Western Bulldogs Youth Expo

Last Friday, a group of Year 9, 10 and 11 students were fortunate to attend the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation (WBCF) Youth Expo and panel event. We visited stalls set up by organisations such as headspace, WorkSafe Victoria, Victoria University and Brimbank Youth Services.

We then listened to a panel of speakers, including the Mayor of Maribyrnong, an Orygen Peer Worker, an Orygen Clinical Specialist and a recent graduate of WBCF’s Bark for Youth Leadership Project.

They discussed the age and cultural barriers to mental health awareness, especially how it is hard to talk about mental health if you come from a migrant family and the need for more mental health services in the western suburbs.

Some of our students shared their thoughts on the day.

During the expo, students enthusiastically explored the stalls, learning from the members of the community organisations about the services and opportunities on offer in the west. During the panel discussion, we listened to a range of perspectives covering youth mental health issues, experiences and tips. When given the opportunity to ask a question to the panel, Thinh Nguyen asked a very reflective and inquisitive question which was praised by the panel members. - Elesha G (10C)

While at the expo, we walked around the stalls to learn how each organisation can assist young people (and collected lots of freebies). Four participants on the panel talked to us about their relationship with mental health and their different experiences. Will (a recent graduate of WBCF’s Bark for Youth Leadership Project) spoke to us about his efforts to spread awareness of mental health issues through his Bulldogs socks (that promote) It’s ok to not be ok. Overall, it was a great day out in the city, teaching us important lessons and most importantly telling us its ok to not be ok. - Lucy C (10R)

Jordan Reithofer

Lawrence House Leader