Youth forum draws crowds

A MAJOR youth mental health forum set for Pakenham next Tuesday night has attracted more than 400 registrations.
The Youth Positive Mental Health Forum at the Beaconhills College will feature three keynote speakers, including child and adolescent psychologist Dr Michael Carr-Gregg, cyber safety expert Susan McLean and Associate Professor Felice Jacka.
With organisers catering for up to 700 attendees, Pakenham Rotary’s Vivienne Armstrong said the response to the event had been strong so far.
“We’ve had registrations from Mornington, Warragul, we’ve had solicitors, teachers, health professionals and parents sign up,” she said.
“It’s for the whole community, not just one school.
“Schools don’t want to be singled out with these issues, but many are open to discuss these really important topics.”
The forum will be run from 6.30pm to 9.30pm.
Registrations can be made at admin@headspacedandeonong.com.au
Meanwhile, Beyondblue’s big blue bus will be in two Pakenham locations next Tuesday.
It will initially be near Outlook Community Centre from 8am to 1pm, then the Youth Positive Mental Health Forum at Beaconhills College from 6.30pm to 9.30pm.
It will also be at Berwick’s Relay For Life event on Friday from 4pm to 9pm at Akoonah Park.
Residents are encouraged to drop by and pick up free information about depression and anxiety, chat to the beyondblue team and local service providers.