A new advisory group, comprising mainly young people, met for the first time on Monday withthe aim of destigmatising mental health and improving services in Ballarat.

The group of young Ballarat people will also be advising on how the region’s mental health services are planned, delivered and how the community can access them.

Under the umbrella of Ballarat Health Services, the new mental health advisory group comprises 16 young people aged 14 to 25.

Members of the advisory group all have different skills and experiences. Some have been through the BHS mental health system, some hace had family access services, while others are passionate about mental health and some are studying psychology. 

BHS youth mental healthcare clinical manager Julie Rowse said it had been difficult in the past for young people to be engaged in mental health services, but it was important to see them involved. Dr Rowse stressed identifying mental health issues early in life was vital.

“Seventy-five per cent of people who have a significant mental disorder later in life have their first mental episode between the age of 15 and 25,” Dr Rowse said. 

“The earlier we can get these people accessing services and the appropriate treatments, their life outcomes can look a lot better.”

She said the group would have long-term impacts for Ballarat and could improve the future of many people in the Grampians region. 

“If we can help people cope with or recover from their condition at a young age, they can then go on to live a full and normal life. They can go and get an education, have a career, have a family, and not be disappointed,” she said.

“This is an opportunity to redesign and rethink how services are delivered.” 

Dr Rowse said the group would have input into how the new mental health spaces would look like at BHS. 

Group member Lauren said she was getting together with like-minded people to talk about mental health issues that today’s generation struggled with.

“In doing so, we hope to remove the stigma regarding what is becoming a much more common issue and help those who are going through what we understand so well. 

“It is our chance to give back for all the support we, and those we love, received.”

Tyarna said the group was an amazing opportunity to influence the youth of Ballarat. 

“Also, it is awesome to be able to assist in promoting good mental health and having the access youth require in the region.” 

The group will operate with other youth engagement groups, such as that at Headspace. 

Headspace youth engagement and community co-ordinator Larelle Kuczer said the group helped design and make Headspace the place it was today. 

She said the initiative empowered young people and gave them back ownership. 

“One of the key things they’ve done, which I’m really proud of, is the fact we have two referral forms. We have one referral form for the professionals, and one self-referral – which is easy, online and mobile friendly.” 

She said people still found mental health challenging to talk about.

“Young people are more open-minded than ever before. It will take this generation to shift the tide.”

nicole.cairns@fairfaxmedia.com.au