YOUTH Focus will host three mental health forums across the Peel Region this month in an effort to help parents, carers, teacher and community members better support young people.
Sponsored by Alcoa, the forums will teach participants how to identify the signs and symptoms of depression and anxiety, ways to start a conversation about mental health and the barriers to seeking help.
The forums will be held at Bendigo Bank Stadium, Mandurah on February 20, Pinjarra Paceway on February 27 and Waroona Community Resource Centre on February 28.
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READ NOWPresented by leading WA youth mental health professionals, the sessions will feature the 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 Fiona Kalaf said statistics showed one in four young Australians lived with a mental health condition.
“We know that 75 per cent of all mental illnesses first appear in people under 25 so early intervention and creating supportive, compassionate communities is vital to address those issues,’’ she said.
Latest statistics show 54 young people between 15 and 24 took their own lives in WA in 2016.
For every suicide, another 20 people attempt to take their own lives.
Every year, Youth Focus supports around 3000 young people through free, unlimited counselling services and outreach programs in schools.
The forums run from 6pm until 7.30pm.
Register on 6266 4348 or events@youth.com.au.
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