The InnoWell project is a trial and joint venture between The University of Sydney and PwC Australia that aims to transform the way people access mental health services.

It is a data collecting questionnaire young people will be encouraged to fill in after booking an appointment with headspace to help provide individual, person-centred care, specifically in regional and remote areas.

At this stage the trial is collaborating with headspace centres in Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour, Grafton, Lismore and Tweed Head for the next 12-18 months.

So far Port Macquarie is the only headspace service using the new technology. The others are expected to follow in the coming months.

Professor Ian Hickie co-director of the Health and Policy, Brain and Mind Centre at the University of Sydney, said the project had real potential to change the lives of young people seeking help.

"InnoWell is all about working with local service providers to put people seeking treatment at the centre of their care," Professor Hickie said.

"A report done by the Mental Health Commission in 2014 identified using technology better as one of the key ways young people could better access mental health help and this is putting it into action.

"The trial is working with existing service provides to enhance what is happening on the ground locally and is working very closely with local primary health networks to deliver the service."

According to NSW Health, in 2017 the Mid North Coast and Northern NSW local health districts had the highest recorded rate of psychological distress among secondary school students aged 12-17 years of age. 

This had increased from rates recorded in 2014.

Jenny Sinclair NSW operations manager at headspace Port Macquarie said the local organisation had embraced the new technology.

"The trial is about connecting with young people after they had made an appointment with us but before we are able to see them," Mrs Sinclair said.

"The questionnaire takes no more than 45 minutes to complete and will give young people access to resources and online help before we have seen them.

"It is about the young people feeling in control while they are seeking help and by completing the questions it is giving them an immediate response while they wait to see us in person."

The Australian Bureau of Statistics said in 2017 intentional self-harm was the leading cause of death for Australians 15-24 years.

The Bureau also said the rates of death as a result of intentional self-harm for young people were considerably higher in regional areas compared to city areas.

Shelley Rowe InnoWell implementation officer for the North Coast said the trial is starting in Port Macquarie due to the hard work of the local headspace office behind the scenes.

"headspace Port Macquarie has done a lot of ground work to be the first headspace site to take up the trial on the North Coast," Ms Rowe said.

"They should be commended for forging ahead with the trial and having the courage to be the first centre.

"This service will really ensure young people living in regional Australia have greater access to mental health services and timely access to care."

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reports that in 2016 the rate per head of population of psychiatrists, mental health nurses and psychologists was considerably lower in regional, remote and very remote areas compared to metropolitan areas of Australia.

Lisa Hogan clinical lead at headspace Port Macquarie said the InnoWell tool will be a great asset to young people seeking help.

"When a young person contacts us for an appointment we are sending them an invitation to take part in the trial," Ms Hogan said.

"As soon as they start filling out the questions we have access to the information so by the time they get to us our conversation can focus more on helping them.

"The questions focus on 12 areas of health from basic information to feelings, behaviours and a risk assessment.

"There is great potential for this trial and we look forward to seeing how we can change or enhance our practices to best help the young people of Port Macquarie."

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