THIS Weekend will give a voice to youngsters dealing with mental health in the region, as batyr rolls back into Tamworth for its “Being Herd” workshops.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The free workshops are running on Saturday and Sunday with the aim of giving people aged 18 to 30 a space to learn how to express their experience with “mental ill health” in a safe and effective way.
The organisation has been making its mark in the region, particularly Tamworth, with the annual White Elephant Ball becoming a fixture in the social calendar.
It’s through the fundraising of the White Elephant Ball batyr can hold free mental health events such as “Being Herd” around the country.
Its also leaving an impression on the region’s high school students, with Calrossy getting speakers in to talk to their students about mental health.
Claudia Powell spoke to year 11 girls at Calrossy about her “lived experience” with “mental ill health”.
Ms Powell attended a girls’ boarding school and said she could see herself in the students she spoke to in Tamworth.
She said being a speaker for batyr was a “rewarding experience” and there was a great level of engagement from the class of young girls.
“When I’m speaking there’s not a sound, there’s total respect that I’m being vulnerable,” she said.
“With my own experiences, I would love young women at Calrossy to be able to be communicate with each other,” she said.
“It’s okay to be vulnerable.
“The most important thing is you can turn vulnerability into strength.”
Ms Powell said it would have been life changing if a similar session was available in her schooling years.
She has also participated in the “Being Herd” sessions which are aimed at a slightly older demographic.
“I went into it thinking my story won’t be as hard-hitting,” she said.
“You come out of it knowing every thing you’ve gone through is valid and normal and okay.”
The organisation is looking for more speakers from the Armidale and Tamworth areas and Ms Powell said it would be good ot people from diverse backgrounds.
The Tamworth “Being Herd” workshop will be held on August 5 and 6.
Anyone interested in taking part can register their interest online.