More than 300 young people at risk of suicide or self-harm will be sent a series of postcards offering strategies to improve their mood—and to seek help—as part of an ORYGEN Research Centre study.

Participants will receive a postcard—once a month for 12 months—that contains a simple health promotion message and personalised information designed to encourage them in seeking support and mental wellbeing.

'There are simple things that young people can do, to help lift their mood and feel better.

'These include taking a walk, playing with a pet, or spending time with friends,' said study coordinator Associate Professor Alison Yung.

'The postcard reminds young people of these simple strategies.

'It also encourages young people to seek additional support if they need it,' Associate Professor Yung said.

The study has been supported by the Australian Rotary Health Research Fund and will run for three years.

Affiliated with the University of Melbourne, the ORYGEN Research Centre conducts a comprehensive research program dedicated to learning more about mental health problems in young people.

The centre has a unique 'real world' research base through its integration with the clinical program of ORYGEN Youth Health.

ORYGEN Youth Health provides a comprehensive series of programs to provide assistance to young people with mental health problems in northwest Melbourne.