Bunbury and Busselton set to host Act-Belong-Commit workshops to boost youth mental health

The team will be in Bunbury and Busselton from July 19 to 21 to host fun and interactive workshops with the local young people to teach them how they can boost their mental health and that of those around them.

Currently, one in four young Australians experience a mental illness every year, with 16 – 24-year-olds the most at risk for developing mental health problems.

Mentally Healthy WA health promotion officer Darci Miller said it can be daunting, but it’s not all bad news.

“There are things young people can do to build their resilience and ward off mental health problems” she said.

“The workshops are for 16 to 25-year-olds and teaches them how to be mentally healthy and how to encourage their peers to do the same.”

The Youth Connectors workshops are based on the Act-Belong-Commit principles for good mental health, and aims to empower young people. The peer-based mental health initiative builds resilience and educates and develops mentally healthy behaviours in young people and the people who surround them.

”The idea is that young people who become Connectors will be a local source of information on how to get involved in activities known to boost mental health, like sports, arts and volunteering,” Ms Miller added.

“We know that young people are most likely to turn to their friends for support when things aren’t going so well, which is why it’s so important that we upskill young people to support each other and encourage each other to do things to be mentally healthy.”

The first workshop will be held in Bunbury at headspace on Wednesday, July 19 from 4.15pm, while the second workshop in Busselton will be held on Thursday, July 20 from 4.15pm at 43 Bussell Highway, West Busselton. All workshops are free and there will be afternoon tea and giveaways.

Finally, on Friday, July 21 there will be a workshop at the Dalyellup Community Centre from 3.45pm followed by dinner and a movie night, featuring the latest Pirates of the Caribbean installment, Dead Men Tell No Tales.

All young people are encouraged to get involved. For more information or to register, contact Darci on 9266 9791 or by email, Darci.Miller@curtin.edu.au.