The power of music is being harnessed in Newcastle to reach out to young people, on the sometimes difficult topic of mental illness.

In a unique take on band competitions, Youth Rockin' the Black Dog aims to unearth bright new talent while promoting an important health message.

Please watch the video.

With all the pressure on young people, mental health problems are becoming more prominent but one innovative programme is getting them talking.

Mindplay is a high school drama competition that puts a theatrical twist on issues like depression, schizophrenia and addiction.

It's just about to rev up for another year, and in this Mind Matters story, we examine mental health issues taking centre stage.

A major medical research project is set to tackle one of the ongoing tragedies of the bush, male suicide.
Country blokes are much more likely to take their own lives than their city counterparts, and now, a team from the Hunter Medical Research Institute, is trying to find out why.