Headspace needed in Fountain Gate: MP

MEMBERS of an anti-suicide group have joined a campaign pushing for a Headspace in Narre Warren.
The Australian Government’s Headspace program helps young people who are going through a tough time, providing support for problems like depression, anxiety, bullying and body image issues.
According to headspace, 92 per cent of young people have reported improvements in their mental health after using the headspace service.
Holt MP Anthony Byrne wants Headspace opened in the Fountain Gate Shopping Centre precinct to help local youth and last Friday met with Nyna McLean and Crystal Rose who are members from the Coming Together to Prevent Youth Suicide Group, now called PSY Preventing Suicide in Youth, to continue the campaign.
The PSY is a Facebook group that was created in June 2012 and has since grown to more than 20,000 members.
The page allows members to support each other during difficult times. The page has a group of 15 to 20 administrators who offer peer to peer support around preventing youth suicide.
Ms McLean said Facebook was used by many young people and was often the first place a person would turn to for support.
“There are so many young people in Australia who feel they don’t have anyone to speak with. Our Facebook group is an extremely supportive place to turn to,” Ms McLean said.
“We refer to the helplines for counselling but otherwise we provide a place where no one is judged and can speak their mind with adult supervision and support.
“The response we are getting from young people is outstanding and as such we are getting messages of thanks from the members of the page and their parents.”
“We need to remove the stigma of suicide and understand it is OK to talk to our peers, parents, teachers or counsellors about our feelings around depression, grief and suicide. We also want to ask for volunteers to complete our application process and assist in moderating the page by visiting www.in2life.com.au.”
Mr Byrne said PSY was a worthy initiative, but if anyone required professional assistance when dealing with mental health challenges they should call Headspace on 1800 650 890, Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 and/or Orygen Youth Health on 1800 888 320.
To join Mr Byrne’s campaign contact Anthony Byrne MP’s office on 9796 7533 or ‘like’ the ‘Headspace for Fountain Gate’ Facebook page at www.facebook.com/headspaceforfountaingate
To join PSY visit: http://www.facebook.com/groups/preventingyouthsuicide/#!/groups/preventingyouthsuicide/