Local parents and carers have been encouraged to attend free workshops during March, hosted by national youth mental health foundation Headspace, to help them navigate the ups and downs of dealing with teen mental health.
The next virtual session will be held on March 14 at noon.
The workshops are reported to address local challenges, direct to local support services and provide parents and carers a space to talk.
Headspace CEO Jason Trethowan said understanding suicide would be a key part of the training.
“Suicide and mental health can feel like a really daunting subject to speak about with your young person,” Trethowan said.
“Parents and carers are best placed to support change when they have access to resources and feel supported to manage difficult times.”
Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast Adam Crouch said the start of a new school year can be as unsettling.
“New beginnings can be uncomfortable and anxiety-provoking, especially alongside all the hormonal changes that can occur as a teenager,” Crouch said.
“We want parents, carers and community leaders to understand how to proactively support the mental health and wellbeing of our young people, including how to initiate these tricky conversations.”
More information including ticketing details is available at eventbrite.com.au/o/headspace-nsw-parent-and-carer-sessions-34085927895
Source:
Media release, Feb 25
Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch