High school students have marked World Mental Health Month across Gunnedah this week.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
St Mary’s College, Gunnedah High School and Gunnedah Shire Council promoted the awareness of mental health with a visit from public speaker Matt Purcell.
Mr Purcell said the message of mental health was vitally important to young people.
“It’s important to get the message of self image and self-responsibility across,” he said.
“The number one concern for teenagers in Australia is anxiety and it requires everyone in the community to get together and break down assumptions and stigmas.
“The biggest needs for Australians right now is not traditional needs, it’s emotional needs and Gunnedah is quite lucky to have so many resources to help with emotional needs.”
Mr Purcell said he had enjoyed his time in Gunnedah.
“Gunnedah is awesome,” he said.
“Everyone has been very friendly and welcoming.”
St Mary’s kicked off the week with a sausage sizzle run by Year 11 food technology students.
“For us it’s about breaking down the stigma attached to mental health,” teacher Sam Kennedy said.
“This sausage sizzle is one of many things we as a school are doing to promote mental health.
“Along with our stress less campaign and our Friday breakfast barbeques, we as a school are taking on this year’s mental health month motto of ‘share the journey’.”
Mr Purcell also attended a Gunnedah Youth Council meeting.