Our guest speaker at our meeting on the 8th February 2017 was Dylan Whitelaw.  Dylan is a Year 10 student at Oxley College, Burradoo.  Get Around It is a small not-for-profit organisation dedicated to raising awareness and services about Youth Mental Health within the Wingecarribee Shire. Established to assist young people during difficult times, Get Around It is an innovative organisation that strives to help every young person within the Wingecarribee Shire. Mental health conditions often start early in life and can have significant implications for success in education, future careers, and personal relationships. One in four young people experience a mental health condition and suicide is the leading cause of death for Australians aged 15 to 24, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Research has shown that half all mental health conditions emerge by the age of 14, and three-quarters by age 24. However, identifying issues early and getting a young person into the right support and treatment can change lives. Adolescence is a critical time for mental health and around 550,000 young people aged 12–18 years live with depression or anxiety.
 
Get Around It was established in late 2015 after a less than desirable experience with the mental health system in the Wingecarribee Shire. After this experience, the founder became very interested in adolescent mental health.  Get Around It is a non-government organisation that raises awareness and promotes the wellbeing of young people.
 


Ultimately Get Around It is a group of people who are passionate about mental health and helping other people.  Guided by our vision and mission, values and behaviours, we endeavour to help young people improve their lives and therefore reduce the risk of suicide.  For more information please visit https://www.getaroundit.org/
 
8th February 2017