Youth health service provider headspace is hosting an online mental health workshop to support St George parents and carers to better understand the challenges facing young people during and after lockdown.
Community members and local organisations supporting young people will also be encouraged to attend the workshop, to be held on August 10.
Headspace is a national youth mental health foundation supporting young people aged 12 to 25 who face emotional problems, and provides counselling and services free of charge.
The online workshop will support parents and carers so that they can provide their children with the assistance they need during this time of uncertainty.
They will be told of local support services and be able to ask questions about what they can do to help young people who are struggling.
Minister for Mental Health, Bronnie Taylor, said that the sessions will benefit the whole community.
"These sessions are for any parent or carer who is worried about their child and does not know how to start a conversation about what is going on in their lives," Minister Taylor said.
"We want parents and carers to be able to talk about mental wellbeing in a way that does not inadvertently shame young people or encourage them to stay silent, but access the tools and support services that are available to them."
Oatley MP Mark Coure said the St George region is home to many youth support services from 3Bridges to 2Connect and they each have a role to play in supporting young people across all aspects of their daily lives.
"This lockdown period has placed added pressure and uncertainty on young people whether that be in their education, social networks or employment," Mr Coure said.
"This workshop is about improving mental health literacy for parents and carers so they can help their children with their work or study and support them as we emerge from the lockdown period."
To register for the Georges River session on Tuesday, 10 August 2021, visit:
