STUDENTS at Murtoa College will soon be more equipped to deal with mental health after a new training program at the school.
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College wellbeing co-ordinator Jan Dunlop said the school received a grant from the Barnardos Children’s Support Program to deliver teen mental health first aid training.
“All of our year 9 and 10 students will undergo this important training, which will teach students the skills required to identify and address mental health problems and crises in their peers,” she said.
“Mental health issues among students state wide is an ever growing problem with one in 14 young people diagnosed with a mental health problem.
“Young people will often turn to each other when stressed or upset and sometimes take too much on.”
The training program teaches students not to try to take on these problems alone, and when they should get an adult involved.
Students will learn about the different types of mental illnesses and crisis situations in young people.
The program will be delivered by the Wimmera Primary Care Partnership.
Ms Dunlop said the school planned to run the training each year.
“Eventually every student who leaves Murtoa College will be equipped with the knowledge of how to recognise mental illness and put a first aid plan into action,” she said.
“Those living with a mental health issue will also feel supported and validated.”