Promotion of positive youth mental health sees Denika Favas named Albany Young Citizen of the Year

For her efforts promoting positive mental and physical health in young people, Denika Favas has been named Albany’s Young Citizen of the Year.

For the last two years, Ms Favas has organised a social group at Binalup/Middleton Beach which encourages young people to meet, have a chat, a coffee and a quick dip on Wednesday mornings.

Mid Week at Mids has grown from a handful of regulars to often attracting between 15 and 20 people each week

“I just love the community that comes down and takes part,” she said.

“It started quite small, but now each week we get quite a big group — one time we had 27 people come down, which was huge.

“I’ve seen so many friendships form, I know it’s been good for my mental health and I can see it has been for others as well.”

More recently, she has also kick-started the Roundabout Run Club, which encourages people to go for a quick run up the Middleton Beach boardwalk to benefit their physical health as well.

“It was based from Mid Week at Mids, because we had a couple of people ask about doing a run as well for the physical side of things,” Ms Favas said.

“That is just go at your own pace, runners go as far as they want along the boardwalk and then come back down.”

Ms Favas said she was really pleased how people had supported the group beyond just their regular attendance.

“They’ll wear our jumpers and things like that, which really helps get the word out as well,” she said.

“While it’s definitely aimed at young people, we’ve had people bring their parents or kids down because everyone is welcome.”

Charlie Hill and Immi Taylor were also recognised as nominees for the award during the City of Albany’s formal Australia Day proceedings.