By Mikayla van Loon
The Lilydale Youth Hub is trying to combat the challenges young men in the Yarra Ranges face in talking about mental health by providing a safe, male-identifying only support group.
The program which got underway on Wednesday 9 November called Emote Control aims to help young males open up about their feelings, emotions, wellbeing and mental health in a non-judgemental environment for those aged 12 to 25.
One of the focuses is also on dealing with anger and frustration, where Emote Control facilitators Mark and Cydnee help guide young people through the best management techniques when they feel out of control in their emotions.
“We’ve had a really positive reaction to our new group. Clearly there is a need for young men to have a place where they can come together to talk about mental health, learn a bit about it, and engage with positive role models,” a Lilydale Youth Hub spokesperson said.
Local school wellbeing coordinators and teachers themselves have already asked the Hub to help organise a similar group session with their school communities, even prior to hearing or seeing the results.
Hub staff, case managers and peer support workers have been amazed at the reaction to the first session.
With the Hub expected to close at the end of the year without further funding from State or Federal governments, this new service won’t be able to continue its important work.
“It is disappointing to think that if we close, all of these young men will lose a supportive place like the Hub,” a spokesperson said.
“The community have been clear in all of the feedback and messages of support they have sent through that now is not the time to be closing youth mental health services in the Yarra Ranges.”
The Hub hopes to grow the male-identifying group sessions over the next few weeks while it remains open.
“We will continue providing services and groups like the Emote Control group right up until closure. We are still hopeful that the government will see the value the Lilydale Youth Hub provides to the community and continue our funding.”
The sessions are free and are held on Wednesday afternoons from 4pm to 5.30pm at the Lilydale Youth Hub located at 5/9 Clarke St, Lilydale.
For more information email peer support worker, mark.wightley@inspiro.org.au, or call the Hub on 9757 8777.
