New service provider for STAR4kids in Camden, Wollondilly and Wingecarribee
29 Jan 2024
as the new commissioned service provider for the STAR4kids program in the Camden, Wollondilly and Wingecarribee Local Government Areas (LGAs).
Community Links Wellbeing is a not-for-profit non-government organisation which supports clients to achieve positive individual and community outcomes through events, groups, workshops, youth programs, crisis support, carer and family support, and allied and mental health services.
Community Links Wellbeing will take over management of the STAR4Kids program from At Full Potential Pty Ltd on Thursday, 1 February.
STAR4kids provides free psychological therapies to children aged three to 12 years with, or at risk of, developing a mild to moderate mental illness, including depression, anxiety or stress disorders.
The service consists of up to 12 hours of free psychological support with a mental health professional (psychologist, mental health nurse or accredited social worker) who has experience working with children.
SWSPHN’s Mental Health and Alcohol and Other Drugs Manager, Jade Weidner, thanked At Full Potential Pty Ltd for their work in delivering STAR4kids for seven years, and for working closely with Community Links Wellbeing to ensure the smooth transition of the service and continuity of care for clients.
“We want to assure our community the STAR4kids service in Camden, Wollondilly and Wingecarribee will continue under the care of Community Links Wellbeing,” she said.
“SWSPHN has a long relationship with Community Links Wellbeing which already provides a number of SWSPHN-commissioned holistic and solution-focused mental health and wellbeing services in the region.”
For clients under a current referral and working with a STAR4Kids mental health clinician within Camden, Wollondilly and Wingecaribee LGAs, there will be no immediate change. You will continue to be treated by your current clinician until you have completed your referral.
All new referrals will be managed and allocated services by Community Links Wellbeing.
How to access STAR4kids
If you are a parent or carer you can gain access to the program for your child by visiting your GP for a referral. You will need to book a longer GP appointment, so your child can be assessed, and a referral and GP Mental Health Treatment Plan (for Children) is completed.
Referrals can also be made through approved referrers such as early childhood centres, teachers and school counsellors.
Referrals by health professionals
GPs and other health professionals may make referrals to this service through SWSPHN’s Mental Health Central Intake.