‘Project Reshape’ aims to improve the community’s understanding of mental health by removing stigma, increasing awareness and providing the necessary skills and training.

Rotary Club president Terry Butler said the initiative showed leadership skills in the youth who came up with the idea. “Both clubs saw a need to do something about mental health for the community,” he said.

Interact club member Scott Bourke also praised the youths. “It’s very youth-driven. They had a brainstorming session and came up with mental health being an important issue,” he said.

In 2017, Project Reshape will host a series of event. The first is a free forum at the Yass Memorial Hall on April 13, 9am–5pm. Presenters from from beyondblue, Black Dog Institute and others will share stories about identifying and addressing mental health.

Rotaract Club president Lachlan Butler said it was discussion about raising funds for beyondblue that led to the initiative. “From that, I thought we could do something more that benefits our community,” he said.

The 17-year-old, who has been at the club for nearly four years, said he hoped to see about 200 attendees at the forum. “If we have that many, it’d mean we have a presence to show people living with mental health issues that help is there. It means they can feel more comfortable asking for help and going to services,” he said.

The second event is a range of free training workshops in May-July. Qualified and experienced trainers will provide training in suicide awareness and prevention, identifying and addressing depression, and mental health first-aid skills.

The final event is a trivia night and dinner at Yass Memorial Hall on Friday, June 2. Keynote speakers will discuss strategies and initiatives to best address mental health.

All proceeds raised will go to mental health charities.

Project Reshape was made possible by a $5000 grant from TransGrid. “It was the generosity of TransGrid that helped us achieve this,” Terry Butler said.

More: projectreshape.xyz