The theme of 'together we can make a difference' flowed through a wellness event at Bomaderry High on Tuesday.
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As part of 'Mental Health Month - Share the Journey', the school ran its annual well-being expo.
The event was a great way to encourage awareness of mental health and promote social and emotional well-being in the community.
Such expos decrease stigma and empowers people to seek help, for themselves or others.
Students, teachers, staff members and community groups all supported the mental health-related event.
Student Ellie Geaghan said the event was about raising awareness about mental health while supporting a good cause at the same time.
The event also raised funds for the Black Dog Institute.
The Black Dog Institute aims to improve the lives of people affected by mental illness with high-quality research into improved clinical treatments, increased accessibility to mental health services and delivery of long-term public health solutions.
The students wanted to support and acknowledge the Black Dog Institute.
"They (the Black Dog Institute) do a lot of good work around mental health and raising awareness. We really just wanted to help them in their endeavours and also to raise awareness about all the services in our local area that can help kids at the school," student Zara Podmore said.
All the students in Year 11 played a role in organising and running the event.
Various fun, sports-related and welfare stalls were set up around the school to support the event.
"Some of the stalls were fun because keeping good mental health and well-being can be just about having fun and enjoying yourselves," Zara said.
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They wanted to let all the other students know they are there for each other and that Bomaderry High was a caring educational community.
Milly Thomson said with the exam period looming it was important the students looked out for each other.
"We do get exam pressure because there is lots of work involved. I think a day like this is really good because it's definitely helping the students understand that they can get help and that there are ways of coping with things," Milly said.
The students said it was important their teachers were also heavily involved in the day.
Students know they can approach their teachers for support.
The event organisers would like to thank Care South, Headspace, Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District - CAYMHS, PCYC, Shoalhaven Crossfit, Shoalhaven Rowing, Bomaderry AFL and South Coast AFL for volunteering their time to make the day a success.
Share the journey means:
- Telling your friends and family when things are a bit tough
- Connecting with your community
- Finding a health professional you trust,and
- working together for best well-being for everyone
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