ADVERTISING FEATURE
Youth Focus will host three mental health forums across the Peel region in February in an effort to help parents, carers, teachers and community members to better support young people.
Sponsored by Alcoa of Australia, the interactive forums will teach participants how to identify the signs and symptoms of depression and anxiety, how to start a conversation about mental health and ways to understand barriers to seeking help.
The sessions will be presented by leading WA youth mental health professionals.
They will feature a screening of Fathom, a thought-provoking short film about a young father and musician struggling with depression, followed by a panel discussion.
Youth Focus Chief Executive Officer Fiona Kalaf said statistics showed one in four young Australians lived with a mental health condition and these forums were just one of the ways Youth Focus was working to support young people.
“We know that 75 per cent of all mental illnesses first appear in people under the age of 25, so early intervention and creating supportive, compassionate communities is critical to address these issues,” Ms Kalaf said.
Latest statistics show 54 young people aged between 15 and 24 took their own lives in Western Australia in 2016.
For every suicide, another 20 people attempt to take their own lives.
Alcoa of Australia Managing Director Michael Parker said Alcoa was proud to be a longterm partner of Youth Focus.
“Alcoa values the vital services Youth Focus provides in the Peel region to help build strength, capacity and resilience in our young people, while also providing a direct service to local schools and impacted families,” Mr Parker said.
Forums will be held in at Bendigo Bank Stadium, Mandurah on February 20, Pinjarra Paceway on February 27 and the Waroona Community Resource Centre on February 28.
The events start at 6pm and run until 7.30pm.
To register to attend one of the forums, call 6266 4348 or email events@youthfocus.com.au.
