headspace Orange Youth Forum held at James Sheahan Catholic High School

The headspace Orange Youth Forum was led by the Orange headspace youth reference group and the headspace Orange team, with the aim of teaching the importance of speaking up to access support.

Former professional NRL Player Chris Houston addressed the crowd from Sheahan, Orange High and Anson Street School, as did mental health advocate Nic Newling.

Alison Logan, Centre Manager at headspace Orange, says this is the first time the Youth Forum will be presented to schools outside of Orange - a huge achievement for the centre.

"This is the third time we've held the Forum, and it continues to get bigger and better. All young people in Years 9 and 10 from Cowra High, Parkes High and James Sheahan High, will be able to participate in the Forum and learn how to seek support, how we can break down the stigma, and how their school can be a safe place for discussing mental health concerns."

The Australian Government reports that one in four young Australians are currently experience a mental health condition, with half of all mental health concerns developing before the age of 14-years-old.

"The Youth Forum is providing a regional platform for mental health issues, and we're able to reach more young people through greater school engagement. The conversation won't stop once the Forum ends, we will be working with the teachers to transfer these learnings into practical knowledge." Ms Logan said.

Staff will work closely with students to plan and coordinate a mental health initiative in each school, with students leading each of the projects.

"Through this engagement we're giving the power to the students. Together we can give an exceptionally loud voice to a silent issue and lead our community towards a change in attitude to mental health that can, and will, save lives," Ms Logan said.

The workshops were made possible through a Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR) ABC Heywire Youth Innovation grant, and local donations.

FRRR CEO, Natalie Egleton said that the grant program makes a real and lasting difference in the community.