The number of young people seeking help from SENTRAL Youth Services in Kiama was up 70 per cent last year.
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Nick Guggisberg, manager of community and cultural development at Kiama Council, said the service saw 20 to 30 kids a day.
Over the same period a spate of youth suicides in the Illawarra region left the community reeling.
"They need a space to share what's going on with them and work through their feelings," Mr Guggisberg said. "They often don't talk directly about what's worrying them; they just need to be together."
Mr Guggisberg's team at SENTRAL Youth Services in Kiama knows the importance of lending an ear; they recently won the 'Brilliant Idea' award at the 2021 Community Service Awards. The team were recognised for their work supporting young people in Kiama through a tough 18-month period.
Mr Guggisberg cited the ongoing impact of the pandemic, climate change and lack of housing were "big picture" stressors for kids.
Closer to home, poverty, homelessness and unstable homes also had an impact.
"We have heard of children in primary school who are acutely suicidal," he said.
"There's a lack of confidence in a prosperous future; many kids don't come from stable families, or are homeless. Those who may have less resilience are far more impacted by these dynamics."
Mr Guggisberg said that while there was "no simple answer" to why people take their own life, it's always worth reaching out if you're worried about someone.
There's a combination of big and small actions everyone on the South Coast can take to support youth mental health.
"We know mental health is extremely complex, and there are no easy answers," Mr Guggisberg said.
"We also know connection to other people is highly protective. Reach out to someone, volunteer for a community group, and don't take anybody in your life for granted."
"If you notice something, if you're worried about somebody, ring Lifeline for advice. You can make a difference, and you could save a life."
A NSW Education spokesperson said they had invested $290 million to support students' wellbeing and mental health at school.
If you or someone you know needs help, call Lifeline on 13 11 14, the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636. Call triple-0 if life is in danger.
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