The two new staff members at Cobar’s Interrelate office, Laura Ah-See and Michelle Warn (who is based in Dubbo), already know each other having previously worked together at the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS).
Laura left the RFDS last month to taken on the Child, Youth and Family Mental Health Worker position with Interrelate while Michelle has taken on the Program Manager’s position covering Cobar, Coonamble and Bourke, and is based out of Dubbo.
Interrelate is a not-for-profit provider of relationship services that specialises in supporting parents and children and strengthening family relationships. Staff offer early intervention support to improve mental-health outcomes, wellbeing and relationships.
Both are well qualified to fulfil their roles with Michelle having a Post Graduate Diploma in Social Health, a Diploma in Counselling and Certificate IV Alcohol and Other Drugs while Laura has obtained a Certificate IV Mental Health Peer Work and is currently studying a Diploma in Counselling.
The Cobar Interrelate staff can offer a range of services including: relationship education, counselling, parenting support, family dispute resolution, children’s contact service, mental health support, school programs, Aboriginal community workers, carer support and workplace support and training.
“We are strength-based and child-focused in our approach,” Laura told The Cobar Weekly.
Interrelate has had a full time presence for the past two years in Cobar since the beginning of the Connect Program, which has now been funded until 2020.
“Connect is a free service which provides assistance for families and children/young people in instances when a child or young person’s mental health and wellbeing are at risk,” Laura said.
“We’re committed to working with individuals, families and the community to promote positive wellbeing and positive mental health outcomes for children and young people.
“We can help with connecting young people and their families to the community and any appropriate services, access to groups/courses to enhance their skills, help families deal with challenges and difficulties they may be facing and liaising with schools and other services to help people get the support they would like.”
Michelle and Laura will also be providing a outreach service to Bourke.
