A partnership between the National Mental Health Commission and our national mental health organisations who specialise in supporting children, young people and parents – batyr, Beyond Blue, Butterfly Foundation, headspace, Kids Helpline, Orygen, and ReachOut – has launched #ChatStarter.
Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh said the campaign harnesses the power of social media to engage parents and young people, with Facebook Australia providing significant support as a major partner to reach millions of Australians using Facebook and Instagram. The campaign will also be promoted on TikTok to extend awareness of the importance of #ChatStarter conversations.
“#ChatStarter connects, engages, and promotes the benefits of supportive conversations with young people and children who are going through a difficult time right now,” Mr Singh said.
“Developed in response to the challenge of pandemic restrictions and the increasing impacts these are having on the mental health of children and young people, #ChatStarter intentionally encourages people to use the tips and resources freely available on the Federal Department of Health’s Head to Health website to help them have supportive conversations, and to share and promote the benefits with their communities online.
“#ChatStarter also encourages young people and parents to create their own content on social media with instructions on how they start chats safely with others.”
National Mental Health Commission CEO Christine Morgan said that once again, the nation is being challenged by COVID-19 and for many, the new restrictions feel harder than the previous ones, and are having a cumulative impact on children, young people, and their parents.
“We are understandably fatigued after more than 18 months of COVID-19. Many people, some for the first time in their lives, are dealing with mental health challenges. This is particularly true for young people, who we know are experiencing heightened levels of distress and mental health challenges,” Ms Morgan said.
Recent research indicates children, young people, and their parents and carers are experiencing increased levels of distress and adverse mental health impacts.
#ChatStarter was designed with the support of parents and young people. The program highlights just how critical conversations can be in helping identify when someone is going through a difficult time. They can open opportunities to reach people before they reach crisis point and help them access the right type of care.
To feel more confident in starting a conversation and continuing it, visit https://www.headtohealth.gov.au
National FREE 24/7 crisis services: • Lifeline 13 11 14 www.lifeline.org.au • Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467 www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au • Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 www.kidshelpline.com.au • MensLine Australia 1300 78 99 78 www.mensline.org.au • Beyond Blue Support Service 1300 22 4636
