Support for youth

IN THE wake of the tragic suicides of Upwey High School students Jodie Gater and Stephanie Gestier, the Shire of Yarra Ranges is encouraging young people and parents to make use of its Youth Services Traction program.
Traction provides peer-group support and counselling to young adults aged 16 to 25 who have experienced mental health problems.
As well as addressing matters of depression and thought of suicide and self-harm, Traction also accommodates young people with issues such as phobias, anxiety, eating disorders, psychosis, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
The shire’s Mental Health and Counselling Services coordinator Katharina Verscharen said: “Traction offers groups and activities that encourage peer support, with the aim of empowering young people and promoting a positive view on mental health and life.”
Some of the activities that have been run of late include music groups, coffee clubs, workshops and creative arts programs.
“It is a great way to move forward positively from what can be a very frightening experience and help young people who’ve experienced mental illness to do thing they enjoy and make connections within their community,” Ms Verscharen said.
While Traction has been running for some time, the shire’s director of Community Relations James Martin says recent events have placed a renewed emphasis on the program.
“It has definitely come into the light more because of the growing awareness of the pressures on young people and the need to provide appropriate support,” he said.
More information about the program can be obtained by calling the council’s Youth Services on 9294 6716.
Calls from young people or their family, teachers, health care providers or friends are welcomed.