More than 1,300 local students trained in youth mental health program

More than 1,300 students in the Murrumbidgee participated in a youth mental health program in 2019, providing them with vital tools to build positive mental health and resilience.

Students from Mount Austin High School with Mr Stephen Burns, Head Teacher Welfare. The students were among more than 1,300 in the region who took part in the YAM program during 2019.

The Youth Aware of Mental Health (YAM) program, a LifeSpan Murrumbidgee initiative led by Murrumbidgee PHN, was delivered to Year 9 students across 25 local schools this year.

Yanco Agricultural High School Deputy Principal Lisa O’Brien said the program had been well-received and would be included in the school’s 2020 Wellbeing program.

“Many of our students come from drought-affected areas and are very aware of the stress their parents, family and friends are experiencing,” Ms O’Brien said.

“Following the course our students can readily identify where they can get help for either themselves, family or their friends if they are struggling. 

“Many of the students still have the resource book readily available months after the course and utilised the information and skills they learnt in the program in their Personal Development, Health and Physical Education course.”

MPHN Suicide Prevention Manager Maja Asmus said the YAM program specifically addresses mental health issues, self-harm and suicidality.

“Through role play and discussions in a classroom setting, the program teaches students how to resolve issues commonly experienced by young people,” Ms Asmus said.

MPHN CEO Melissa Neal said early intervention plays an important role in providing better outcomes for students.

“We know that across the Murrumbidgee region, just over a quarter of all young people aged between five and 17 years will be living with a diagnosed mental health issue,” Ms Neal said.

“We also know that across Australia 70 per cent of mental illness and suicidal behaviours begin between the ages of 12 and 25. These statistics mean it’s important we provide evidence-based programs to address early intervention strategies to support young people’s wellbeing and mental health and the classroom can be a positive and safe environment to start.”

LifeSpan Murrumbidgee is currently looking for volunteers to help deliver the YAM program in Term 1, 2020, in Wagga and Griffith/Leeton. Contact the team via email: lifespan@mphn.org.au for more information.

If you, or someone you know is experiencing a mental health emergency, call Accessline in the Murrumbidgee 1800 800 944, Lifeline 13 11 14, or call 000.