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New mental health program for Esperance youth

Posted 27 Feb 2017

Mentally Healthy WA’s Act-Belong-Commit team are visiting Esperance in May to trial a new peer-based mental health program for young people.

Young people aged 16-24 are the most at risk of developing a mental health problem, with one in four young people experiencing a mental illness each year in Australia.

According to Darci Miller from Mentally Healthy WA, it’s not all bad news.

‘There are things young people can do to build their resilience and ward off mental health problems’ she said.

The ‘Youth Connectors’ program is based on the Act-Belong-Commit principles for good mental health, and aims to empower young people to help their peers get involved  in mentally healthy activities.

‘The idea is that young people who become Connectors will be a local source of information on how to get involved in activities known to boost mental health, like sports, arts and volunteering. We know that young people are most likely to turn to their friends for support when things aren’t going so well, which is why it’s so important that we upskill young people to support each other’ said Ms Miller.

Mentally Healthy WA is inviting young people (aged 16 – 25) to come along to a free workshop on the 11 May from 4-6pm at the Esperance Yacht Club. Young people who are passionate about getting involved in the community, enjoy helping others or would like to learn more about keeping mentally healthy are encouraged to attend.

‘There will be heaps of fun activities and giveaways’ said Ms Miller.

The workshop is being held in partnership with Goldfields Population Health, Esperance Volunteer Resource Centre and Bay of Isles Community Outreach.

If you would like to find out more information about the Youth workshop or register contact Act-Belong-Commit Youth Officer Darci on Darci.Miller@curtin.edu.a