October is Mental Health Month, a time to further reflect on the importance of looking after our mental health.
Council’s Youth and Family Services host initiatives annually to shine a spotlight on this issue for young people aged 12–25 years.
This year local secondary schools have been invited to take part in two programs, a live production about cyber bullying and a body image project in conjunction with the Butterfly Foundation.
Mayor, Cr Eden Foster recently met with some Young Leaders to talk about the importance of Council programs to support better mental health for our young residents.
Joey, Thuy, Angeline and Elena agreed the number of programs and support services offered through Council’s Youth and Family Services were positive and made a difference.
“Joining Council programs like FReeZA, Proud to Be and Young Leaders has helped me find a support network.
“Just having something to do with your time is a good way to prevent (poor mental health),” said Joey.
Thuy said joining the Young Leaders had presented her with opportunities she may never have had.
“It’s pushing me out of my comfort zone, but it’s not scary,” she said.
Thuy said society in general was better at acknowledging and understanding the importance of good mental health.
“Especially after the pandemic, people started to realise isolation and being alone and secluded has really affected everyone, especially young people,” Thuy said.
The Mayor said recent research showed 60 per cent of young people across Australia suffered anxiety about climate change and the environment. She told the Young Leaders their work in this space is helping empower people to make changes.
“Empowering young people helps them to feel they have hope and some level of control.
“I am passionate about good mental health and wellbeing, and I am so proud of the work Council is doing to help our young people improve their mental health,” said the Mayor.
Find out more about the work of Council’s Youth and Family Services.
For further resources visit Mental Health Australia.