More than 600 parents, carers and educators attended two free children’s mental health workshops in Geelong last week, with both sessions at Norlane Aquatic and Recreation Centre booking out ahead of the event.
The sessions were led by developmental paediatrician Dr Billy Garvey, founder of Guiding Growing Minds and the current YMCA Victorian Father of the Year, alongside counsellor, psychotherapist and education consultant Rebecca Harris.
Across the afternoon and evening sessions, attendees heard evidence-based guidance on children’s mental health, behaviour and neurodiversity, with strong audience questions continuing after the formal presentations ended.
The workshops were delivered through a partnership between the Y, YMCA Geelong, Meli and the City of Greater Geelong, and were free to attend.
The Y’s Open Doors program helps remove financial barriers so more people can access programs and support that would otherwise be out of reach.
The sessions form part of the Guiding Growing Minds Impact Series, which brings expert-led education directly into communities, with a focus on children’s mental health, behaviour and neurodiversity.
For more information about Guiding Growing Minds, visit guidinggrowingminds.com. To learn about the Y’s Open Doors program, visit victoria.ymca.org.au.
