Three Bunbury students recently came back from a statewide camp that gave them specialised training aiming at promoting positive mental health in Western Australian communities.
A total of 29 students from years nine to 12 completed the five day Camp Hero program at the Nanga Bush Camp in Dwellingup, which was delivered by WA based association zero2hero and was funded by Bendigo Bank and Rural Bank.
Camp Hero equips school-aged children and youth with the skills to speak up when they are struggling and the confidence to stand up and support their friends when they may be experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, bullying, self-harm or suicidal thoughts.
Manea Senior College Year nine student Kayla Gibbs said she participated so she could help her friends if they need her in the future.
“I’ve had friends in the past who have dealt with suicide and mental health and I thought if I want to be someone they can approach then I need to have the knowledge to help them,” she said.
“I thought I’d do the camp because I want it to be easier for them to bring up suicide because it is a real thing and it is a problem.”
Manea Senior College Year 11 student Rachael Pemberton said she went to learn more and to spread more awareness in Collie.
“I think living in a town like Collie there would be a lot of stigma around mental health, especially among men,” she said.
Manea Senior College Year 11 student Justice Woods said she wanted to participate to understand more about her family who suffer from mental illness.
“I went to get an aspect of what mental health is and how it effects some peoples lives and to get an idea of my family,” she said.
The trio said although the camp was “mentally and physically challenging” they would still encourage others to participate.
“It was one in a lifetime experience,” Rachael said.
