Monday, February 08, 2010
AN ONLINE initiative that uses a website, blogs and social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter to promote mental health among young people has been launched in Ireland.
ReachOut.com, based on a successful Australian project, is an independent, non-profit initiative that will provide no-nonsense facts, blogs, and stories about mental health and well-being, as well as advice on getting through "tough times".
Surveys have shown that three students in an average 6th year Irish classroom will experience serious mental health problems but not seek professional help.
The initiative deals with topics from relationships and exam stress to suicide,depression and self-harm.
"The focus of the service is on empowering young people to get the information and help they need early on," said Derek Chambers director of programmes and policy with the Inspire Ireland Foundation.
Mr Chambers said ReachOut.com aims to direct people to state and voluntary agencies that can provide help.
"In this way, ReachOut can act as an important stepping stone to clinical services for those young people who need face-to-face support," he said. But there are also plans for "youth ambassadors" to go to universities to deliver talks.
Mr Chambers encouraged people to log on to the site and register, and supply content or blogs to the site.
* www.reachout.com
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