TAMWORTH Community Centre will host a mental health initiative to help break down barriers and get parents and children talking about the issue.
Kicking off at 6:30 tonight, the Department of Education have organised guest speakers from both the Butterfly Foundation and local organisation Batyr.
They will highlight the importance of addressing mental health issues and how to seek help.
Department of Education Tamworth Network Specialist Centre facilitator Traci Prendergast said parents often talk about aspects of good physical health with their children.
“This is a chance for Tamworth parents to have a conversation about mental health and well being,” she said.
“We want to help parents to better understand how they can help their children to be healthy all round, to give them ideas about the signs to look out for and to know who in our schools and community is there to support them."
Batyr's rural co-ordinator Emily Herbert will discuss the organisation's services to connect young people suffering from mental illnesses with speakers who have successfully managed an experience with mental ill health.
Batyr is a Tamworth based organisation that connects young people with mental health services.
"They're then able to better understand the support networks and systems available and empower them to reach out for help when they need it," Ms Herbert said.
She said it was so important for parents to be aware of the signs of mental illnesses and help, as they can be their son's or daughter's greatest ally when they need support.
She also encouraged all parents from the community to attend the event as it's not only for parents who think their children may have mental health issues.
“It’s a fantastic initiative and a great opportunity,” she said.
“There will be valuable information for every parent, we hope to empower the wider community.”
The Butterfly Foundation, a national organisation promoting treatment and support of eating disorders and negative body image will provide information about prevention.
