Growing Hope and Understanding in the Mallee... One Blue Tree at a Time
In a powerful display of unity, Neighbourhood Houses across the Mallee, from Mildura to Charlton and Swan Hill to Donald, continue to support mental health initiatives like the Blue Tree Project and R U OK? Day, sharing messages of support to reinforce the very important message that help is never as far away as it seems.
Iterations of Blue trees and signage across the Mallee are visible symbols of hope, resilience, and a reminder that it’s okay to not be okay.
This year the Buloke Neighbourhood House cluster have elected to reinvigorate their Blue Tree project “growing hope and understanding in the Mallee, One Blue Tree at a Time” to continue to promote a culture where mental health is openly discussed and supported.
In Birchip the young people in the after school Art Club restored the Blue Tree in Glowrey Street and used a range of mediums including balloons, cotton balls and cellophane to make a blue tree display that is now featured in the window of the Birchip Neighbourhood House.
“Blue trees in a range of locations across the Mallee serve as a visual reminder that mental health matters and that we’re all in this together,” said Simone Christie leader of the Buloke Neighbourhood House Cluster. “We hope they inspire conversations and let everyone know that even in our rural and remote communities, help is available in a variety of places, from your local neighbourhood house and local health services to websites and online providers available on your phone or computer.”
Alongside the tree installations, there are signs with a QR code that link visitors to the Blue Tree project web site (bluetreeproject.com.au), where there is a wealth of information and resources designed to guide and support individuals navigating various challenges.
Whether you or someone you care about is struggling or needs assistance, this directory and other sites like the R U OK? Day (ruok.org.au) encompasses a wide range of strategies and services, ensuring that no one faces their struggles alone.
Check out your local neighbourhood house to find out more.
