AMY Griffiths has always had a heart for helping young people and their families. That’s why she joined IMPACT Community Services as the new Team Leader of the Family Mental Health Support Services (FMHSS) in Hervey Bay.

The FMHSS is a program that provides early intervention support, short-term assistance, and community outreach and education to improve mental health outcomes for children, young people, and their families.

IMPACT, which has successfully operated FMHSS in Bundaberg for 15 years, has recently taken over the contract to provide this vital service to the Hervey Bay and Fraser Coast region. 

In the last financial year, IMPACT’s FMHHS helped 110 short term and 39 long term clients, as well as reaching out to 342 people through group and community forum sessions.

Amy, who moved to Australia from New Zealand and fell in love with the Fraser Coast, is eager to use her skills and experience to make a difference in the lives of the people she serves. 

She has a background in youth work and social work and has worked in various mental health services in the region, starting as a youth worker in Kingaroy, where her career really started to develop, before moving to the Fraser Coast to pursue a Bachelor of Social Work. 

Prior to joining IMPACT, she was part of the Family Mental Health Service with Red Cross, and the Intensive Family Support (IFS) program with IMPACT for 5 months.

Amy is now leading a team of four dedicated and passionate staff members who deliver the FMHSS program.

She will be working at the Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre, where she and the FMHSS team will collaborate with other community organisations and stakeholders to deliver the FMHSS program.

“I’m so excited. It’s where my heart is, working with the youth…it’s where my passion is,” Amy said. 

“I’m looking forward to watching the program grow within the community.”

The FMHSS is open to referrals from families, schools, health professionals, and other agencies. To contact the FMHSS, call 0473 533 491, or visit the Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre, 22 Charles Street, Pialba.