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Bringing positive mental health and wellbeing to Peel youth

About 500 Year 10 students from the Peel region turned out at Mandurah Baptist College this morning to hear a real-life story of how mental health can affect even the most unsuspecting of individuals.

Former Fremantle Dockers player Heath Black shared his journey of mental health and recovery to the packed auditorium of secondary students as part of GP down south’s 3 Tier Youth Mental Health Program, which raises awareness, provides school workshops about mental health and counselling sessions in the Peel area.

The program aims to increase awareness of mental health issues and opportunities for recovery, increase knowledge of coping strategies for specific mental health issues and improve access to appropriate, individual support to improve mental health and wellbeing.

One in four Australians aged 16 to 24 will experience a mental illness and in Western Australia, suicide is the main cause of preventable death for adolescents.

For support, call beyondblue on 1300 224 636 for 24/7 free counselling, Lifeline in a crisis situation on 13 11 14 or visit http://www.au.reachout.com to join in an online discussion.