Forum to help Melton parents identify signs of mental illness

PARENTS and children living in Melton Shire can learn how to tackle youth mental health issues via a local forum.

Year 5-9 students at Brookside P-9 College in Caroline Springs will host the mental health and well-being forum at the school gym on October 19.

The idea arose in discussions between the school’s leadership group and student well-being co-ordinator. The forum will show young people and parents how to identify mental illness in others.

The school was awarded $2900 to run the program by Melton Council at its youth advisory committee awards night on April 20.

Student well-being co-ordinator Seral Fehmi says it will be a fun and dynamic event that will combine students’ experiences and knowledge about mental health and well-being with art, music and drama.

“A lot of things can be done to prevent mental health problems arising in young people and the students will make presentations on topics like cyberbullying and friendships.

“The forum will also be used as a platform for local community and health organisations to inform young people of the health and well-being services available within the shire.”