MCCI is raising mental health awareness among multicultural youth, writes Cristina Sacco

For the young people who attended the two-day mental health first aid course over the school holidays, it was both a confronting and challenging learning process. It was an opportunity to recognise warning signs and learn how to talk with people in need.

‘It’s OK not to be OK’ was one of the core messages at the course, which was delivered by Red Point Psychology & Coaching in Port Kembla and part of the Healthy Communities program funded by the NSW Government and delivered by MCCI during the school holidays in January. It was so successful that another free course for people aged 16 and over was scheduled for mid-February. 

“I want to be able to help myself, my friends and my family to get through the rough patches that they might face, and just to have the skills to understand them fully,” said Brooke (pictured), who attended the session.

“Providing young people with the skills to recognise common mental health challenges, and on how to best support their peers and themselves when facing these, empowers them to better respond in a crisis. It is also an opportunity to raise awareness and to encourage conversations on mental health with their families, friends and the broader community,” said MCCI Youth and Community Manager Allyson Pazos. 

“This course gives people an opportunity to develop a voice and start a conversation around mental health which breaks down the uncertainty, discrimination and stigma of mental illness,” says Carer Counsellor and Educator for Red Point Psychology and Coaching Jane Hammer.

Contact MCCI for more information about the courses and other youth activities. Visit www.mcci.org.au