Mental Health Access & Participation Project
The Mental Health Access and Participation Project (MHAPP) is a partnership between YMCA Victoria and mental health services to deliver a residential based outdoor recreation program to young people with mental health issues.
The program delivers a four day residential recreation program and encompasses a range of outdoor activities, including bike riding, canoeing, a high/low ropes course, swimming/water activities, archery and bush walking.
The model aims for a one-to-one staff-to-participant allocation to ensure appropriate hands-on support for all participants in the program. YMCA Victoria has partnered with over 25 different mental health service providers across the state to deliver this project.
The target group can be isolated from their local community, and MHAPP attempts to set up processes that support participants to make connections. Examples
from recent camps include a participant reconnecting with surfing as a recreational pursuit, a participant commencing volunteer work with their local sailing club, and a participant commencing volunteer work with YMCA camps.
An evaluation and review are conducted following each camp, with the model of delivery and program content adjusted accordingly for each new camp.
An advisory council is guiding the project.
Age appropriate programs
There are three different camping programs:
- Steps (aged 18 - 25)
- Horizons (26 years and over)
- Phoenix - for individuals aged 13-17 and for families with children aged 8 - 13. These camps are currently being piloted.
Find out more
- Contact David (Gus) Piang-Nee on 9345 8022 or email david.piangnee@ymca.org.au.
