The Office for Mental Health and Wellbeing’s Youth Aware of Mental Health program has been delivered to over 3,000 ACT students to promote positive mental health outcomes for young Canberrans.
Minister for Mental Health, Emma Davidson said the Office’s free program was available to Year 9 students in ACT schools.
“It’s important for everyone in our community to have access to mental health supports in places which suit their needs,” Ms Davidson said.
“Youth Aware of Mental Health is an evidence-based program that promotes mental health and addresses suicidal behaviour in young people,” she said.
“It focuses on prevention and early support by helping young people develop skills to deal with stress and crisis, to identify signs of distress in peers and to feel confident in seeking mental health support.”
Ms Davidson said the program was delivered in classrooms by an accredited instructor and volunteer helper, with student learning and discussion supported by resources, including a take-home booklet and posters.
Minister for Education and Youth Affairs, Yvette Berry said there were 81 psychologists working across the ACT public school system as part of wellbeing teams which could include youth workers, social workers and school youth health nurses.
“The Youth Aware of Mental Health Program is a really great addition and it’s wonderful to see so many students taking part,” Ms Berry said.
