Project
Linking Youth to Resources and Interim Care
Origins of the LYRICC Program
A mental health program designed to support young people who are waiting for professional mental health services - helping them build skills and coping strategies while they wait.
Why Do We Need LYRIC?
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In recent years, the number of young people experiencing mental health difficulties has increased dramatically.
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At the same time, specialist mental health services are struggling to keep up with demand. As a result, many young people fall into a gap in the system.
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Their needs may be too complex for basic supports like school counsellors or online resources, but not severe enough to access highly specialised services.
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This means some young people can spend months waiting for the right support.
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Western Australia needs new approaches that can help fill this gap and support young people earlier, while also being realistic for services facing staff shortages.
Young People Are Waiting Too Long for Mental Health Support
How Did We Create LYRIC?
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LYRIC is a mental health program originally developed by Professor Bronwyn Myers during her work in South Africa.
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LYRIC was created to help improve access to mental health support in communities where services are limited.
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Different versions of the program have been developed for different groups of people. LYRIC is based on the adolescent version of ASPIRE, which research has shown is well-liked by young people, easy to deliver and linked to improvements in mental health and wellbeing.
Co-Designed with Young People
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To make sure LYRIC was relevant for young people in Western Australia, the program was co-designed by young people and Curtin University researchers.
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Together, we shaped the content, language, visuals, and delivery of the program to ensure it reflects the needs, preferences, and lived experiences of WA youth.
