TIME2TALK is calling on all parents, carers and anyone associated with youth in the Nambucca Valley to attend a free Information Night to develop mental health awareness and to learn where to find help when they need it.

The Information Night will be held at Nambucca RSL Club on May 26 from 6pm to 9pm, with light refreshments provided by the Club.

Time2Talk is a not-for-profit volunteer organisation – it’s full name Time2Talk Nambucca Valley in support of Nambucca Valley RUOK? – established by five local parents: Danny Doolan (President), Elisse Chapman from Uniting Youth Services (Treasurer), Corinne Luffman, Gemma Rostron and Minna Pritchard, all of whom have been personally affected by mental health concerns in some way.

Mental health statistics provided by Lifeline for people living in northern NSW are disturbing, and particularly so in some of the categories that affect our community.

Time2Talk spokesperson Gemma Rostron explained that parents and carers in Nambucca Valley have difficulty knowing where to find help for their children when they’re suffering with mental health problems.

It often takes weeks for them to negotiate appointments with a GP then referral to a specialist when what they really need is urgent help.

Time2Talk is about opening doors to organisations that can help with access to advice, support and courses of action.

The Information Night on May 26 will be the first step in providing practical information to assist parents and carers to help their young people.

Leading mental health services that will be in attendance at the information night include: Lifeline, headspace, GenHealth, Wesley Mission, Uniting Youth Services, New Horizons, Divine Soul Centre (sound healing, natural healers and therapists), Connective Fitness (Macksville), and Nambucca Youthie (Nambucca Youth Services).

Guest speakers Miranda Cull and Naydene from headspace and GenHealth will provide information on how to seek immediate assistance for youth in crisis, and on the referral system.

Liz Yebek from Lifeline will outline the do’s and don’ts of speaking to youth in crisis, Lifeline numbers and statistics, as well as counselling workshops.

“Time2Talk values the support of the Council and community organisations and we look forward to working with them in days to come,” Gemma Rostron told News Of The Area, adding, “We wish to thank Nambucca RSL Club particularly for their support.”

Also coming up in the Valley is a free mental health counselling workshop, the Lifeline Accidental Counsellor connector workshop, which will be held at the RSL Club on May 28 from 1pm-4.30pm.

You can register or get information through time2talknv@gmail.com

If you or someone you know needs urgent crisis support, call the Lifeline helpline on 13 11 14.

 

By Susan KONTIC