Enhancing the wellbeing
of young people in the
Blue Mountains

A Blue Mountains hub where every young person thrives

MYST is a registered charity/not for profit delivering a range of inclusive early intervention programs and services to young people across the Blue Mountains.

Our team is dedicated to supporting young people, aged 12 to 24 years old, through therapeutic intervention, skills training and personal development, and to creating cultures of care in which they can flourish. Young people deserve environments which offer them opportunities for meaningful participation, and in which they are valued and safe. MYST works with individuals, groups, institutions and communities to help young people and to create the conditions in which they can shine.

Our Impact

Trained

Yr 10 students in Blue Mountains Trained
in Teen Mental Health First Aid

*2023 – 2024

Meals

served at
Breakfast Club

*2023 – 2024

Interactions

with young people & community members
with MYST services, programs & events.

*2023 – 2024

UPCOMING EVENTS

LISTEN TO THE LATEST

We exist to provide individual and group support to young people in the Blue Mountains enabling them to build personal, social & educational resilience

“It’s exactly what they needed after covid”

“It has changed him, he is so much happier”

“It has changed him, he is so much happier”

Helen

The MYST team are so encouraging, supporting and communicative.

Regarding the facilitators: “We LOVED the photos and videos compiled each week. They were so encouraging, supportive and communicative. They met students where they were at and celebrated each one with kindness and warmth. Amazing humans!

Sophia

Mary missed out on lessons [at school]. However, the benefits of the program and the incredible opportunity she was given to participate, far outweighed this.

Mary missed out on lessons [at school]. However, the benefits of the program and the incredible opportunity she was given to participate, far outweighed this.

Mary’s mum

I think the people running the program are just fantastic. Pat only had good things to say about the instructors.

I think the people running the program are just fantastic. Pat only had good things to say about the instructors. There was always really good communication from Kate, and the way that the program was flexible when it needed to be was great, as well as listening to what the kids wanted.

Michael

Adam has thoroughly enjoyed his time with Outdoor Explore. Every week he was excited about the prospect of doing something adventurous, and he always had a positive experience each time.

Adam has thoroughly enjoyed his time with Outdoor Explore. Every week he was excited about the prospect of doing something adventurous, and he always had a positive experience each time. Adam has been able to strengthen his friendships and also grow his friend group because of OE which is so very important for anyone, but especially a young person. The activities challenged him at times, but because of this his confidence improved as he became more self aware of his abilities. The risks were always well managed, though still presented a healthy amount of danger which is beneficial in what some may say is a risk averse society. Learning how to manage danger is such an important skill to learn, and OE does this so well. Adam was really stoked when he got to lead the Mtb group ride, it was great that he was able to realise his ability to lead. The inherent physical nature of the program was beneficial in that this highlighted the importance of staying healthy and active, and the great value there is in outdoor activities. Pat always felt like he was a part of the group, valued and appreciated. In summary, the program reinforced with Pat just how much the outdoors has to offer, in terms of fun, adventure, and mateship.

Adam

Parent of Outdoor Explore Program

Melissa grew in confidence to participate in activities outside of her comfort zone.

Melissa grew in confidence to participate in activities outside of her comfort zone. She enjoyed the success she had by achieving the set goals she made for herself eg navigating over the rock face when rock climbing. Lucy enjoyed the program and she looked forward to going each week which has a positive effect on everything else

…has built an understanding around working within a team, helped with a set routine he enjoyed and built trusted friendships to where he engages with these friends since after the program exploring the bush walks in the mountains

…has built an understanding around working within a team, helped with a set routine he enjoyed and built trusted friendships to where he engages with these friends since after the program exploring the bush walks in the mountains

Parent of Outdoor Explore Program

“I am so grateful for the support and service that MYST provides”

My daughter had struggled with school, socially, in her primary years, and transitioning in to the high school years proved more daunting.

My daughter had struggled with school, socially, in her primary years, and transitioning in to the high school years proved more daunting. Like many kids, she was subjected to bullying, which saw her withdraw socially. I am so grateful for the support and service that MYST provides to my child. The staff are warm and welcoming, and there always seems like there’s interesting activities for the kids to get creative with. I view MYST as a crucial service to our young people, and invaluable in our community, where there are few too little resources for mental health support. I would love to see more funding to provide more centres in the future.

Victoria

Victoria’s mum

I was craving to be a part of something and even though it was the hardest time in my life

I was craving to be a part of something and even though it was the hardest time in my life I still have the finest memories and funniest moments. I’m unsure who or what I’d be without MYST. Its changed my whole trajectory in life, I learned how to handle myself and situations, along with controlling a situation and what’s right and wrong.

Zach

MYST Client

OUR NEWS

rainbow youth MYST Mountains Youth Services Team

GiveOUT Day 2024 – Glitter and Groove

Celebrate and Support Blue Mountains Rainbow Youth This year, as part of GiveOUT Day, we’re excited to announce our fundraising efforts to support Blue Mountains Rainbow Youth through the “Glitter and Groove” event! At Mountains Youth Services Team (MYST), we’re…
mural groupo shot MYST Mountains Youth Services Team

Partnership Highlights – Rural Fire Service, Springwood High School and Nepean Performing Arts High School and two local street artists.

One of the highlights of this year has been the great partnership with Katoomba Rural Fire Service. This project became one that had many dynamics including 2 street artists, Domy Dingo and Aerosol obsessions, Springwood High School Indigenous students, Nepean…
Main space after Featured MYST Mountains Youth Services Team

Creating a Haven for Our Youth: The Transformation of Katoomba Youth Centre

We are proud to work with the following amazing supporters/partners who share our passion and vision for improving the lives and well-being of young people

Major funding partner:

logo justice white MYST Mountains Youth Services Team

Our Supporters:

Program Partners: