A major new mental health and wellbeing initiative for young people living in the Loddon Campaspe region called Keep in Touch (KiT) is set to be launched at Bendigo Senior Secondary College on Wednesday November 13.
Greater Bendigo Deputy Youth Mayor Annika Ritchie said the local launch is the culmination of eighteen months work by the KiT steering committee which comprises representatives from the City of Greater Bendigo, Regional Development Victoria, Department of Health and Human Services, Anglicare and young people from across the Loddon Campaspe region.
"The KiT project was developed by local young people for young people and focusses on breaking down mental health stigma in regional and rural area," Ms Ritchie said.
"KiT aims to empower young people to achieve and maintain positive mental health and wellbeing through three key elements - the KiT Van, KiT app, and KiT volunteer crew.
Greater Bendigo Youth Councillor and youth representative on the KiT steering committee Lilli-Rose Gemmill said the KiT van and app are tools to promote positive mental health awareness amongst young people in regional and rural communities.
"The van can be requested by the public via the app to attend community events and schools to start a conversation around positive mental health and wellbeing and provide links to mental health services and social activities," Ms Gemmill said.
"It's a great opportunity for communities to start a conversation about mental health in a supportive environment."
Young people in regional and rural areas can face more barriers to accessing mental health services. The KiT project provides a resource to link them with available services as well as opportunities to connect with activities and other young people."
The KiT app and van will link young people to local mental health and wellbeing services, resources, and activities. The app is free and available for download on both the Apple iStore and the Google Play store.
Kit is funded by the Department of Health and Human Services and Regional Development Victoria, with support from the City of Greater Bendigo and other Local Governments municipalities and community groups within the Loddon Campaspe region.
