Support still coming for youth mental health

On Thursday, the Mandurah City Rotary Club donated the proceeds of its Night of Intrigue – a fundraising gala ball – for the service to run its programs, including the 3-Tier Youth Mental Health Program spearheaded by former Fremantle Docker Heath Black.

Accepting the $5000 on behalf of PYMS, the service’s Eleanor Britton said the money would be used for programs supporting the region’s youth.

“This will support a variety of programs, and we really do rely on donations from the community to run all of our programs,” she said.

Mandurah City Rotary Club treasurer Mike Kirke said: “We held the Night of Intrigue in July, and this is the proceeds of that event, which including a performance by The Filth, the Commissioner of Police Karl O'Callaghan's band”.

“It was a masquerade ball of about 120 people.

“Youth has been our focus in raising money for the community, but in particular we're interested in the mental health aspect which has come to the fore over the last year or so.”

Club vice-president Gareth Talbot said Rotary had a close relationship with PYMS.

“There's different things we can look at doing, but that's the key thing; its an ongoing relationship,” he said.

Ms Britton said the fundraising conducted by Rotary over the years had supported a number of programs.

“We've had quite an ongoing partnership with Rotary, which has included their support for the Peel Mobile Health Service, which has also been supported by Rotary in Pinjarra,” she said.

“Because of that support we've been able to offer counselling after the bushfires and get out there into Waroona and other areas.”

Support is available by calling Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800, Lifeline on 131 114, or beyondblue on 1300 22 46 36.