Students in the right zone for mental health

24 October 2011

An initiative that has provided information on mental health and wellbeing to communities throughout the region has turned its attention to young people.

Students and staff at Tamworth High School have worked with Hunter New England Mental Health staff to put together a collection of quality resources to help support the health and wellbeing of their school community.

The collection will be housed in the school library. A group of Year 9 students has also designed a ‘chill out’ area, known as The Mindzone, so their peers can view the books and other materials in a quiet and private environment.

Mental health promotion worker Libby Wakeford said students had identified the need to have information on mental health and wellbeing available to them.

“The staff and students involved in this project have done a wonderful job,” Libby said.

Access to accurate, up-to-date information is an important source of support for young people, helping them to recognise signs of illness and identify where to get help.

“Learning about resilience can also provide young people with strategies to bounce back in times of trouble and help prevent mental health problems,” Libby said.

“It is important also for young people to know about the many ways to maintain positive mental wellbeing and strengthen their mental health.”

NSW Department of Education District Guidance Officer Guy Porter said the new collection was an important resource within the school.

“It provides students with quality information and empowers them to take proactive steps in dealing with some of the complex issues confronting young people today,” said Guy.

The collection was made possible through funding support from Joblink Plus.

Promoting access to mental health information has been the goal of a regional initiative, coordinated by HNE Health’s Mental Health Promotion and Prevention Service, which has helped provide resources in community libraries across the New England and North West region.

NOTE FOR MEDIA: The Tamworth High mental health and wellbeing resource will be launched at 1.40pm, Tuesday, 25 October at the Tamworth High School Library, Willis Street, South Tamworth.

Contact: Emma Gibbs

Phone: 6767 7137