In support of Mental Health Month in October 2023, the Y NSW hosted an important Youth Mental Health Forum in Parramatta. This event was an informative and inspiring forum to shed light on the pressing issue of youth mental health in NSW and across our communities.
The Minister for Mental Health and Minister for Youth, The Honourable Rose Jackson and MP Donna Frances Reeman Davis attended, underlining the government's commitment to hearing from young people.
In addition to hearing and engaging with young people in attendance, some participants from the Youth Parliament Mental Health Committee from 2023 presented their Mental Health Youth Bill - Revolution, Prevention and Destigmatisation of Mental Health Bill 2023.
The Youth Bill, developed by the Youth Parliamentarians, aims to destigmatise mental health and mental illness in communities to revolutionise the provision of mental health services and facilitate the prevention of suicide and prevention of the occurrence of mental illness.
Louisa McKay Executive Leader Purpose and Impact at the Y NSW said Minister Jackson’s attendance was pivotal to the event’s success.
“Mental health is an issue that many people deal with every single day, and we are seeing significant increases in psychological distress among young Australians,” said Louisa. “The Y NSW believes it is paramount that young people not only have a say about issues that impact them but have opportunities to inform policy to create change. The Mental Health Bill provides insights and ideas from young people to improve outcomes. We know that young people are experts in their own lives, so it’s important that we are listening and acting on issues that are important to them. We greatly appreciate the Minister’s attendance, which helps shine a light on the issues and the value of preventative programs.
“One of the key objectives of the Forum was to provide the space for Minister Jackson to gain knowledge of the Mental Health Youth Bill and to learn more about how the Y delivers preventative programs to support positive youth mental wellbeing,” added Louisa.
The Y NSW is committed to delivering purposeful cause-driven programs that aim to solve contemporary social issues through its Youth and Community services. Mental health initiatives delivered by the Y NSW includes Teen Mental Health First Aid training, the Empowered Minds Project, Call a Youth Worker support line, StreetGym and Uplift youth programs as well as Camp Yarramundi’s long-standing commitment to host Recovery Camps.
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