Adolescence - where health and education come together

On Thursday, 23 May, experts from the areas of health and education will be combining forces at a special Youth Health Forum. The Forum, organised by the NSW Centre for the Advancement of Adolescent Health, will be the most significant to date, as it looks at the relationship between positive education environments and opportunities and positive health outcomes in young people.

The opening address will be provided by the Hon. Brendan Nelson MP, Commonwealth Minister for Education, Science and Training. Minister Nelson will take the opportunity to launch Dr Leanne Rowe's book - "girl_X Recreated" which he describes as "instructive and makes you think about the need to talk to young people about their hope for the future".

The book, written for young people, is the illustrated diary of an imaginary student. "Bridget Jones" it is not. The format makes the book accessible to young people and challenges the reader to respond to the questions raised. A website associated with the book will assist teachers to raise health and social issues in the classroom in innovative and creative ways.

Clinical Psychologist from La Trobe University, Mr Andrew Fuller, will also take the stage to look at how we create resilient learners. A powerful and evocative speaker, Mr Fuller is well known for his work with young people and their families. His holistic approach to the health of young people has helped thousands of families deal with adolescence.

Afternoon sessions will include workshops looking at the importance of the arts and theatre in adolescent health, mental health in adolescence and innovation in education to achieve the best outcomes.

You are invited to attend the sessions, speak with presenters and participants and experience for yourself the complexity and importance of adolescent health.

Forum commences 9AM at the Education Centre, Westmead Hospital (not The Children's Hospital at Westmead).

For further information, please contact:

Public Relations
The Children's Hospital at Westmead
(02) 9845 3364