tasmania CEO Dan Vautin said young people were highly aware of their mental health, but often unsure what steps to take when they noticed it was declining.

“We know young people have more awareness of their mental health than generations before them, which is a positive shift,” Mr Vautin said.

“But while awareness has grown, what’s often missing is clear, practical advice about what support is available and how to decide which option is right. When reaching out for help feels confusing or overwhelming, people are more likely to delay it, or not seek help at all.”

Mr Vautin said many people assumed seeing a psychologist was the first or only option, which was not always necessary.

“There’s often an assumption that the first step has to be seeing a psychologist, but that’s not always the most appropriate or necessary option,” he said.

“Pathways is about helping young people understand the range of supports available, which ones are right for where they’re at and how to access them.”

Mr Vautin said directly involving young people was critical to designing effective mental health pathways.

“Young people are the experts in their own experience, which is why they need to be at the centre of designing something intended for them.”