THE suicide rate, especially from young aboriginals, is through the roof and we need to get it down.
Those are the words from AFL player and Headspace Bunbury ambassador Neville Jetta, who launched the second phase of Headspace’s Yarn Safe campaign at Newton Moore Senior High School on Friday.
“The stress and pressure on young aboriginal and Torres Strait islander kids these days is huge,” Jetta said.
“They’ve got plenty of emotions going through them and we don’t want them to make bad choices because of those emotions.”
Jetta, a former student of the school, said it was vital that children with mental health issues seek help.
“A lot of the kids don’t know that there’s help out there for them, so we’re just trying to show them they have options,” he said.
“Headspace is a great place for the kids to go and access the services they need to.”
The campaign aims to delve into mental health issues faced by young aboriginal and Torres Strait islanders.
Since the launch of Yarn Safe 12 months ago, Headspace has seen a dramatic 32 per cent increase in aboriginal and Torres Strait islanders accessing their services.
Headspace Bunbury centre manager Nicky Smith the campaign was helping to remove the barriers stopping Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth accessing support when they are experiencing poor mental health.
“We have seen a five per cent increase locally in aboriginal and Torres Strait islander young people visiting our centre in Bunbury since Yarn Safe was launched last September,” Mrs Smith said.
“This is extremely pleasing but we know that there is a lot more to be done in this space and that is why we are working in partnership with Newton Moore SHS, the Clontarf Foundation and South West Aboriginal Medical Service on this event to raise awareness.
“Depression is one of the main issues affecting the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island youth using our centre.”
Headspace Bunbury can be contacted on 9729 6800.