Cr Albrecht said youth consultation during the past 12 months had reinforced that young people in Hindmarsh wanted better access to mental-health services, more information about mental-health and wellbeing, and to feel safe and supported in talking about their mental-health concerns.
“We are pleased to be able to start working on a youth-led mental-health project,” she said.
The 2021 Hindmarsh Shire Youth Council developed the idea of a podcast, which will feature interviews and conversations with professionals about mental health, bullying, body image, self-care and other topics that they have identified.
The objective of the podcast is to ‘facilitate healthy conversations, answer critical questions young people have around mental health, provide access to expert knowledge and to provide an opportunity for youth participation and empowerment in an exciting and important project’.
Council chief executive Greg Brown said young people had already been working to come up with discussion topics as well as planning how they produced the podcast program.
“As we move into next year, the youth team will be looking into practical podcast training for those involved, as well as making sure our youth councillors are prepared and supported in talking about mental health,” he said.
“Hindmarsh Shire Youth Council will also be working with local organisations – including West Wimmera Health Service, headspace Horsham, Centre for Multicultural Youth and our local schools – to support young people putting the podcast together.
“This is a community project, and we’ll be working hard to make sure young people are taking the lead.
“Hindmarsh Shire Council encourages the community to keep an eye out on Hindmarsh Shire Youth Council social media for how the project is progressing and how they can get involved.”
Cr Albrecht: “If you are a young person in Hindmarsh and would like to get involved, please check out the youth council’s Facebook or Instagram pages for details.
“We look forward to the launch of the podcast in 2022 and will be encouraging everyone to listen, so that all ages can understand the issues that are affecting youth today.”
Cr Albrecht said people seeking more information could call council community development and youth officer Petra Croot on 5391 4444, or email info@hindmarsh.vic.gov.au.
The entire December 1, 2021 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!
