Seminar puts spotlight on young women’s mental health

Guest speakers Aria Giannini-Johns and Maria Ruberto with Werribee Rotary members at the Mental Health Seminar for Young Women. (supplied).

Werribee Rotary’s inaugural Mental Health Seminar for Young Women took place on Wednesday August 9.

Focussing on the mental health of young female athletes, the seminar was held at MacKillop College and followed a number of similar events for young men.

“I was absolutely wrapped with the night,” said event coordinator Peter Sandlandt, who was especially pleased with the involvement of local schools and their students.

“The participation by the students was fantastic. They were attentive and asked questions and were really involved.

Even though it was the inaugural one, we were pleased to have six schools represented out of about 12 in the area.”

Guest speakers were Aria Giannini-Johns from Beyond Blue, who shared her experience with depression, anxiety, OCD and PTSD and psychologist Maria Ruberto, who discussed how to maintain positive mental health.

Wyndham councillors Heather Marcus, Jennie Barrera, Jasmine Hill and Sahana Ramesh were also in attendance.

Peter Sandlandt said it won’t be a one off.

“He (Kim Deneys, Werribee Rotary President) is certainly wanting to make it an annual event.”

Cade Lucas.