Learn to support mental health in young people
Published on 07 March 2024
Mount Alexander Shire Council is inviting parents and carers to attend a youth mental health first aid workshop.
Over the course of four weeks, participants will learn how to identify and support young people experiencing mental health issues.
Topics covered in the workshop include:
- the difference between normal adolescent development and developing mental health problems
- signs and symptoms of possible mental health problems
- how to have open conversations with young people
- where to seek further help.
Julia Robinson is a local parent who attended the youth mental health first aid course in 2022. She said it was an invaluable way of learning more about mental health, and mental health issues.
“It’s such useful knowledge to have,” said Ms Robinson.
“When it comes to mental health, it’s better to know more about it, than less.
“To know what to look out for in terms of warning signs is more than just important – it’s a social responsibility.
“The course was spread out over four weeks, which was great. It gave me lots of time to reflect on what we discussed, and the content was really interesting.
“We covered quite a lot during the four weeks, and since I completed the course I’ve referred back to the booklet that we were given for guidance.
“The other people in the course were great and really interested in being there, the food was delicious, and the facilitators were really knowledgeable.
“It’s encouraged me to take my instincts seriously, and has been empowering in terms of building my practical knowledge of mental health.
“I’d absolutely recommend this course to anyone interested in mental health.”
Dates: Monday 29 April, Monday 6 May, Monday 13 May, Monday 20 May
Time: 5.00pm to 9.00pm
Venue: Council Civic Centre, 27 Lyttleton Street, Castlemaine
Cost: $75 general | $55 concession
Dinner: Included, provided by The Dove Cafe
Book: www.mountalexandershireyouth.com.au/training
Participants will receive take-home resources, meet other parents and enjoy dinner at each session.
Please note: Participants are required to attend all four sessions to complete the qualification.
For more information contact Shannon Lacy, Council’s Youth Development Officer, on 5471 1826 or at youth@mountalexander.vic.gov.au.