Families, carers and educators in Geelong will this week access free mental health workshops led by one of Australia’s best-known developmental paediatricians, with both sessions at Norlane Aquatic and Recreation Centre (ARC) booking out quickly.

Dr Billy Garvey, founder of Guiding Growing Minds and current YMCA Victorian Father of the Year, will present two sessions in Geelong on Wednesday 22 April through a partnership with YMCA Victoria, YMCA Geelong, Meli and the City of Greater Geelong.

Held at Norlane ARC, the workshops are designed to give families and educators practical, evidence-based guidance to better support children’s mental health and development.

Guiding Growing Minds works with communities to make research and clinical expertise more accessible in everyday settings, particularly where cost can be a barrier to support.

Dr Garvey said the strong response showed how much demand there was for trusted advice and practical support.

“We want to share the evidence from our clinical practice and research in a way that helps people support the children in their care,” Dr Garvey said.

“To see that happening in Geelong, with such a strong response from local families and educators, is really encouraging.”

Joining Dr Garvey is Rebecca Harris, a counsellor, psychotherapist and education consultant with more than 20 years’ experience.

Ms Harris said access to quality support and professional learning should not depend on a school or community’s ability to pay.

“I know from my years working in education that often the schools with the greatest need have the least capacity to pay for professional learning opportunities,” Ms Harris said.

“That’s why opportunities like this are so important. They help make expert support available to the people and places that need it most.”

The sessions form part of the Guiding Growing Minds Impact Series, which brings expert-led education directly into communities.

Through its Open Doors program, YMCA (The Y) helps remove financial barriers so more people can access programs and support that would otherwise be out of reach.

YMCA Victoria CEO Carolyn Morris said the partnership was about making trusted support available to families and educators across Geelong.

“These sessions are about giving families and educators access to expert guidance in a setting that is local, welcoming and free,” Ms Morris said.

“We know many parents, carers and educators are looking for practical ways to support children’s wellbeing, and this partnership helps make that support easier to access.”

“In Geelong, The Y Geelong has been part of the fabric for more than 75 years committing to creating lasting social impact by making child safety, wellbeing and inclusion part of everything we do. We work alongside children, young people, families and the broader community to create safe, supportive and empowering environments where every young person can thrive through our vacation care, sport, recreation, youth and camping programs.

We are so grateful to have Guiding Growth Minds Dr Billy Garvey and Rebecca Harris come to our community providing an impact series of practical and realistic support for the educators, coaches and families navigating the complex journey of a child’s development.” Y Geelong CEO – Shona Eland

Where: Norlane ARC – Auditorium A 1-9 Cox Rd, Norlane VIC 3214
When: Wednesday 22nd April
Educator session: 4:00pm – 5:30pm
Community session: 6:30pm – 8:00pm