Primary care providers supporting individuals who are experiencing grief and mental health challenges, relating to a traumatic event.

Children, Young People, and their families within CESPHN’s region, and broader Sydney community have been adversely impacted by the traumatic incidents that occurred on 25 October 2023 at St Andrew’s Cathedral School, located in Town Hall within the Sydney CBD.

To experience such an event is one of the most challenges, complex and unprecedented circumstances that a school community will have to navigate.

headspace in collaboration with CESPHN, NSW health, Department of Education, and Mental Health services within our region, have extended the below message for GP’s who work with children, young people and families.

Primary care providers may support individuals who are experiencing grief and mental health challenges, relating to the traumatic event.

Schools, and other key local agencies in the area are working together on a rapid action plan to reduce the risks for these individuals.

Key Messages:

• GP’s play a critical role in detection of this risk and guiding families to the right services if need.
• headspace have developed a service flyer for parents and carers on how to access services and this will be shared regularly.
• If you are seeing children or young people with risk, please reinforce the importance of the family in telling their school so they are aware of the risk or concern. Promote the need for safety and working in partnership with the schools.
• Local mental health providers will continue to work together with education to support accessibility and priority of referrals to services for children and young people who have been impacted.

Key mental health providers came together this week to look at the accessibility and priority of referrals to services for children, families, and young people.

Please see the services attached that can provide support for young people who have been affected by the current traumatic incidences at St Andrew’s Cathedral School.