Experts from youth mental health service ReachOut are available this week for interviews about school aged children taking mental health days. They can discuss what a mental health day is and what it is not, how a mental health day can benefit a young person and provide tips for parents and carers on how they can support their young people when it comes to mental health days.
Linda Williams, Clinical Lead at ReachOut, is available for interview. Linda is a Senior Psychologist with more than 10 years experience working across telephone and digital mental health services. Linda’s areas of expertise include youth mental health and she is knowledgeable across a wide range of concerns.
Jackie Hallan, Interim CEO of ReachOut, is also available for comment. Jackie has 15 years’ experience in program management and health promotion focused on youth health and wellbeing.
Quote that can be attributed to Linda Williams:
“It’s useful to think about mental health days for young people the same way we would a sick day for their physical health. It’s about working with your young person to recognise when they are having a tough time with their mental health and what will support them to feel better.
“If you decide as a family that a mental health day is the right thing for your young person, parents and carers can play a vital role when it comes to supporting their young person to set up a day that will support their wellbeing. That might look like taking time out to seek treatment, to rest and for self care,” she said.
For information and support visit ReachOut.com.
ENDS
Media Contact
Linda and Jackie can be contacted via Tessa Anderssen, Senior Media Manager at ReachOut. tessa@reachout.com / 0411 708 587
About ReachOut
ReachOut is the leading online mental health service in Australia supporting young people during tough times.
ReachOut helps young people feel better about today and the future, no matter what challenge they’re facing. They provide a safe place where young people can openly express themselves, explore what’s happening in their lives, connect with people who understand their situation, and find the resources to help them manage their challenges now and in the future.
Anonymous, free and 100% online, ReachOut has been designed specifically for – and with – young people. From one-to-one support from experienced peer workers, to online forums, as well as tips, stories and resources, ReachOut offers a wide range of support options that allow young people to engage in the ways they want to, when they want to, and has been doing so for more than 20 years.
And, ReachOut Parents and ReachOut Schools provide valuable information, resources and advice to help parents, carers and educators to better understand the young people in their lives and to play an active role in their wellbeing.
Safe reporting
Contact details:
Tessa Anderssen / 0411 708 587 / tessa@reachout.com