CANTERBURY LEAGUE CLUB SUPPORTS YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH PROJECT

$10,000 has been donated by Canterbury League Club to support The Kidman Centre’s newest program; The Thrive Project.

The project is aimed at young people living in non-metropolitan areas that are at risk of depression, anxiety, alcohol and drug abuse, deliberate self-injury and even suicide. The rates are higher than their city counterparts.

The program started in August and aims that over a 3-year periods, 192 teachers will be trained with the potential to reach 12,000 students.

‘Just this year, regional and remote NSW experienced one of the worst drought seasons this state has ever seen. The drought impacted many families and people living in regional and remote areas who believed they had a dreary and bleak future,” said George Coorey, Chairman of Canterbury League Club.

“The program will make a difference in the lives of many of our young people living in rural areas. The tools and skills that teachers are trained with helps ensure that students will be valued, well cared for and teachers are now able to build positive relationships that will inspire our young people.”

‘Our youth especially those in remote and rural regions can experience circumstances beyond their control. Often, they don’t know how to manage it. By providing and equipping teachers with the right skill set, it will prepare them for the future and positively impact the community.”

The program allows teachers to coach students emotionally and support them throughout their day to day activities.

During each session, 8 teachers are trained simultaneously. Once trained, the teachers can go on to train other teachers in their current or future school.

By teaching these skills in the school environment children are not stigmatised in any way for seeking psychological help and the program Is accessible to all regardless of financial background.