The aim of the project is to encourage people to start difficult conversations and open up if they are suffering from depression and/or anxiety.
It was inspired by a story that was told at the funeral of a young man named Jayden Whyte in 2018.
Jayden had painted a tree blue one night on his family farm, in the Western Australian town of Mukinbudin, wondering how long it would be before anyone noticed the deep blue tree on the horizon.
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He was living with mental health issues, and at one point presented himself to hospital twice in one day, fearing what he might do.
Both times he was turned away. He never made it home that night.
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The concept behind the project is to raise awareness, but to also become a part of a change that helps better inform our health system of where people are being let down.
The blue tree now holds a whole new meaning and the project intends to spread a message of hope by having people paint a tree in need of a ‘blue’ lease on life.
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Peranbin Primary College teacher Angela Holleran said it was a great idea to get students involved in the Blue Tree Project on R U OK? Day.
“The school council had decided it wanted to get involved with the Blue Tree Project,” Ms Holleran said.
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“R U OK? Day and the Blue Tree Project are national initiatives designed to spark conversations around mental health and wellbeing.
“During lockdown we have been very conscious of everyone's wellbeing, and our aim is to try and support that where we can.
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“So as a school council we knew we had a big dead tree stump, we've got some kids who wanted to get involved in painting it, so we decided to do it.”
On R U OK? Day, Thursday, September 9, there were only three students in attendance due to COVID-19 restrictions.
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They started the project and were looking forward to Friday when the easing of restrictions meant several classes would return to help out.
“Tomorrow we have Prep to Year 2 children returning,” Ms Holleran said.
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“It will be really good to welcome them back. They really miss that interaction, and the teachers do as well.”
She said the tree would be finished once all students were able to return to face-to-face learning, in order to allow them all to take part.
If you or someone you know is experiencing mental heath issues you can contact:
● Beyond Blue - 1300 22 4636
● Lifeline - 13 11 14; or
● Kids Helpline (for those aged 5-25) - 1800 55 1800
If you would like to send a letter to the editor on this, or any subject, click this link
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