Local youth proud to be mad

Sydney’s youth will showcase their talents and creativity in the annual Mad Pride Youth Event in Eveleigh tomorrow.

Now in its fourth year, the social event aims to raise awareness of mental health and substance abuse among young people.

Event co-ordinator, Mardi Diles, from Weave Youth Family Community says the event gives young people the
chance to break away from the social stigmas associated with these illnesses.

“It’s a space to celebrate young people’s preferred sense of their own identity and not be focused on the problem-saturated stories,” she says.

The event, inspired by the International Mad Pride movement, will include an art exhibition, talent quest and break dancing competition accompanied by free food and rides.

The director of Weave Youth Services, Shane Brown, has highlighted the heavy involvement of young people in organising the event.

“We’ve got a really diverse and quite large group of young people who helped coordinate the event. Most of them have not done that sort of thing before,” he says.

20 year old committee member, Jovi Kurniawan enjoys the social side of the experience.

“I really like talking to people and it’s great because everyone gets to interact with everyone of all different ages,” he says.

There is hope the event will encourage young people to seek help from the health services available to them in NSW.

“It is showing us that it is okay to talk about it [mental health] because everybody is around to help. The support is there,” says 19 year old Weave Youth Advocate and Mad Pride Committee member, Iona Lay.

Sasha Graham, from Weave sponsor United Way Sydney agrees.

“[The event creates] positive outcomes for young people by equipping them with the knowledge, skills and support they need to get them
through hard times,” she says.

According to National Health Mental Charity, SANE Australia: “At least one third of young people have had an episode of mental illness by the time they are 25 years old.”

For more info visit: www.madprideyouth.com.au

By Tara Blancato