We are all aware of the impact of mental health disorders and the negative effects on physical health, social inclusion and academic achievement experienced by those affected. One in seven young people experience mental illness.
As members know, the Club has been an active supporter of research into mental health, raising $36,000 from the golf day 18 months ago and donating it to Australian Rotary Health, for research into first aid education for primary school students.
 President Mark Howlett, PP Thelma Hutchison & Dr Shurong Lu (Sharon) |
We had planned for Dr Laura Hart, who is heading up the mental health research project our funding is contributing to, however she was unwell and will present later in the year.
Instead, we welcomed Dr Sharon Lu, an epidemiologist and biostatistician in mental health and chronic diseases. Sharon is a Research Fellow at the Centre for Mental Health within the University of Melbourne.
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Sharon spoke about the Teen AID trial - a Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) program funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council and Australian Rotary Health, for a 5-year randomised controlled trial. The program has been rolled out in public schools across Victoria and has been focused on helping young people recognise when their friends need help, understanding the warning signs, listening, helping them connect with an adult and being a friend. Adolescence is a time of important change and development. It is also the time when mental health problems can first emerge. With a focus on improved mental health literacy and early intervention, the peer-to-peer Teen MHFA course is for high school students Years 7-9 and Years 10-12. Further information can be found by clicking on the link https://mhfa.com.au/cms/teen-mhfa-course-information