Mental issues: The room was filled to capacity for the Peninsula Voice-organised forum on depression and mental health of teenagers at the Peninsula Community Theatre, Mornington, on 8 March, left. Speakers and organisers of the forum, above, from left, Peter Dawson and Shona Wills, of Headspace, Kerrie McMillan, psychologist Di McGreal, Peter Orton, Peninsula Voiuce chairperson and Patrick McGorry.
Talk helps keep black dog at bay CONVERSATION and communication within families and the wider community is the most readily accessible way of detecting and tackling depression among teenagers. This message was brought out by speakers and organisers at a forum in Mornington earlier this month designed to help young people “stay mentally healthy”. The forum follows the findings of a report commissioned by the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council which found 25 per cent of peninsula teenagers suffered from depression, six per cent higher than the national average. The shire has listed “youth and teen mental health first aid training” as one of seven priority projects in its proposed $2.6 million in its proposed 2017/18 budget. “This sobering statistic prompted us to run a large public forum to discuss how this might be turned around,” chair of community organisation Peninsula Voice Peter Orton said. “The forum discussed basic strategies parents could use to help their children maintain good mental health.” “Talk to your children around the dinner table and talk often about their anxieties and fears,” said Mt Martha resident Kerrie Mc Millan, who lost her 20 year-old-son Sam, to suicide in 2011. Mr Orton said he supported Ms Mc Millan’s suggestion adding there was a need “for greater communication and connectedness across the community”. “Not only is depression devastating for families, friends and local communities, but it works against the health and well-being of all residents of the peninsula,” he said.
Psychiatrist and former Australian of the Year Professor Patrick McGorry and psychologist Dr Di McGreal outlined to the 550 people at the forum basic strategies parents could use to help their children maintain good mental health. A report on the forum was broadcast the following day on the ABC’s The World Today program. Professor McGorry said he the felt the federal health portfolio was in good hands under Flinders MP Greg Hunt. “Literature, government intervention and dayto-day anecdotes indicate youth depression, even just on the peninsula is a huge issue, and complex solutions are usually beyond families left on their own. They require a whole of community response,” Mr Orton said. He gave six “sharp insights” that could “guide action … and generate constructive conversation” on the peninsula: n Clearly name who is primarily responsible for action and support them. n Align federal, state and local government plans, budgets and actions. n Coordinate specialty care to be delivered in the local community. n Support parents, and suffering young people, locally and communally. n Local politicians must help parents navigate political labyrinths. n Practitioners and local politicians must demonstrate practical solutions. Keith Platt For support and information about suicide prevention, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.
Op shop pay out to charities A MORNINGTON op shop is proving the saying “from little things big things grow”. After being open just six months Tru Opportunity, in Frank St, has been able to donate $250 each to 48 different charities and causes – a total of $12,000. “The charities were nominated by the people who donated the goods – that's how we pick the charities,” said manager Trudy Lennon-Bowers, who held a stall at the Benton Junior College Fair last week.
“As we are in an industrial area we get no foot traffic and rely on people seeing the tiny op shop street signs, as well as word of mouth. We had to pay to get these little signs through council and they won’t allow any other type of sign. “I get people through every day who had no idea we were here. Imagine how well we would do if people could actually find us? We need donations and volunteers.” Opening hours are Monday to Friday 9.30am4.30pm and Saturday 9am-1pm. Stephen Taylor
Paul Newman
Owen Wilson
FREE OUTDOOR MOVIE FRIDAY 7 APRIL FREE ENTERTAINMENT FROM 5PM MOVIE STARTS 6:30PM Enjoy the movie in your car, or bring your own chair or rug. Outside Sober Mule.
21128-1132 Nepean Highway, Mornington Phone 03 5991 4922 peninsulahome.com.au peninsulahomecentre
Mornington News
28 March 2017
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