12 Mar 2018
Did you know that 75% of mental illness occurs in young people under 25 years of age, and approximately 50% of onset occurs before the age of 14 years? You can help your young person by knowing the key indicators of a mental health problem, how to support them, and knowing when and where to get help. Brisbane Waters Secondary College Umina Campus have partnered with headspace Gosford and Hunter New England Central Coast Primary Health Network to run a special mental health education program for students, teachers and parents (called the LITe program). The program teaches students about the key elements of mental health, how to have a "healthy headspace" and where and when to get support. An important part of the program is to work alongside parents to learn more about how to identify mental health problems in young people, how to support their young person and how to link into relevant supports. Evidence shows that families are a key support for young people having a tough time, and our role is to partner with parents to increase their knowledge on mental health - intervening early indicates better outcomes for young people.
Over the upcoming weeks Brisbane Water Secondary College Umina Campus will be providing links to resources from various organisations for students, parents/carers and the wider community via our Facebook, School Website as well as our monthly Newsletter. It is vital that we work together to help and support this very important program.