We are seeking to commission a suitable service provider(s) to deliver an evidence-based Children and/or Youth Mental Health Program(s) for bushfire affected individuals across the Blue Mountains, Hawkesbury, and Lithgow LGAs.

The supplier must commence engaging with stakeholders within one month from contract execution. Program delivery must commence no later than 6 February 2024 and be completed by 30 June 2024.

The program(s):

• should provide opportunity/ies for young people ages 5-25, to address the wide range of psychological signs and symptoms in response to the natural disaster.
• can be run with individuals or in a group, and can be held in a clinical setting, school or other venues accessible by children and/or youth (i.e., a community centre)
• must administer mandatory psychological pre-and-post outcome measures, which must be either Kessler 5, Kessler 10, Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire, or Kidscreen 10 that promote wellbeing, positive mental health outcomes and improved quality of life with reduced rates of anxiety and long-term effects of trauma will also be considered.
• should include capacity to refer individuals for further PHN commissioned services or to identify individuals at risk who may require more specialised support.

Program(s) under this funding stream should be provided within a stepped care framework appropriate to the bushfires, recognising the different level of needs. Building on existing service capacity in the region may be appropriate, where this is able to reach bushfire impacted communities in a timely, agile way.