Bid to save Salisbury mental health clinic

A YOUTH mental health clinic in Salisbury might yet be saved, despite State Government cuts.

A government review of non-hospital health services had recommended closing the Shopfront Clinic on John St and offering reduced services at a new clinic in the northern suburbs.

Health Minister Jack Snelling last week announced $14.8 million in cuts to non-hospital services by 2014/15.

However, a Health Department spokeswoman said the possible closure of Shopfront "wasn't that black and white" and the clinic might stay open.

"We are looking to put all the youth services under one single integrated metropolitan service and we will be doing further consultation on where this will be based and what services it would include," she said.

"Will it be based at Shopfront? It might be, but it might not be.

"We will be consulting with the council and the community about where these services should be placed and this consultation will inform any decision on the future of Shopfront at Salisbury."

Shopfront is a walk-in clinic that provides mental health and drug and alcohol services to people aged 12-25.

It also links vulnerable youths with other services, such as needle exchange programs and lawyers.

Another of the recommendations was to only provide service to vulnerable groups, such as Guardians of the Minister, Aboriginal youths and those within youth training centres.

However, that is still under review too.

"(Any clinic) will focus more on vulnerable people but we are now working out what the measurement of vulnerability means," the Health Department spokeswoman said.

"Will there be a walk-in service? I'm not sure."

SA Health service director Lynne Cowan fronted more than 30 youth health workers at an open forum in Salisbury the day before the cuts were announced.

Mrs Cowan assured the group that the cuts were needed to provide the "best level of care for the community".

She said 271 submissions had been received after community consultation on the cuts.

Mr Snelling's office did not return calls to the News Review Messenger this week about the future of Shopfront.

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Game on for a health kick

Celebrity chef Callum Hann with a hamper of healthy goods he would take to AAMI Stadium. Picture: DYLAN COKER Source: adelaidenow

A PIE at the footy is an Aussie tradition but eating fast food at every match takes its toll on the budget and waistline.

Crows ambassador and celebrity chef Callum Hann said feeding the whole tribe at the footy tonight need not be a wallet-busting, calorific fiesta.

Hann hit the Central Market with $50 and 15 minutes to create a picnic hamper of goodies to fuel a bunch of hungry footy fans.

"It took me just a few minutes to pick up this stuff whereas you'd be queueing for ages at half-time just to get a pie," he said.

"What we've got for $50 can feed quite a few people and you don't need any cutlery to eat it - but don't forget the napkins."

Hann said fresh, nutritious snacks could be a tasty alternative to takeaway favourites.

"People eat hot chips at the footy for the salt hit but the olives and fetta in our hamper give you that salty fix, the grapes are nice and sweet and the nut mix is an energy booster to see you through the match," he said.

"I'm not just taking a chunk of watermelon or a carrot, I'm not missing out in any way, all these foods are really tasty and filling".

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