LEETON social worker Anna Celi has always been the kind of person people reach out to when they need a helping hand.
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Whether it's been through her work at Parkview Public School as a youth outreach worker, as a friend, community member or when she ran the popular SteppinOut4Youth initiative in Leeton - she has prided herself on being there for others.
Mrs Celi has now officially started operating her own business to do just this, with the doors now open to Keys2Growth Mental Health & Counselling Services in Kurrajong Avenue.
"I'm providing counselling and support to children, adolescents and families ... kids and teens are my passion," she said.
"I thought it was a crucial service we were calling out for here in Leeton.
"It's exciting, I'm really enjoying it.
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"I think it's such an important thing in today's day and age for kids, teens and their families to have access to. It's nothing at all to be ashamed of."
Mrs Celi officially started seeing clients during the recent lockdown period, which she said was just as important for her own mental health as it was those who were coming to see her.
Her own space of calm and peace in Kurrajong Avenue allows for many different purposes.
"I've created in the front half of the space a multipurpose area where people can choose where they want to sit, stand or connect with a space," Mrs Celi said.
"It's about sitting where you feel comfortable.
"The other room will be set up for activities and a bit of art therapy.
"When we are free to do a bit more with restrictions, I want to try and bring in more group work and programs that we used to do through SteppinOut. I want to provide that environment."
The intense period of COVID last year prompted Mrs Celi to start to put plans into motion for the counselling service.
She said it was something she always wanted to do, particularly after finishing her Masters in Social Work two years ago.
"While that may be, I'm constantly doing extra training in this area because you have to stay-up-to-date," Mrs Celi said.
"There's always new research and things happening.
"It's such an important area that we all need to focus on."
Those wanting to book in a session with Mrs Celi should go through her Facebook page, titled Keys2Growth Mental Health & Counselling Services where they will find her phone number or can send a private message.
At this stage she has been working with NDIS and private clients, but is also in the process of completing the paperwork and applying for a Medicare rebate number. This will likely be approved in December and will mean costs are lowered for those wanting to book in.
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