Community comes together to resource mental health

Around 200 school and community mental health professionals came together at USQ, Toowoomba to explore the issues facing young people in our community and to develop a network linking resources and services.

An initiative of Building Resilience in the Community & Schools (BRICS) and the Toowoomba Interagency Education Support Forum Education and Training Reforms for the Future, the conference showcased the best programs and develop new partnerships to better support the young people of Toowoomba.

Mental Health initiatives are aimed at assisting youth with issues they face in today's complex society. The incidence of suicide, self harm, abusive relationships and poor self esteem confront families, schools and the community in increasing numbers.

This conference brought together agencies and interested people to discuss, share and plan for the future of Queensland for the second time in Toowoomba. Members of the community and youth agencies also participated in the initiative.

Keynote speakers from the Hunter Institute of Mental Health discussed 'A framework for promoting mental health and well being' and were well received by the attendees.

The program also included a panel session with a General Practitioner, School Guidance Officer, Mental Health Professionals and teachers, which was followed by practical Sessions that focused on issues such as:

• Supporting Refugee Students
• Supporting Siblings of Students with Disabilities
• Depression in Adolescents
• Boys Talk and the Punishment of Difference
• Healthy Relationships
• Social and Emotional Well being and Learning

At lunchtime participants were also given the chance to cruise the Discovery Walk – a display of local initiatives and were able to talk with facilitators.

Following that, a Featured Showcase examined programs currently being undertaken in schools such as MindMatters Youth Empowerment Process, Love Bites Program, School based Indigenous Strategies, Mental Health First Aid, T.E.A.M Program and Headspace.