A Mental Health Olympics held for students at Callaghan College, Wallsend Campus could be used as a pilot program for schools throughout the Hunter region.
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The day-long event was borne from one Newcastle student’s desire to raise awareness of the seriousness of mental health for other kids.
Fourteen-year-old Connor Terry wanted kids to know “how serious a joke can be and also to learn that if they have any problems they need to tell someone”.
“I’ve got family members who suffer from depression and anxiety and I had a choice of a subject for school, so I just thought I could learn a bit more about it,” the year-nine student said.
“I just want kids to know that they do have effects on other people and that if someone is suffering from mental health to actually help them and be with them.
“And, if you did suffer from mental health, speak up, talk to your family, anyone.
“I’m hoping for this day become an annual thing for all schools because all kids need to know more about mental health.”
The school’s Gifted And Talented Students (GATS) coordinator Lauren Daniel was “blown away” by the way Connor organised the whole day.
“We run a GATS enrichment program for the students and they can come up with a unique idea that they’d like to pursue throughout the year and Connor came to me with the idea of developing his peers’ understanding of mental health,” Ms Daniel said.
“He essentially contacted all of the organisations and we went from there.”
Students rotated through a range of activities focusing on positive aspects of mental health, including supporting your mates, problem-solving, exercise, music, dance and art.
They were also given the opportunity to talk with mental health professionals from headspace Newcastle, Ability Links and The Samaritans Foundation throughout the day.
Hunter youth and community engagement arts organisation UP&UP helped students create a mural focusing on diversity and positivity.
I just want kids to know that they do have effects on other people and that if someone is suffering from mental health to actually help them and be with them.
- Connor Terry