SCHOOLS, sporting clubs and Upper Hunter Shire Council have joined forces to call on mass support for a public forum in Scone.
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The forum aims to highlight how the entire district can work together to reduce suicide and improve children’s mental health.
Positive education has been identified as one of the best ways to make this happen and, on November 28, an information session will be held at Scone High School to explain ways that the local community can give children the skills they need to flourish and cope with challenges in life.
Statistics show that suicide claims the lives of seven Australians every day, and one in four of every person aged 16-24 suffering a mental illness.
In an effort to address this growing epidemic, the forum will see world leading experts on mental health outline how schools, parents, sporting clubs, councils and other key organisations can work together to shift these statistics.
The information evening is being hosted by the ‘Where There’s a Will Foundation’, which supports and facilitates the delivery of recognised ‘positive education’ programs to schools in the region.
Upper Hunter Shire mayor Wayne Bedggood said mental illness had a devastating impact on the community.
“This isn’t something that we should just expect our schools to do alone,” he said.
“It’s going to take an effort from everyone, because the ‘positive education’ lessons they’ll be learning at school need to be reinforced everywhere they go – at home, on the sporting field, when they’re in our shops, or visiting friends.
No other community in Australia is doing what we’re trying to do.
- Wayne Bedggood
“No other community in Australia is doing what we’re trying to do.
“‘Where There’s A Will’ is giving the Upper Hunter a unique opportunity to take a community-based response to addressing mental health problems.
“It is our hope that we can then provide a blueprint for other areas wanting to follow our lead.
“Improving the mental health of our children could be the most important thing we ever do together as a community.
“We very much hope that as many people as possible can attend this crucial forum.”
To register to attend the forum, please email info@uhwheretheresawill.com.au or contact Andrea Burns on 0438130872.