ACT Catholic secondary colleges; St Clare’s, Daramalan, St Edmund’s, St Francis Xavier, St John Paul II, Marist, St Mary MacKillop and Merici collaborated to present an expo on adolescent health and wellbeing. This partnership was born in acknowledgement of the importance of this issue and the need to provide resources to families.

Held at the Australian Catholic University, the aim of the expo was to connect parents with local mental health service providers and to open up a conversation around the key issues being faced today.

Guest speakers included adolescent psychologist Dr Michael Gordon; Dr Elizabeth Moore, ACT Coordinator General of the Office for Mental Health; and panelists in areas such as nutrition, theology, suicide prevention and psychiatry. The panel offered insights on issues affecting young people such as eating disorders, self-care and suicidal ideation. Currently, one in four students are struggling with mental health issues and one in seven have had an episode in the past 12 months. 

Parents attending the expo were able to discuss the issues and were provided with resources. Shelley and Aaron Prentice have three daughters, two at Merici College and another at St Jude’s Primary School, Holder. “Mental health is so important and it’s really great that they are bringing a lot of attention to this issue and including wellbeing also. We’re lucky that our daughters are in an environment where they receive support.” 

Minister for Mental Health, Shane Rattenbury attended the expo. “This is a really positive event and the fact that the Catholic colleges have come together is great. It is very hard and sometimes quite frightening for parents to see what their children are experiencing. I think the advice that has been shared tonight has been excellent for families,” he said.