Connexions

Support for young people with mental health and substance use issues.

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Connexions was founded in 1996 and is Victoria’s first dual-diagnosis service. The program supports young people aged 16 to 28 who have a dual diagnosis of mental health and substance use issues. It provides assertive counselling, casework and advocacy to participants, and also offers secondary consultation, training and support to other workers.

How does the program help?

Connexions engages participants in a relationship of trust, safety and understanding, and supports them to improve their wellbeing and work towards their individual recovery goals.

We provide flexible, integrated support through an individually tailored combination of:

  • intensive case work
  • counselling
  • advocacy
  • assertive outreach
  • site-based appointments
  • service navigation and supported referral pathways.

The support Connexions provides is strength-based, trauma-informed and person-centred. Young people are supported to identify their individual support needs and preferred methods of engagement, and develop a collaborative plan to work together.

How does the program work?

We provide casework, counselling, and advocacy

We deliver a flexible model of support to assist young people in meeting their personal goals. Connexions integrates case work, counselling and advocacy support to ensure engagement is tailored to individual needs.

Our goal is to work on the things that are most important to the individual, to improve their quality of life. We do this by understanding and working alongside young people.

Counselling and casework support can be provided either through office-based appointments or in the community. Supports can be provided on short-term or long-term basis as needed.

We consult with others who work with young people with multiple and complex needs

We provide secondary consultation, training and support to other workers in Victoria who are engaged with young people with multiple and complex needs.

Who can access the program?

Connexions provides support to young people aged 16 to 28 years old who:

  • are experiencing mental health issues (diagnosed or undiagnosed)
  • have past or current issues with alcohol and/or other drug use
  • have complex and multiple needs
  • are not engaged with mainstream services.

Where is the program offered?

Connexions provides outreach services across metropolitan Melbourne, with offices based in Brunswick and Sunshine. The program operates from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.


Make a referral

To make a referral for yourself or someone else, please contact the Connexions program by emailing connexions@jss.org.au.

Address

16 Withers Street, Sunshine VIC 3020

Phone

(03) 8595 2438

Address

10 Dawson Street Brunswick VIC 3056

Phone

(03) 9387 1233

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