‘NewAccess’ is a free, early intervention coaching program run by Intereach for people right across the region.

People with mild to moderate depression, anxiety, or other stresses of daily living can get six weekly sessions with a specially-trained coach who can give them strategies to overcoming their problems. Crucially, people can choose to either meet with their coach in person or speak with them over the phone, eliminating geographical barriers to mental health support.

According to Brendan Koivu, who helped trial the NewAccess concept in the Port Macquarie area, more people are able to get help sooner, preventing bigger problems later on.

“We’ve had fantastic successes and it’s really increased access for people who weren’t able to get help before,” Mr Koivu said.

“Because we can work over the phone, because you’re talking to someone usually from your local community who gets where you’re at, the fact that it’s only six weeks and it’s free and confidential, it doesn’t require a referral.

“It has really meant that a lot of people can get help, especially early on before the problems are too serious to then prevent needing further support down the track.”

The program was developed by beyondblue and Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network staff had worked hard to roll NewAccess out in the region.

Shameen Jeeawody, one of the NewAccess coaches, said it was really interesting.

“It’s something that’s definitely needed in regards to dealing with people with anxiety and depression,”Ms Jeeawody said.

“We’ve seen a lot of response people who have come through the program. I’m confident it’s a good thing for Wagga, because it targets not just Australian citizens but also non-citizens too, there’s no age limit and we have workers in Griffith and Deniliquin too.”

To find out more about NewAccess, call 6923 3195 or visit www.intereach.com.au.

NewAccess is not a crisis service, if you have immediate concerns for your own or someone else’s safety please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Triple-0.

NewAccess is available free of charge to people living in local government areas such as: