The rate of young people presenting with complex mental health issues to the Mountains Youth Services Team has doubled this year.
MYST manager Kim Scanlon said the bushfires, followed by the coronavirus pandemic, had created a crisis in youth mental health, which the community services sector was under-resourced to deal with.
"They are feeling like there is not a lot of hope for the future," she said. "We are quite concerned about that."
Ms Scanlon said they were seeing a lot of anxious, depressed young people and an increase in self-harm and suicidal ideation.
"Most community services are under-resourced to deal with this crisis," she said.
The staff at MYST believe if all year 10 students took part in a Teen Mental Health First Aid course, this could improve the situation, enabling teenagers to support their peers. They want this course to be rolled out at the Mountains' four public high schools - Blaxland, Winmalee, Springwood and Katoomba.
Before it can be rolled out to students, 10 per cent of teachers at each school must have also undertaken the training, and the cost of covering casual teachers' wages while the teachers complete the two-day course isn't cheap.
Ms Scanlon said they didn't want to charge students or teachers and need to raise $30,000 to roll out the course at the four public high schools.
They are holding a fundraiser at Wentworth Falls Country Club on December 4 at 6.30pm. Blue Mountains band Safire Palms will get the party started with their energetic and uplifting psych-funk tunes. Entry is $5 at the door, with tickets available on a first in, first served basis. COVID restrictions limit the venue capacity to 125 people. It is an over 18s event, but those under 18 are welcome to attend if accompanied by a legal guardian.
From Christmas, the recycling centre at Wenworth Falls Country Club will also accept donations to MYST as part of their fundraising efforts.
"The government needs to prioritise mental health for young people. We need them to be OK," Ms Scanlon said.
A collaborative study between MYST and Blue Mountains City Council in 2018 of 2000 young people in the Blue Mountains found that being able to support their friends with their mental health was the most important issue for young people.
"This is a way to empower young people and give them the tools, and so they also know where to go for help," Ms Scanlon said.
- If you, or someone you know needs help, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.
