WEAVE’S YOUTH FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS THE TALENT OF YOUNG PEOPLE

DURING MENTAL HEALTH MONTH

October is mental health month and to raise awareness of the potential of youth with mental health issues, Weave Youth & Community Services will hold Mad Pride – Cool to be Kind, on Wednesday 9 October 2013 at 107 Redfern Street, Redfern from 6pm.

Fitting in with Mental Health month’s theme of ‘Kindness – Little Acts, Big Impacts’, Cool to be Kind is a celebration of the achievement of young people who live with both mental health and substance use issues.

Cool to be Kind promises to be a dynamic event showcasing live performances, music and visual art by talented young people living with mental health issues as well as special guest performances, DJs and interactive drumming workshops.

There will also be an exclusive debut performance by one of Australia’s up and coming music artists, OKENYO. Yen Magazine states that, ‘Every now and then a new musician comes along that makes us hold our breath, grab the sides of the monitor and hopes to sweet baby Jesus that he or she becomes a huge hit. This is the case for Aussie artist, OKENYO.’

The Sapphires star, SHARI SEBBENS, is special guest MC, for the event, which is aimed at changing pre-conceived perceptions of youth with mental health issues.

Janelle Ghazi, Team Leader, Weave’s Speak Out Program says the event aims to break down the stigma often associated with mental health and substance use experiences. “Too often we judge young people without really knowing the full story. We work with some amazing young people and many of those have had a great input into this event. It promises to be a very exciting night.”

Mad Pride – Cool to be Kind is a drug and alcohol free event with a gold coin donation entry.

Source: Weave’s official media release.