"Making a difference" is an apt title for the 4^th Christchurch Youth Health Forum, says City Council Youth Advocate, Robin Moore.

The Forum, to be held on the 8^th and 9^th of September at the Riccarton Park Function Centre, will provide a great training opportunity for professionals working with young people, she says.

It will give participants an opportunity to expand networks and meet others committed to improving the mental health of young people.

One highlight will be the keynote address by Barry Taylor, a health professional who has worked extensively in New Zealand and Australia over the past ten years. He is particularly experienced in the areas of youth suicide prevention, risk assessment and postvention.

Phil Nunn is also a keynote speaker. A psychologist with nine years’ experience, he is the Manager of Creative Youth initiatives through the Sydney City Mission.

A Youth Day Forum will also be held at Riccarton Park Function centre on Tuesday, September 7. The views expressed would be recorded and relayed to the main Forum, said Ms Moore.

"Young people haven’t had the opportunity to talk about such issues. The talking has usually been about them rather than with them. We hope that by giving youth the chance to express their opinions in a peer group context will give them the confidence to speak their minds," said Ms Moore.

An itinerary is appended. Workshops will be labelled either Media welcome or Media excluded.

 For further information

Robyn Moore 372-2406

Youth Advocate