MORE than 50 children and young people finished the school holidays with a mammoth game of touch footy, a free barbecue and some advice on looking after the well being of themselves and their mates.
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Titled “Come and Tackle It Head On”, the Mental Health Month event was an initiative of Upper Hunter Shire Council, the Rural Adversity Mental Health Program, Headspace, Scone Touch Football Juniors, and Scone Junior Rugby League Football Club.
Local Community Service Workers and Youth Workers, as well as Sarah Green from Hunter New England Rural Adversity Mental Health Program were available to answer questions and cheer on the players.
“It was great to see so many kids out enjoying the day, a game of touch and receiving really important information on how to stay well, and where to access support services should they need it,” Mrs Green said.
Participants took home information about services available for young people including Beyond Blue, Youth Centres, the Mental Health Commission of NSW, Hunter New England Local Health Network, and a variety of online services and national call numbers. Importantly these packs also included information on how to stay well.
Council’s Sports Participation Officer Nicky Western welcomed the crowd and explained the point of the day.
“Everyone goes through difficulties but it’s important to know there is lots of help available,” Ms Western said.
“The Mental Health bags contain useful information, that you may not need now, but keep it anyway.
“You might need it in the future or it might be something you pass onto a friend.”
