By BEN CAMERON
Out of sight, out of mind, call goes out to focus on mental health…
A BERWICK psychologist has called on local leaders to step up and help tackle the rising issue of youth mental health.
South Eastern Counselling and Psychology principal psychologist John Jakupi said a free mental health forum set for Pakenham on 17 March at the Beaconhills College Performing Arts Centre was badly needed by the community.
The forum, organised by Pakenham Rotary Club, the Inner Wheel Club of Pakenham and the Cardinia District Scout Group, has been described by organisers as one of the most significant events ever run in the district.
However Mr Jakupi said he was alarmed by the unwillingness to acknowledge the extent of youth mental health problems since he set up a clinic in Pakenham two years ago.
“In this time, I’ve been struck not simply by the number and severity of issues, but the relative lack of attention to them,” he said.
“Clearly, then, I’m very pleased to see any attention, be it via funding, media focus, or forums such as these.
“It’s a bit of a crack at local government, I don’t feel like these issues have been acknowledged previously.
“All levels of government need to do more. It should be their focus rather than it being left to a Rotary club.”
He said the forum was a positive step for the town.
“I’m very pleased to hear this forum is coming to Pakenham,” he said.
“I’ve worked in the Casey and Cardinia areas for 20 years now and have seen a rapid rise in a myriad of issues, particularly with the more recent rise in population out this way
“It didn’t seem as though planning had addressed youth and family issues as part of the growth.”
While he praised the quality of the public speakers who had been drafted in for the forum, he would like to see it have a more “local flavour”.
“This forum will have some big names but where are the local leaders?” he said.
“It needs a local flavour.”
He said “overwhelming demand” had seen him open similar clinics in Cranbourne and Narre Warren.
Rotary Club’s Vivienne Armstrong said the forum, which would focus on “unlocking the secret to building strong, healthy minds in our teenagers and young adults”, had gained a lot of interest so far.
“The 17th of March will dawn as the day Pakenham hosts one of the most significant events ever run in our district,” she said.
“It is clear our community is crying out for such an event.”
Dr Michael Carr Gregg, Associate Professor Felice Jacka, and Sue McLean, an expert on cyber bullying, will be the guest speakers on the night and will provide strategies which prepare young people for the future.
A question and answer session will follow.
To support the event or donate to the foundation contact Terry at Pakenham Rotary Club on 0419 966 955.
Registration for the event will be through Headspace on admin@headspacedandenong.com.au.
The forum will run from 6.30pm to 9.30pm.
