By Jenn Watt

Published Oct. 17 2017

Marg Cox executive director of Point in Time said she’s been receiving regular requests for information on how to promote good mental health and how to spot warning signs that a young person is in trouble.

To help get the word out and to begin a community conversation Point in Time along with five other organizations is hosting a Youth Suicide Prevention and Wellness Forum in Haliburton on Monday Oct. 30.

Guest speaker Cecilia Marie Flynn a suicide prevention specialist will be hosting the forum and sharing information. Local social service agencies will also be there to talk about available supports and to answer questions.

“It’s really important that parents have an opportunity to know what the signs are of risk” said Cox. One in five people will experience a mental health challenge at some point in their lives but not all mental health issues carry the same risk.

“There are things that parents should keep their eyes open for” she said.

Changes in mood or sleeping habits suddenly disregarding house rules for example may be signals that there are issues to be addressed.

“We want to do what we can to ensure that both teens and parents know where they can turn if they’re having a challenge” Cox said. “There will be a range of supports available in the room so we’ll make sure there’s mental health supports in the room if people need to talk one-on-one they’ll be able to talk to staff.”

There will also be opportunity for questions from the floor.

Point in Time Trillium Lakelands District School Board Haliburton Highlands Health Services YWCA Peterborough Haliburton Women’s Centre the OPP and Ontario Centre of Excellence for Child and Youth Mental Health are all participating in the forum.

The forum is from 6 to 9 p.m. on Monday Oct. 30 at the Haliburton Legion (719 Mountain St. Haliburton) and is for parents and guardians. There will be free refreshments. For more information contact Lindsay at 705-457-5345 or email lindsayk@pointintime.ca.