NORWICH – After noticing a need for mental health education in our community, several local organizations have teamed up with Improve Norwich Now to provide assistance at no cost to participants.

According to Improve Norwich Now Co-Founder Jen Westervelt, the free course will teach participants the risk factors and warning signs of a variety of mental health challenges common among adolescents, including anxiety, depression, psychosis, eating disorders, ADHD, disruptive behavior disorders, and substance abuse orders.

Westervelt said the course will be offered from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, September 28, at the CV Free Church, located at 4299 State Highway 23 in Norwich.

Westervelt added this course will be a requirement for anyone seeking to become a mentor with Improve Norwich Now. She added that mentoring positions for those in need are now available, including positions in job or skill advancement opportunity, housing, financial sense, family support, child care, substance abuse, mental health, and more.

“We’re really excited to be able to partner with groups in our community to get more low cost or free programs available in our area,” said Westervelt. “Those who are interested in using their knowledge and experience to better their community are welcome to reach out to us for more information regarding mentoring opportunities.”

She said for anyone interested in taking this course, it can be applied to people of all ages, not just youths.