Registrations now open for our award-winning mental health program

Published on 25 January 2019

Learn how to help young people experiencing mental health problems by participating in one of Council’s award-winning Youth Mental Health First Aid courses this year.

The 14-hour program teaches participants first aid skills to give initial help to young people who are in a mental health crisis situation or in the early stages of a mental illness.

The course covers topics such as anxiety, depression, psychosis, alcohol abuse and other drug issues and eating disorders.

The cost is $30 for Macedon Ranges’ residents and $100 for others.

The program of dates for 2019 are:

     When:             9 and 16 February, 9am–5pm                  Where:            Lancefield Neighbourhood House, 78 High Street, Lancefield

     When:             1 April, 6pm–10pm (Refresher session)                  Where:            Newman Room, Kyneton Town Hall, 129 Mollison Street, Kyneton            

     When:             3 and 10 May, 9am–5pm (School staff)      Where:            Newman Room, Kyneton Town Hall, 129 Mollison Street              

     When:             7, 14, 21 and 28 May, 6.30pm–10pm (men’s only course)                   Where:            Leadlight Room, Holgates, High Street, Woodend              

     When:             16, 18 and 23 June, 9am–5pm and 6pm–9.30pm                  Where:            Gisborne Administration Centre, 40 Robertson Street, Gisborne              

     When:             3, 10, 17 and 25 September, 6pm–9.30pm,                  Where:            Newman Room, Kyneton Town Hall, 129 Mollison Street, Kyneton

Mayor, Cr Janet Pearce said the courses aimed to help the community develop a deeper understanding of the mental health challenges experienced by young people in the shire.

“I’ve attended this course before and as a mother of three young people myself, I found it really valuable.

“It gives people information to better support and understand young people, and how to hold those conversations.

“If you’re a young person with a mental health issue it can be incredibly isolating, so we need to speak about it and highlight that there is support available.

“Through attending one of these courses, the community can build their awareness of mental health issues and young people, and also their ability to help if a problem arises with someone they may know.

“Being affected by a mental illness can affect all areas of a person’s life – from school and home, to social relationships and more, so it’s fundamental we make sure young people are properly supported.”

To find out more information or book your place, see: Live4Life, call Loren Polzot on (03) 5422 0275 or email [email protected]