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Taboo Talk with Sarah

Episode 04 Supporting Youth Mental Health: A Conversation with Jono O'Neill

How do we support young people through the mental health challenges they face today? In this heartfelt episode of Taboo Talk with Sarah, Sarah sits down with Jono O’Neill, the Senior Pastor at Tailrace Community Church, to discuss the youth mental health crisis, the power of faith and community, and the small but meaningful ways we can make a difference. Jono shares his journey from working with at-risk youth and the justice system to creating preventative, community-driven programs that empower young people before they reach a breaking point. If you're a parent, educator, or someone who wants to see change in the way we support youth, this episode is for you. 💜 You are not alone, and neither are the young people in your life. Together, we can make a difference.
Broadcast on:
10 Feb 2025

📌 Key Takeaways:

✔️ The Youth Mental Health Crisis – What’s really going on and why statistics are getting worse

✔️ Jono’s Journey – From working in youth justice to helping young people before they reach crisis

✔️ Faith and Mental Health – How they intersect and why faith communities need to be part of the conversation

✔️ The Importance of Safe Spaces – How places like Tailrace provide belonging and support for struggling youth

✔️ What We Can Do – Practical steps parents, youth leaders, and communities can take to support young people

 

💬 Standout Quotes:

🗣️ “The statistics on youth mental health are terrifying, but numbers don’t tell the full story—real people do.”

🗣️ “Young people need safe spaces where they can be heard, understood, and supported before they reach breaking point.”

🗣️ “Faith and mental health are not opposites—they can work together to bring healing and hope.”
 

⏳ Key Moments in the Episode:

⏱ 00:00 – Welcome & Introduction to Jono O’Neill

⏱ 05:30 – Jono’s Journey: From Youth Work to Faith-Based Leadership

⏱ 12:45 – Understanding the Youth Mental Health Crisis

⏱ 18:10 – The Role of Community in Prevention & Support

⏱ 22:35 – Faith & Mental Health: Do They Align?

⏱ 28:50 – Practical Ways We Can Support Young People

⏱ 33:20 – Final Thoughts: You Are Not Alone
 

🌟 Notable Mentions:

✔️ Tailrace Community Church – Creating safe spaces for young people and families

✔️ Jude’s Café & Tailrace Youth Programs – Supporting youth in practical and meaningful ways

✔️ Mental Health Support Services – If this episode brought up heavy emotions, please reach out:

National Support Services (Australia):

📞 Lifeline Australia – 13 11 14 | Lifeline Online Chat

📞 Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636 | Beyond Blue Online Chat

📞 Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467 | Suicide Callback Online

📞 Kids Helpline – 1800 55 1800 | Kids Helpline Online

Tasmania-Specific Support:

📞 Access Mental Health Helpline – 1800 332 388 | More Information

📞 Emergency Services – In crisis, call 000

 

📢 Call to Action:

✨ Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it.

📌 Subscribe & leave a review to help us reach more people with these important conversations.

💬 Join the conversation! DM Sarah or connect on social media—your story matters.

📍 Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify & YouTube!

 

#TabooTalkWithSarah #YouthMentalHealth #FaithAndWellness #SupportOurYouth #CommunityHealing #BreakTheSilence #YouAreNotAlone

How do we support young people through the mental health challenges they face today? In this heartfelt episode of Taboo Talk with Sarah, Sarah sits down with Jono O’Neill, the Senior Pastor at Tailrace Community Church, to discuss the youth mental health crisis, the power of faith and community, and the small but meaningful ways we can make a difference. Jono shares his journey from working with at-risk youth and the justice system to creating preventative, community-driven programs that empower young people before they reach a breaking point. If you're a parent, educator, or someone who wants to see change in the way we support youth, this episode is for you. 💜 You are not alone, and neither are the young people in your life. Together, we can make a difference.