Llew O'Brien (Wide Bay, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

(—) (): Learning how to manage your mental wellbeing is an important and often challenging part of growing up. Studies have shown that one in three people aged between 15 and 19 have personal concerns about mental health, so it's crucial to end the stigma associated with mental ill-health and to help people access the support and help that they need. In conjunction with the Fraser Coast Regional Council, the Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service, the Rotary clubs of Maryborough, Sunshine and Maryborough City and the Maryborough Hospital Lobby Group, I was pleased to help produce The Little Blue Bookfor schools across the Fraser Coast.

This valuable resource was inspired by the strength and resolve of John and Tricia Barounis, who, tragically, lost their beautiful son, 17-year-old Yannis, who passed away by suicide. I commend them for their dedication and initiative for driving the production of this guide that is designed for young people to let them know that help is available and where they can access support services. Like the Barounises, I am deeply committed to tackling the complex and challenging issues of youth mental ill-health. We need to end the stigma so that people aren't afraid to seek help, and we need to ensure that life-saving mental health services are within easy reach for those who need them.