Young people aim for better mental health

Young people at Junee High School will soon be able to gain a better understanding of mental health issues, such as coping skills and recognising emotions, to treat depression and anxiety through the Swish Start program.

Swish Start, a partnership between Murrumbidgee Local Health District, Murrumbidgee Medicare Local, Riverina Headspace, Education, Youth Connections, and Junee Shire Council and The GEO Group Australia will be launched on 4 May 2012 and will provide an opportunity for the students to focus on preventative mental health issues while learning new basketball skills.

“The program is aimed at educating young people to recognize signs and symptoms of mental health issues, and its affect in their day-to-day lives, in both themselves and others” Murrumbidgee Medicare Local CEO Nancye Piercy said.

“The program is similar to the Big Bang Ballers international program which combines the fun of basketball with the building of skills in mental health, it helps young people to gain further confidence, understand their emotions, learn new ways to implement coping skills and build their confidence to help others who may be struggling” she continued.

The program will run every Friday from 4 May until 22 June 2012 under the guidance of mental health clinicians.