SOME OF OUR SPEAKERS IN DECEMBER
Dec 2. RUOK : Georgina Hocking and Tyla McDonald
(organised by the Youth Committee)
Georgie and Tyla reported that 1 in 7 primary school aged students suffer mental health issues and that 50% of all adult mental health issues start before the age of 14. They explained there own backgrounds that led them to work for RUOK. Georgie's brother tragically committed suicide and Tyla is/was an Olympic boxer who has experienced how physical exercise can help with mental health. Their are three main areas of concern in the mental health of people: Biological issues, Psychological issues and Environmental issues. Any can trigger a serious mental health crisis, yet only 24% of sufferers will reach out for help initially. Key factors that trigger mental issues are mood, anxiety, relationships, drugs & alcohol. RUOK try to give young people a metaphorical "Mental Health Backpack" to help them deal with a crisis in their mental health. RUOK run workshops for schools and other organisations that deal with children. The four main ones are:
- A Backpack for Life - a Mental Health Tool Kit
- A Map for Your Mind based on a physical movement program with mental help.
- Mental health training for coaches and other adults who work with children
- Grief and Loss Workshop
RUOK focus on a dual process model that is about building thriving spaces and problem solving strategies for kids. They also stress the power of words to both build and destroy. The work shops cost from $560 to $1000 depending on the program. Their key tips for Mental health are:
- Get into life
- Learn new skills in tough times
- Create connections with people
- Get enough sleep
- Stay active and eat well
- Cut back on recreational drugs
Finally, the girls related that Mental Health is a bigger problem since the lockdown for both the students and parents and teachers. The dedication Tayla and Georgie displayed for their programs and their passion to help other with mental health shone through throughout their presentation and we learn a great deal about how shools can assist students in maintaining their mental health. It was informative and inspiring discussion.
Also present were representatives from the local Primary Schools, two of which have had RUOK workshops at their schools. Lindsey the Deputy Principal of Mt Eliza North Primary gave a moving and inspiring testamonial to the efficacy of the workshops which really topped the night off.
The Youth Committee invited the School teachers representing each primary School as our guests to hear the presentation: Michael Kent MESC, Lindsey Breen MESC, Caroline Chillaris MFNPS, Louise Atkinson MENPS, Cindy Townsend Kunyung PS & Karen Hustwaite Kunyung PS. District was represented by Peter Rawlings. From the response of the teachers and our Club to the RUOK presentation I am sure a lasting relationship will be set up.
Georgina Hocking and Tyla McDonald from RUOK
Chair John presenting glasses to Gorgie & Tyla
Some of the teachers with the presenters and Chair John(Director of the Youth Committee)
