A pilot program by Beyond Blue to treat low-level anxiety and depression on the NSW North Coast has been so successful it is being rolled out to other locations across Australia.
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NewAccess was adapted from a program in the UK.
It was piloted on the NSW North Coast as well as Adelaide and Canberra in 2014.
The pilot was so successful it is now being rolled out across New South Wales and Queensland.
The program is funded by the federal government, it is free for participants, providing them with a coach for six sessions as well as follow up.
"NewAccess is designed around trying to teach people ways to cope better with life stresses particularly those stresses that can lead people to becoming depressed or anxious," NewAccess coach Brendan Koivu said.
"We are really focused on, lets make a plan for what is going on now."
The program is available from Taree up to Tweed via phone, video conferencing or in person in the Port Macquarie office.
"A lot of what we do is focusing on how people can change their reaction to an event," Mr Koivu said.
NewAccess has helped 1600 people on the North Coast since 2014 with over 70 per cent feeling "confident to manage themselves" after the six sessions.
Mr Koivu said people appreciate the flexibility of the program as well as the fact it doesn't involve a lot of time.
Importantly, you don't need a GP referral either.
Mr Koivu, a former paramedic, said he has learnt a lot by being a NewAccess coach.
"I've never met a client whose story doesn't make sense, I've learnt a lot myself about coping with life events."
NewAccess is available for anybody over the age of 16.
To find out more about NewAccess call 1800 010 630 or click here.
