Driven by collective care and community spirit, the Kiama Business Network and headspace Kiama delivered free youth mental health training to 31 participants on Tuesday.

The attendees included business owners, jobseekers and locals keen to upskill and support others.

The sessions, held across two sites, were originally aimed at Kiama Business Network members but quickly expanded to include the wider community.

Participants came from a range of backgrounds, including those currently unemployed, switching careers, or looking to better support young people in their workplaces or families.

Matt King, Vice President of the Kiama Business Network, said the training was about “giving people another tool in the toolbox.”

“We know that many people in our community are doing it tough,” he said.

“We wanted to offer something meaningful, not just for business, but for wellbeing. Sometimes you don’t know what to say, so you say nothing at all.

"This workshop gives attendees the tools and confidence to start those important conversations.This kind of training strengthens our community at every level.”

One participant said, “I’ve recently moved overseas with my young children and I wanted to be better equipped to support their mental health as they adjust to life in a new country.

Another added, “I work closely with young people in our local community and I’ve often found myself at a loss for words when they’re struggling. This training helped me understand that you don’t have to fix everything.

"You just need to know how to listen, respond and let them know they’re not alone.”

The workshops were fully funded and facilitated by headspace in partnership with the Kiama Business Network, as part of an ongoing commitment to mental health awareness and community wellbeing.