On September 14th, STEPS Casuarina gathered to spread awareness about mental health for R U OK? Day.
The event kicked off with Student Support Officer Yeimi Salazar Villa being the MC for the event, and an Acknowledgement of Country by our terrific trainer and assessor Jeffrey Wild. We had an amazing guest speaker Kunzang Chophel, a registered Counsellor and Psychotherapist who works for Anglicare’s Refugee & Migrant Settlement Services. He discussed enhancing mental health, well-being and self-care for migrants. During his presentation discussions were held around the difficulties experienced through the migration journey, the trauma and impact it has on migrants, and where can you seek help, Self-care tips were also shared to our students and trainers, who really enjoyed his presentation.
We then had Brooke Gibbs and Roe Van Der Westhuizen from Team Health’s Recovery Approach Program discuss the basic facts around mental health and how to recognise signs that you are struggling. They then conducted an activity with participants designed to help appraise one’s own coping skills, social support network and understanding the eight personal factors that impact individuals’ overall wellbeing. Everyone was engaged and enjoyed the activity.
Neami National – Head to Health provided students and trainers with a list of services they offer and outlined how people can get assistance through their service.
Once presentations where completed we had Anglicare delivering Flamenco Dancing lessons, which was a big hit with around 25 students and other service providers getting their groove on and spreading the good vibes.
Red Cross facilitated a yoga and meditation session, which STEPS students and trainers were delighted with following the relaxation and gratification of a good stretch and stress relief.
A team from Melaleuca delivered activities and games around self-care, mental health and depression.
Ingo from Centrelink discussed what services are available through Services Australia to assist clients who may be suffering mental ill health or are impacted by a crisis. They had engaging conversations with our SEE students.
Our little ones at creche also joined the celebration of R U OK? Day in their cheerful yellow outfits.
The event ended on a great note, with a terrific spread of yellow food prepared by our talented students and staff.
