Attention all young artists...

The Leeton Shire Youth Committee has received funding to organise a mental health project and has decided on an art competition, titled Express Yourself, with entries closing during National Youth Week.

Express Yourself is open to youth within Leeton Shire, with two categories for 12-16-year olds and 17-25-year olds. The competition closes on 12 April at 10am and entries will be displayed at an exhibition to be held on 14 April 2010.

Entrants have the chance to win some of the $500 worth of prizes on offer by entering an original artwork relating to the theme of ‘Express Yourself – Depression, Anxiety and Mental Health Issues Facing Local Youth’.

The project has come about through beyondblue, the national depression initiative, teaming up with the New South Wales National Youth Week 2010.

Youthbeyondblue’s main messages for young people are to:
• LOOK for the signs of depression and anxiety
• LISTEN to your friends’ experiences
• TALK about what’s going on
• SEEK HELP together.

Following the exhibition, the artwork will be photographed and contribute to a booklet which will include local mental health contacts and support services.
For more information about Express Yourself contact Leeton Shire Council Community Services Officer Jackson Goman on 6953 0955 or jacksong@leeton.nsw.gov.au

For more information on youthbeyondblue, see www.youthbeyondblue.com