8 April 2010

The region’s mobile Youth Mental Health Project will be a “Van on the Run” during Youth Week – reaching out young people across the Lower Hunter and tapping into their creativity.

Youth Mental Health Project Officer with Hunter New England Health Natasha Anderson said Youth Week (Saturday 10 April to Sunday 18 April) is a chance to highlight the talents and contributions of young people.

“In partnership with Headspace, our Van on the Run will be travelling around the Lower Hunter throughout the week bringing the celebration to young people in their own local areas,” Mrs Anderson said.

The van will visit youth venues and skate parks in Maitland, Woodberry, Cessnock, Kurri Kurri and Dungog (see below for times and details).

“We want young people to come along and have fun on the day and we also hope they will demonstrate their artistic streak and show us what they can achieve by contributing to a large mosaic canvas of ‘mini vans’.”

There are prizes to be won for artistic contributions, free Youth Week giveaways and the ‘YourSpace’ travelling message board.

There will also be information on how young people can stay well and healthy and how to access help if they need it.

“Youth Week highlights the talents and contributions of young people, while also drawing attention to their ideas. It provides young people with an opportunity to express their views and act on issues that impact on their lives.

“Young people bring richness to our community in terms of creativity through art projects and live music, unique perspectives on community needs and politics, and they often enjoy energetic social lifestyles,” Mrs Anderson said.

“And young people have an incredible ability to bounce back in tough times.

“Van on the Run during Youth Week gives us an opportunity for us to explore with young people ways to stay well in these tough times.”

Some of the ways that young people can protect their mental health include:
• Maintaining strong healthy relationships with peers and family
• Being aware about their own personal values and prioritising these when making choices about their life
• Setting realistic goals, and
• Maintaining positive self-esteem and confidence

Keeping active, a good diet, and getting a good night’s sleep to help recharge the body is also important.

However, like adults, young people can sometimes need some extra help to cope.

“Stress can have a negative effect on our mental or physical health, so it is important for young people to talk to someone if something is troubling them,’ Mrs Anderson said.

Who to talk to or contact for advice or assistance:
Your local GP
Kids Help line 1800551800 (freecall)
Lifeline 131114 (local call)
Hunter New England 24-hour Mental Health Emergency Line 1800 655 085 (local call)
Hunter Headspace (for non-emergencies Mon-Fri) 49311000 (local call)
www.youthbeyondblue.com.au

Van on the Run – details and dates:

Saturday,   10 April - Maitland PCYC, from 11am until 1pm (including
the launch of a local Youth Info Card)
Monday,   12 April - Woodberry Community Event, Noel Unicomb
Community Hall, from 2pm until 4pm
Tuesday,   13 April -   Dungog Skate Park, from 12noon until 2pm
Wednesday,  14 April -  Hunter Headspace, 10am until 12noon
Thursday   15 April -  Kurri Kurri Skate Park, 10am until 12noon
     Cessnock Skate Park, 2pm until 4pm
Friday   16 April -  Rutherford Skate Park, 1pm until 3pm

The Youth Mental Health Project focuses on mental health prevention and provides information and interventions at youth drop-in centres, schools and other youth venues in the Lower and Upper Hunter areas. Staff provide consultation and mental health assessments, and can refer young people to appropriate services.

Contact: Frances Holz

Phone: 4939 2216