GATEWAY Health is calling for financial support to continue their free outreach services through the The Youth Alcohol and Other Drug Outreach program.

The community health service which operates across the North East, including Alpine Shire, said a recent study that showed living in a regional area is a strong predictor of later risky drinking has highlighted the need for more funding for prevention services.

The national Ten to Men study found boys (aged 10-17) living in a regional or rural area were almost twice as likely as their city-based peers to be drinking at risky levels over a 10-year period.

Gateway Health general manager of alcohol and other drugs, Maryanne Donnellan, said risky drinking behaviour is usually the result of a ‘perfect storm’.

“The brain isn’t fully developed until the mid to late 20s...this combined with young people's tendency to push the boundaries means young people are more likely to engage in risky behaviour," she said.

"Then they may experience problems at home, at school or in their relationships that lead them to turn to alcohol.”

Gateway Health's Youth Alcohol and Other Drug Outreach program is available to young people aged 12 to 25 across the North East, and can be accessed through headspace Wangaratta.

It’s a free and confidential treatment service that is tailored to meet a young person’s needs such as a drug and alcohol assessment, peer support, counselling and referral to a treatment centre if needed.

The program also provides information and education on alcohol and drugs at high schools, and through youth groups.

Gateway Health CEO Trent Dean, said this study is an important reminder about the mental health challenges in regional Australia.

“Community health plays such an important role in addressing health care needs especially when it comes to prevention,” he said.

“We’ve built relationships with local schools, councils and other agencies to help us connect with and educate young people about the risks of using alcohol and other drugs.”

Most of the funding Gateway Health receives goes to treating those who have developed a dependence on alcohol or other drugs.

“Resources to support those with alcohol or other drugs dependence are stretched thin, that’s why it’s important to put more funding towards prevention rather than intervention,” Mr Dean said.

“It’s easier to educate and warn young people about risky drinking behaviour before it becomes problematic.”

AT YOUR SERVICE

THE Youth Alcohol and Other Drug Outreach program is offered at Gateway Health in Wangaratta and Wodonga, and also provides regular outreach services to the communities of Myrtleford, Bright, Mt Beauty, Benalla, Mansfield, Beechworth, Corryong and Tallangatta.

Gateway Health provides community health and wellbeing services to individuals, families and communities across North East Victoria with a focus on the provision of services to people at the highest risk of poor health outcomes.

While Gateway Health receives government funding to support the critical work it does, it is also open to donations and sponsorship to help it continue the vital work it does for those experiencing diverse health and wellbeing needs.

To make a donation, visit the Gateway Health website at gatewayhealth.org.au/get-involved/donations/.

For more information about Gateway Health's support services visit https://gatewayhealth.org.au/services/alcohol-drug-support/.