Camping trip puts focus on mental health
Thirteen teenagers from the Derby and Mowanjum community headed to Eco Beach Wilderness Resort for a luxury camping trip during the school holidays.
The Escape Youth Camp was the second led by the Shire of Derby West Kimberley Youth Centre after receiving $7000 from the Mental Health Commission's One Life Suicide Prevention small grants.
Activities included beach fishing and camp fires, a "mud and fun" experience in which children covered themselves with mangrove mud, and a coastline walk to the mini bungles site and caves.
Shire community development executive manager Brad Isbister said the project aimed to build community awareness about suicide prevention services and help strengthen resilience to respond to the risks, signs and impacts of suicide.
"The purpose of these camps is to help promote confidence and positive mental health in youth, away from the pressures or intensity of everyday life and living with the aftermath of family bereavement or their own struggles," he said.
"The hope is that the camps will be a building block from which relationships are built or strengthened between young people and agencies who work specifically with at-risk youth."
Broome's Alive and Kicking Goals suicide prevention outreach project delivered a session about suicide and depression.
Children attending were recommended by local family and youth agencies as bereaved by suicide, considered at risk, or in need of respite from the daily pressures of life.
Derby Youth Centre has recently been awarded a second grant for $10,000 from the Mental Health Commission One Life Suicide Prevention small grants to deliver another two Escape Youth Camps, which will take place in the April and July school holidays.
If you or someone you know is thinking of suicide, phone Lifeline on 13 11 14.
