Published on Wednesday, 3 April 2019 at 2:48:49 PM
NAREMBEEN’S BLUE TREE PROJECT
On Friday afternoon approximately 80 people gathered for the Narembeen Blue Tree Project, about 3km out of town on Narembeen Kondinin Road, followed by a sausage sizzle at the Shire Councils patio. Student council, the local police and many other locals were involved in spreading the paint, one minute of silence and a prayer for those we have lost or those who suffer from any mental health issues was held.
This project was not only about raising awareness about suicide, depression, anxiety or any other mental health issue, it was also about taking people seriously, helping generate change to an overwhelmed system which is not always made for modern societies’ mental health issues.
The aim was also to spread the message that everyone needs to know and understand, that it is ok to not be ok, that everyone has a blue day every now and then, but that in our community there will always be someone who you can talk to and who will listen. And to encourage people to take the time to listen and ensure them that you care and they can talk about it.
The story behind the Blue Tree Project starts with a young Mukinbudin man called Jayden. He and his friend decided to sneak out, in the middle of the night, to paint a tree blue in one of his father’s paddock just to see the shocked look on his father’s face the next morning.
In 2018 Jayden committed suicide at only 29 years old, after struggling with mental health issues and even admitting himself to hospital not once, but twice, only to be released both times later the same day.
Jayden had found the courage to ask for help but became lost in the system and unfortunately lost his life and his battle with mental health. And he is not the only one.
The Blue Tree has become a powerful symbol spreading across the country to raise awareness and acceptance of mental health issues across communities to help people like Jayden in the future.
A big thank you to everyone who made this event possible—Elders, Narembeen Hardware, CSBP, CBH, Arc Infrastructure, Glenn Sands and Gary & Trevor Sprigg for their generous donations.
Hopefully the Narembeen Blue Tree will remind everyone to check in with anyone in our community that is feeling a little blue.
With great participation by the community it was a success and a well received event. It’s projects and events like these that take up much time and energy but define our community.
For more information on the Blue Tree Project click here.
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