Leo joins the HAMS team

Youth Worker/Mental Health Worker with Hay Aboriginal Medical Service, Leo Dedini Fitzpatrick with fellow team members, Jean and Lara Woods.

By Kimberly Grabham.

Leo Dedini Fitzpatrick has returned to his home town and is the new Youth Worker/Mental Health Worker at Hay Aboriginal Medical Service.

He will be working with the HAMS team to provide services to elders, mums and bubs and youth groups, and mental health support, particularly to the town’s youth.

“This is a great opportunity for the youth of Hay. Growing up in Hay, there was never much like this available, especially for those who weren’t involved in sport,” Leo said.

Having completed a Bachelor of Health Science, Mental Health, currently undertaking a Bachelor of Nursing, father of two, and passionate mental health advocate, he is a busy man.

His long-term goals are to pursue his second degree and to stay in town, helping and contributing to the community wherever he can.

“I know first hand what it can be like as a person growing up in a rural community; we all face hardships, and with Jean Woods and the crew working so hard to change the face of rural living, it’s an honour to be a a part of that,” Leo said.

When asked if he feels proud of himself and his achievements, he is very humble.

“I do; it’s always a good thing when people come back to the town and give back to their community. Mental health is such a prominent ongoing issue in Hay.

“It is a good little town, and the more services that are here for people, the better.

“The team at HAMS fought tirelessly for services like this to be available in Hay; eliminating travel, and having someone on-hand in what could be a critical point in someone’s mental health.”

Leo credits his lovely wife, Chelsie, as his biggest support.

“She is just wonderful; with the children, and with everything. I would not be able to do it without her,” he said.

Words cannot describe what an inspiration you are Leo, well done on all that you have accomplished, and you are now back and reaching out for the betterment of the community.

The driving force that is Leo and Hay Aboriginal Medical Service is phenomenal. People who are from our community, and have that grit, strength and passion to fight for funding and services that immeasurably benefit our town.

Utilise these services, drop in, look around, talk to the team. It is a real eye opener the number of facilities they have brought to Hay.