18 JUN 2021 Hume Youth Mental Health Summit

On Thursday 17^th June a small group of students ranging from year 9 to 12 attended the online Hume Youth Mental Health Summit. The summit was held by the Hume City Council and involved students from schools in the Hume area and relevant community stake holders including Hume Libraries, Headspace, the Hume Whittlesea Local Learning and Employment Network and Hume Youth Services. The day included speeches, discussions, videos and performances.

We heard from Cr Joseph Haweil, the Mayor of Hume, who spoke about Hume’s commitment to putting mental health on the agenda, particularly for young people. A speaker from the Black Dog Institute shared their lived experience of mental health. We learnt that one in four young people will experience mental illness each year, with anxiety and depression being the most common. Some other key points included the importance of seeking support, reducing stigma around mental illness, and that recovery is possible.

Students from Kolbe explored a case study that unpacked signs that a young person might be struggling and when and where people could intervene to support them. The students then came together to provide recommendations to the city council to support youth mental health. Ideas ranged from having one-stop-shop youth centres to providing more access to interest specific activities and culturally specific education for parents and family members. At the end of the summit students from Kolbe pledged to provide support to others, ask people if they are okay and spread awareness of mental health. Students reported that the summit provided them with knowledge and understanding of how to deal with life challenges and reassurance that there are places to get help.

You can find out more about youth services in Hume by going to https://www.hume.vic.gov.au/Residents/People-Services/Youth

If young people aged 15-24 are interested in finding out more about the Hume Youth Advisory Group (YAG), which helps Hume improve service delivery for young people, they find out more here https://www.youthprojects.org.au/youth-advisory-group

If anyone is struggling with their mental health or wellbeing please check out these services

o Lifeline Australia 13 11 14 A crisis support service offering short term support at any time for people who are having difficulty coping or staying safe. www.lifeline.org.au

o Kids Helpline 1800 551 800 A free, private and confidential 24/7 phone and online counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25 years. www.kidshelpline.com.au

o Beyond Blue 1300 224 636 Mental health information and support for all Victorians www.beyondblue.org.au

o Headspace/eheadspace 1800 650 890 or online at headspace.org.au/eheadspace

Online and webchat support and counselling for 12-25-year-old Victorians, their family and friends.

Please have a look at some of the photos bellow of the Summit, including graphic art by Sketch Group!

Miss Annika Ring
School Counsellor/ Child and Family Counsellor / Psychologist