Youth Mental Health Forum

Hundreds of Hills teenagers have had the benefit of attending the annual Young Healthy Minds Forum organised by the Positive Vibes Foundation.

This year’s event was the 10th and was hosted by the Santa Sophia Catholic College at the Gables. The event brought together 140 high school students from 10 schools, fostering an open dialogue on mental health. So far 1500 students from 20 schools have been through the program.

Sara Ladomatos, a passionate youth leader in the Hills, shared her journey with depression and anxiety, offering students valuable insights into dealing with mental health.

Facilitated by Burn Bright, the forum empowered students to develop initiatives aimed at improving mental health within their schools. Through engaging discussions, students learned how to support themselves, friends, and families in times of need.

Attendees participated in a Q&A session with a panel of counsellors (Queenie Tran and Karen Hanzal from Kellyville Private Hospital, and Jessica Valvason from Santa Sophia) and explored exhibits from organisations such as Western Sydney Youth Mental Health, headspace, and Castle Hill Rotary.

Hills Shire Mayor Dr Michelle Byrne emphasised the importance of mental health education, stating, “It’s important to teach our young people about good mental health, what that looks like, as well as where to get help when they need it.”

Chairman of the Positive Vibes Foundation Mario Rodrigues said: “Our Young Healthy Minds Forum encourages young people to speak openly about mental health, to ask questions and hear tips on how to have good mental health. Each school then shared initiatives that they would take back to their school community to improve student mental health. This creates a ripple effect that impacts their families, friends and the community at large.”

He also gave special thanks to Santa Sophia College and sponsors including Wayfinder Buyer’s Agent, Castle Hill Rotary, Bankstown Sports Club, Kellyville Private Hospital, and Hills Shire Council, for their role in supporting the event’s success.

Visit www.positivevibes.org.au to learn more about the Positive Vibes Foundation.

This year’s forum attendees were:

• Australian International Academy
• Malek Fahd
• Mitchell High School
• Northmead Creative and Performing Arts
• Riverstone High
• Santa Sophia Catholic College
• Saint John Paul II
• Saint John XXIII
• Hills Grammar
• Wyndham College