Parents and carers will be able to book in for free mental health workshops hosted by headspace, thanks to a $1.2 million investment by the NSW Government.

Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said the workshops will help parents and carers better understand the unique challenges facing young people and learn practical tips, strategies and skills to support them.

“These sessions are for any parent or carer who is worried about their child and doesn’t know how to start a conversation about what’s going on in their lives,” said Mrs Taylor.

“We’re building a safer, stronger NSW, and these workshops will address local challenges, point the way to local support services and allow the community to ask questions about what they can do to help young people who are struggling.”

headspace CEO Jason Trethowan said understanding suicide will also be a key part of the training.

“Many young people have thoughts of suicide when life seems unbearable and they can’t imagine another way out of what they are going through,” Mr Trethowan said.

“The vast majority of these young people will not act on those thoughts, but we want parents and carers to be able to talk about such thoughts in a way that doesn’t inadvertently shame the young person or encourage them to stay silent.”

The NSW Government is investing $1.2 million over two years for 200 workshops to be delivered across NSW.

Parents, carers and community members supporting young people experiencing mental health challenges can register to attend upcoming events by visiting headspace National Youth Mental Health Foundation - Events.