Dubbo has welcomed Father Chris Riley's Youth on the Streets cultural unit team to help support the young people in our community struggling with mental ill health during the COVID-19 crisis.
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Among them is former Dubbo girl and football sensation Rikka Lamb, team leader Nicole Luapepa and Aunty Pat Field.
"We're a specialist unit. Rikka Lamb who works for us is a mental health coordinator, we also have Aboriginal counsellors and Aunty Pat who is an elder, but she is also a high school teacher as well, so we're able to support high school students online as well," Miss Luapepa said.
"We've come in to help the local community in response to COVID-19 and see how we can support the community long term.
"We're local girls ourselves, we're all from regional NSW.
"It's been a great experience, it's a wonderful community. We've only been here a week and we've been welcomed with warm hearts."
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For Miss Lamb, a South Sydney Rabbitohs and All-Stars icon, home is where the heart is.
"I was born in Dubbo and lived in Dubbo so I have a lot of connections here, which is why I feel like I want to give back to the community and for Youth on the Street to be involved as well," Miss Lamb said.
"I'll be engaging with Dubbo services and services from other areas we cover regarding mental health support for young people, particularly young Aboriginal people."
A lot of our young people can get embarrassed or feel ashamed to admit they need help. Don't be. Reach out to your support system
- Rikka Lamb
Miss Lamb is urging the city's youth to reach out to their support systems if they are struggling.
"Don't be ashamed," she said.
"A lot of our young people can get embarrassed or feel ashamed to admit they need help or that they may be experiencing some issues.
"Don't be.
"Reach out to your support system whether it be your parents, families or sporting team."
To contact the team for support call 0427071450.
- Lifeline: 13 11 14
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