Youth Solutions has teamed up with Campbelltown Catholic Club again to bring back It Starts With Us: a campaign to help you support your peers who may be experiencing alcohol, drug or mental health issues.
It Starts With Us focuses on the importance of prioritising self-care, particularly if you play a caring role in your personal or professional life. From there, the campaign builds in tips and strategies to help you check in with those in your life and help connect them to support they may need.
We know that drug, alcohol or mental health issues can be complex and effect a diverse range of people in our community. While navigating support options can be tricky, one thing remains clear: being kind and checking in can make a real difference.
Never underestimate the difference you can make by checking in, being there and helping someone as they navigate their support options. Whether it’s your mates, colleagues, family or even people you come across during your work or study; you can make an impact just by being there for someone.
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Download the guide for all of the practical strategies to help you take care of yourself and effectively support others:
Take our It Starts With Us quiz and learn some practical tips for supporting others. The best part? You can go into the draw to win a $200 Ultimate Gift Card. (T&Cs apply)
Take the quiz now!If you are supporting others who are experiencing drug, alcohol or mental health concerns, it’s important to first check-in with yourself and look after your own health and wellbeing.
Try out something new to make your self-care enticing. Some suggestions could include:
Regularly checking in with your friends, colleagues, peers or family is important! Some helpful conversation starters could include:
It’s important to also follow up and encourage them to seek support if necessary.
We can take small steps to challenge stigma and make help-seeking normal amongst our friends, family, workplaces and educational settings.
Some people may feel overwhelmed with the support services available. You could ease this process by being with them when they call or visit a support service.
Lauren, Health Promotion Officer & Educator
There are a range of support services available that can help if someone is going through a hard time, experiencing alcohol, drug or mental health issues.
Need to chat through the information and options with someone? Our team can assist with providing information, brief advice and referral. Connect with us today: 02 4628 2319, info@youthsolutions.com.au or message us on Instagram, TikTok or Facebook.
Check out the Support section of our website for a full list of services.
1300 659 467
Suicide Call Back Service is a free nationwide service providing 24/7 phone and online counselling to people affected by suicide.
1800 250 015
ADIS is a free and confidential counselling helpline for NSW residents with concerns around alcohol and/or drug use and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. ADIS is staffed by professional counsellors who provide education, information, counselling, support and referrals to other appropriate services in NSW.
1800 55 1800
Kids Helpline is Australia’s only free, confidential, 24/7 online and phone counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25. Qualified counsellors at Kids Helpline are available via WebChat, phone or email anytime and for any reason.
13 11 14
Lifeline offers crisis support 24/7. Anyone in Australia can chat to Lifeline over the phone, any time of day or night. Lifeline Crisis Support Text Service: 0477 13 11 14
headstart is a navigation tool for people experiencing mental health concerns, as well as their friends, family and carers. headstart brings together services that can help people in the local area get assistance with a whole range of different mental health conditions.
Safe Haven is a place you can go if you’re feeling distressed or having suicidal thoughts. It is a safe place where you can talk to a peer-support worker who may have experienced what you’re going through, or to a mental health professional. If you don’t feel like chatting, you can spend time in a quiet space and listen to music. It’s free and you don’t need an appointment.
An interactive assessment tool and directory that can help you to check in with your own (or a loved one’s) alcohol or other drug use. The tool provides information and support service referrals.
Find digital mental health resources from trusted service providers and be connected to support.
Georgina, Marketing & Engagement Intern
After the shiny, printed copies of our It Starts With Us guide for supporting others? How about some yummy lollies and affirmation wrist bands?
Connect with our team to request all the campaign goodies: 02 4628 2319, info@youthsolutions.com.au.
The It Starts With Us campaign would not be possible without the support of our partner, Campbelltown Catholic Club. The Club has generously provided funding and support for the It Starts With Us campaign and Health Pro+ project.
Youth Solutions extends its sincere thanks to the team at Campbelltown Catholic Club for its ongoing support of Youth Solutions, which spans over more than 14 years. The support of organisations like Campbelltown Catholic Club is integral to our ability to support our young people and the community. Learn more about the partnership and our supporters.
Download the Competition Terms & Conditions for our It Starts With Us quiz on our Disclaimer page.
Want more information about alcohol or other drugs? Check out this handy section of our website for more info.
Find out moreNeed some help but not sure where to turn? We can help. Connect with us or visit the Find Support Now page.
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