At Mineral Resources (MinRes) we know mental health is as important as physical health, which is why we’re pleased to extend our long-term partnership with Youth Focus for a further three years.
Youth Focus works to prevent youth suicide and improve the mental health and wellbeing of thousands of young Western Australians aged between 12-25 each year. As Youth Focus’ Premier Partners since 2013, we’ve contributed more than $2 million to support this valuable work.
Ahead of the 20th annual Hawaiian Ride for Youth – a 700km ride from Albany to Perth raising money for Youth Focus – the MinRes Ride for Youth cyclists teamed up with star West Coast Eagles defender and Youth Focus Ambassador Jeremy McGovern to record personal video messages about mental health for WA school students.
These video messages will take the place of the usual in-person visits delivered by Ride for Youth riders and Youth Focus counsellors due to COVID-19 restrictions. The key takeaway? Don’t be afraid to reach out for support if you’re struggling.
For Jeremy, a former student of North Albany Senior High School where the ride begins, the opportunity to support Youth Focus was the perfect fit.
“Mental health is such a big issue so I want to help and give back as much as I can – we all have our mental health challenges and Youth Focus is leading the way to help young people with resources and advice,” Jeremy said.
“The more we talk about it, the more we normalise mental health conversations, and there’s no need to feel ashamed to reach out.”
Youth Focus CEO, Arthur Papakotsias, said the organisation was grateful for the generous ongoing support of MinRes. Partnering with MinRes and the West Coast Eagles creates a unique opportunity to promote positive mental health and wellbeing to young people and communities.
“This important partnership brings youth mental health and suicide prevention to the fore and creates vital conversations about the profound and far-reaching impact of youth suicide,” Arthur said.
“Suicide is the leading cause of death for young Western Australians but collectively, we can make a difference.”
Our extended partnership with Youth Focus and support of the Hawaiian Ride for Youth underpins a growing mental health program led by leading psychologist Chris Harris, MinRes’ Head of Mental Health. This includes access for all staff to in-house psychology services, mental health first aid training and confidential external counselling. Our younger staff and apprentices aged under 25 also have easy access to trained Youth Focus counsellors at onsite and offsite locations.
You can show your support for Youth Focus and the Hawaiian Ride for Youth cyclists with a donation at rideforyouth.com.au
Read more about our support for mental health.
THE IMPACT OF COOPERATION: The West Coast Eagles and Mineral Resources gear up in mutual support of Youth Focus and the Hawaiian Ride for Youth. Youth Focus Ambassador and West Coast Eagles defender Jeremy McGovern (centre) is pictured with the Mineral Resources team of cyclists (L-R): Adam Cockie, Izzy Andrews, Fiona Cumming, Terry Hobson and Michele Thorp (not pictured).
