Local Mental Health Project Grants

beyondblue is making $2000 available toward the cost of a Local Mental Health Project for 14 Councils across NSW.

A panel of young people from across NSW met to review 45 applications for Local Mental Health Projects.

Congratulations to the following projects that were successful in attaining funding:

Bellingen Shire Council – What’s in Your Headspace

This project involves young people organising a performance by Bellingen Playback Theatre Company around the theme, “What’s in your Headspace?” The local community will see performances based on young people’s experiences with mental health issues. After the event, a planning session will take place to formulate recommendations which address emerging issues that affect local young people.

Byron Shire Council – Lets go for a Walk

A project developed by young women, for young women. Young women will come together to discuss concerns about destructive relationships and taboo subjects in the community such as sexuality, peer pressure, family problems, substance abuse and negative behaviours. The workshops will provide the group with strategies to cope with these problems. The project culminates in an art, photography and poetry exhibition for the local area.

Cessnock City Council – Mental Health Workshops

The project works to increase young people’s self esteem and encourage positive relationships whilst increasing awareness of mental health issues. The project offers one-off workshops focusing on Relationship Building and Positive Communication, Strengthening of Self Worth, Self Esteem and Feeling Valued and Substance Abuse and its relationship to Mental Health.

Coffs Harbour City Council – Be Well, Be Strong, Be Connected

The project will involve young people participating in the Ted Noff’s Foundation Programme for Adolescent Life Management. Young people will help to organise a series of 8 workshops. Family counsellors will be on hand to help during the workshops. The project culminates in a showcase of works made by young people for the whole community.

Corowa Shire Council – Youth Week Drama Workshop

A drama workshop will be held to explore relationships and communications involving young people creating and acting out situations around this theme. The workshop will be led by experienced drama teachers from the Hot House Theatre. A DVD will be created from the project to provide valuable information on the needs of young people and will be used to bridge the connection between relationships and mental health in the planning of youth services.

Deniliquin Council – After the Drought it Always Rains

This project will see a publication of young people’s thoughts and feelings. Local young people will submit artworks, stories and poems for inclusion in a book which will be sold locally once published. The book will be used to encourage young people in the local area to feel proud of their achievements and come together as a community.

Eurobodalla Shire Council – Aamplify 08

This project is a local battle of the bands for 12-25 year olds. This year the theme is mental health in young people and their families, specifically focusing on how to support each other. Entrants have to write an original song embracing the theme coupled with trade displays and exhibitions with guest speakers.

Gloucester Shire Council – Gloucester Mental Health Projects

These projects will help to raise awareness of mental health issues affecting young people and provide them with clear pathways to access local and outreach services. It will also aim to help de-stigmatise mental illness. The workshops will be run by a trained Social worker and Youth Specialist addressing issues such as ‘What is mental illness?’, ‘What to do if you feel blue’ and ‘Where to get help’. Showbags with additional resources will also be created.

Holroyd and Parramatta Council – The Down ‘N’ Up Exhibition

Young People will organise and coordinate an exhibition of paintings, photos, digital arts, films, short stories, poetry, all dedicated to depression and anxiety. Young people accessed through schools and youth services will be involved in submitting works. Mental Health advisory groups and charities will be on hand to provide information at the exhibition.

Jerilderie Shire Council – Youth Connect Programme

This project focuses on specialist youth leaders and facilitators providing activity based workshops focusing on developing life skills, the building of resilience and self esteem and how to cope with life changes especially as a result of drought. Young people will be responsible for arranging, planning and advertising the program.

Kempsey Shire Council – What’s in Your Head? Let’s Start Talking

This project is a Mental Health Summit during Youth Week to undertake research into the information available and barriers associated with accessing information within the community on mental health. Guest speakers and the young people of Macleay will discuss their experiences of mental health and the impacts it has on their lives, family, peers and community.

Marrickville Council – Mental Health Issues for Young People Living with a Parent with a Mental Illness

Due to the stigma in the local community associated with mental illness and the stresses on young people with a parent who has a mental illness, Marrickville is running workshops. The workshops will help the community to understand the issues and assist other people in similar situations to access help, by developing a community resource. This will be launched during Mental Health Week in October.

Mid-Western Regional Council – Mental Health Activities

As part of Youth Week, Mid Western will have a day of skateboarding and rollerblading demos and competitions and a music evening. The aim of the event is to support and educate the community, including young people and their families about mental health and related issues. This will be in conjunction with local supporting bodies that provide mental health advice.

Walgett Shire Council – Youth Info Arvo’s

This project is uniting the three communities of Walgett, Lightning Ridge and Collarenebri by hosting Youth Info Arvo’s organised by young people. Youth speakers from Barnardo’s will address young people during the event, share stories and offer advice on mental health issues. Young people will be engaged through various activities and there will be a free BBQ.<%2mmit=Ucommit=Update