15/10/2018
Talking out the challenges together
YOUNG Koori people in Mildura are being offered an innovative, supportive approach to tackling life’s challenges.
Starting on Tuesday October 16, people aged 12 to 25 years have the opportunity to meet once a week, in a relaxed environment, to discuss the issues that matter to them, as part of the Family Wellbeing Program being rolled out by Mallee District Aboriginal Services (MDAS).
“We might talk about personal issues, family difficulties, or general problems facing the whole community,” explained organiser Sioned Price, who is part of the Social and Emotional Wellbeing team at MDAS.
“Meeting like this helps young people cover hard topics in a way where they are able to open up, share stories, have a yard, a feed, a laugh, and begin to heal.”
The weekly catch-ups will be run every Tuesday for 10 weeks to allow for people to become comfortable and learn new skills that will help them deal with difficult situations in a safe and productive way.
The informal meetings form the “Family Wellbeing Program” and there’s strong hope the sessions will be well supported.
“We want to see a positive movement in our community to support each other, especially young people who may be finding it hard to attend school or deal with life’s struggles in general,” Ms Price said.
“We believe everyone deserves to share their stories and have the opportunity to listen to others, so we can support and build each other up.”
The Family Wellbeing Program starts Tuesday October 16 from 10.30 to 12.30, and includes a free lunch.
The weekly discussions will be held at headspace Mildura, 2/125 Pine Avenue, Mildura.
For more information, people can contact Sioned or Nikita at MDAS on 5018 4100.