Issue at forefront for city’s youth councillors

GEELONG’S Youth Council has highlighted the mental health and wellbeing of young people in the region at its monthly meeting.

Together, members of the council observed a minute’s silence to acknowledge the recent losses of local teenagers to suicide, and to recognise young people who were facing significant challenges during the coronavirus pandemic.

At the start of the year, the Youth Council made mental health and wellbeing a priority area for 2020.

This week, the group reiterated the importance of providing a youth voice to discussions in this area, and explored support options available to young people during a guest presentation from youth mental health service headspace.

The junior members discussed the importance of caring for themselves, looking out for others and reaching out for help when they needed it. They also recognised the work of the City of Greater Geelong’s youth development unit in leading mental health firstaid courses for 3300 young people, parents, caregivers and teachers across greater Geelong since 2019, as part of the municipal health and wellbeing plan.

Junior Mayor Farzana Hussaini said that as elected representatives of their peers, it was important for the youth councillors to continue driving change in the mental health and wellbeing space.

“When the Youth Council made mental health and wellbeing a priority area for 2020, we had our friends and family members in mind,” Ms Hussaini said. “We are united in wanting to make a meaningful difference.”

To participate in the CoGG’s free mental health first aid course, email youth admin@geelongcity.vic.gov.au