Looking after youth health

Former Australian of the year Prof Patrick McGorry will address an open forum at CHEC.

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• Experts gather to talk suicide

OPENING Minds for a Better Future is the name and the aim of a free public forum this Friday.

Former Australian of the Year and mental health expert Professor Patrick McGorry will join a community discussion on strengthening the mental health of young people.

"Suicide is the leading cause of death among young Australians - higher than road traffic accidents. Yet while we passionately campaign to make our roads safer, we shy away from discussing the devastation suicide brings," he said.

"While we need to be responsible in the way we discuss it, we have to face facts - staying silent on this issue isn't working."

The aim of the forum is to open up a conversation around youth mental health and suicide and how we can prevent small problems turning into big ones.

The event is being organised by headspace Mid North Coast and the Youth Suicide Prevention Committee, with a free barbecue provided by The Mental Health Professionals Network from 5pm-6 pm.

Joining Prof McGorry on the panel is headspace Mid North Coast Clinical Lead Dr Nicola Holmes; Area Clinical Director MH Services Dr Doug Andrews; school guidance counsellor Kylie Vesperman; headspace youth representative Jade; and moderator Prof John Hurley.

The forum is from 6pm-8pm at Coffs Harbour Education Campus on Friday.

See headspace.org.au and eheadspace.org.au (online counselling) for more info.