The National Mental Health Commission in partnership with Australia’s national mental health organisations, that specialise in supporting youth, have developed the #ChatStarter resource.

#ChatStarter connects, engages, and promotes the benefits of supportive conversations with young people and children who are going through a difficult time right now, during the pandemic.

The hashtag intentionally encourages people to use the tips and resources freely available to help them have supportive conversations, and to share and promote the benefits with their communities online.

It works by encouraging young people and parents, to share the ways they enjoy connecting with each other across social media, linking their audiences to a library of tools and resources to support those around them at www.headtohealth.gov.au.

Quandamooka woman and Director of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander strategy at Black Dog Institute Leilani Darwin says this resource is important right now.

Leilani Darwin speaking to Bumma Bippera Media