A COLOURFUL bus will be roaming around the South West next week to inform youth and parents about mental health.
The bus is operated through Lamp Inc. a community based program that supports carers, families and individuals suffering from mental health in the South West region.
The bus, a result of community support, allows Lamp to be mobile, delivering training, information and support to those who need it.
In particular, Lamp workers consistently host events that attempt to lessen the stigma of mental health in the community.
This week signifies the start of Mental Health Week, with ‘Make a Move’ towards better mental health being the concept behind the campaign this year to promote mental wellness in the community.
As a part of their Pop Up bus event, Lamp workers will be giving out free information to further this campaign, distributing ‘Mindfulness’ packages they have put together, a strategy that they said helps to keep people in the here and now.
“We’ve got to take care of our minds, just like the rest of our body,” said Room 226 Youth Support Program Manager Nicole Slevec,
“It’s practical support, that’s what it comes down to.”
Involved in ten South West schools, Lamp workers seek to ease the anxiety associated with high school students, helping both the students and working with the parents to resolve these feelings.
With a backyard hangout made for teens to relax and feel at ease in their headquarters, Lamp Inc. provides an environment of acceptance and discussion for when youth may feel displaced.
“It’s all about self-regulation and self-awareness, particularly for those who can’t vocalise their feelings,” said Ms Slevec.
The bus travels around to all youth events with the Lamp Inc. base also having a late drop in to their youth centre on Thursdays.
“Where ever they may be is where we go,” said Lamp youth worker Paula Farley.
The Pop Up bus was on the Dunsborough Foreshore on Tuesday October 7, in Mitchell Park in Busselton Wednesday October 8 and will be in Margaret River Thursday October 9.
For more information visit the website on www.lampinc.org.au or directly contact Nicole Slevec from the Room 226 Youth Support Program on 9754 1834 or 0422 439 068.
Caption: Nicole Slevec, Paula Farley and Stacey Gough with the Youth Support Bus.
