WHEN it comes to matters of the mind, a Tamworth school is encouraging its students to speak out, promote a healthier school community and look out for each other.
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Year 10 students at Calrossy Anglican School have been studying mental health, and at the William Cowper campus staff are seeing some big progress with their male students.
The boys have become so enthused with the topic, they’ve joined the bandwagon for better mental health services in the Tamworth area.
Many have signed the Mental Health Carers Support Group petition at the school reception, to build a better Banksia unit.
PHDPE teacher Conrad Starr said the aim of the school initiative was to promote awareness and start a conversation among students.
“It all started a few years ago,” he said.
“We identified that the year 10 boys especially, were having some times when they were really struggling leading into their senior years.
“So we thought it would be a really good time to address mental health with them.
“The statistics show that the 16-25 age group is a really dangerous time for young boys and mental health.
“We get into class and we go over it and we talk and try and encourage them to communicate with each other about how they are travelling, because it’s not a widely accepted thing for boys to talk about their feelings.
“So we try and break down those barriers and get them comfortable to talk with each other.”
Mr Starr said the students had been receptive of the class topic with it also replicated at the girl’s campus on Brisbane Street, where students are engaged in supporting better services.
“When we heard about the petition, I mentioned it to the class and we thought it was really important that we did something about it,” he said.
“The boys are learning about how big mental health issues are, and to have a facility that can cater for people who are struggling is really important.
“We thought we should get involved.”
Calrossy principal David Smith said the school offered parents and students the opportunity to sign the petition with a strong focus on mental health and wellness at the school.
“Mental health is a really important for everyone in society and it is intercepting with schools because we know, when kids are well and healthy they do their best in class,” he said.
“We need to put time and effort into it.
“There is a big focus on it, and a growing focus, and particularly with boys.
“Traditionally, they don’t want to talk about mental health and they need the equipment and power to live healthy, flourishing lives,” he said.
