The forum will be run by the combined Rotary clubs of Moruya, Batemans Bay and Narooma and funded by Australian Rotary Health. 

Moruya Rotary president Keith Armstrong said the idea was to increase awareness of mental health issues and to discuss prevention.

“It’s important to realise that roughly a quarter of people will struggle with depression or some other form of mental illness in their lifetime,” he said.

“We think the information people can gain from listening to these speakers can make a difference to everyone’s mental health and wellbeing.”

Speakers at the forum will include NSW Mental Health Commission Assistant Commissioner Fay Jackson, local psychologist with Headspace Graham Parry and Moruya doctor Dr Hugh Humphries. 

Mr Parry said he wanted to give people a few practical ideas at the forum of what to say and do to help young people cope and be more resilient.

“I also want to help people be able to recognise warning signs of possible problems within themselves, their friends and their families, and to know what assistance is available,” he said.

The free forum will be held at the Moruya Golf Club, Tuesday, March 17 from 6pm to 8.30pm.

Bookings are appreciated for catering purposes.

For details contact Keith Armstrong 0408 236 630 or email armnleg2@bigpond.net.au.

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