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Listen: Salt 106.5's Steve D is joined by Alex Riedel, to share about the Harrison Riedel Foundation and all they're doing to support youth mental health
This is not surprising when 50% of mental health issues start before age 14 and often go undetected. Research indicates that anxiety and isolation are rising for young Australians, with 1 in 4 young people experiencing psychological distress. But seven out of ten young people do not receive the help they need when feeling anxious or distressed.
Alex Riedel, from Harrison Riedel Foundation, joins Salt 106.5’s Steve D to share about the loss of his brother Harrison, and the launch of their “Make Noise Your Way” challenge helping to communities across Australia to make noise in their own way for youth mental health.
Listen to full interview in the player above.
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Why aren’t the statistics changing?
Despite increased government funding and efforts towards building accessible and effective mental health treatment services in Australia, significant barriers still prevent young Australians from accessing the support they need. Current frameworks aren’t doing enough to address the youth mental health crisis.
Suicide is already the leading cause of death among young Australians, and many more suffer from mental health issues.
While the $15.9 million explicitly allocated towards young Australians recovering from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is a positive step, many young people are still missing out on the critical mental health services they need. It is crucial to ensure that funding is directed towards programs that work and new and innovative approaches are developed to meet the specific needs of young Australians.
Making noise to make change
The Harrison Riedel Foundation is dedicated to fostering healthy relationships and supporting youth mental health. Their flagship prevention programs, YourCrew and YourCrew Classroom, help young Australians build the knowledge, skills and tools they need to provide safe support to themselves and their friends when needed.
But there’s always more to be done. That’s why they’re excited to launch “Make Noise Your Way” challenge, and they want you to join them!
The challenge invites communities across Australia to make noise in their own way for youth mental health – whether it’s by making noise to raise awareness of the free YourCrew App, fundraising to keep the app free, sponsoring someone who is fundraising, or advocating for more action on the issue. By making as much noise as possible, we can help to reduce anxiety and self-harm and keep our young people safe.
To find out more about the challenge and to get involved, visit makenoiseyourway.com.au
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Need Support?
If you or someone you know is struggling or needs a compassionate listening person to talk to, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, or Australia’s Suicide Callback Service, on 1300 659 467.
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