Department of Health
The major activities for Kids Stress Lessin 2019 are designed to give school children a better knowledge of how torecognise mental health issues; how to assist anyone who may be in a badplace; and how to develop skills to recognise bullying and build resilience.
The overarching aim is to reduce thestigma around mental illness generally and specifically around help-seekingbehaviour, said Pam Acres, Kids Stress Less coordinator for Mental HealthCentral Australia.
To achieve this Kids Stress Lessinvolves the school-aged community of Alice Springs in activities andinformation sharing positive mental health practices and all of the informationprovided to the children focuses on children knowing where and who to turn tofor help in times of need.
Two guest speakers will be on hand tohelp deliver these messages, both of whom have impressive sporting credentialsand who will give all of the school children the opportunity to hear ofsuccessful adult journeys through their sporting life, with focus on a Health Body Supports a Healthy Mind.
Former elite Rugby League player Scott Prince,who has been an avid mentor for young athletes, will be motivating theyoungsters to work towards their goals and aspirations. Arrernte woman EbonyMiller, who has represented the Northern Territory in numerous sports and is acurrent AFL Thunder player, will be advocating for improving Aboriginal healthoutcomes through the promotion of positive lifestyle choices.
Some of the key activities are CyberBullying Dollys Dream, Healthy Heads, NRL Under-16 Girls Team, Loose PartsPlay, Drumming and a Paint Smash Colour Party, just for fun, Ms Acres said.
Kids Stress Less started in 2018 and isan integral part of the Stress Less program that was established by MentalHealth Central Australia and other organisations who support mental healthinitiatives in the region.
Kids Stress Less takes place from 8:30amto 2pm on Thursday 12 September 2019 at the Our Lady of the Sacred HeartSadadeen Campus in Alice Springs.
Kids Stress Less is delivered by theDepartment of Health in partnership with health organisations, Mental HealthCentral Australia, Mental Health Central Australia Child and Youth team, AliceSprings Youth Accommodation Support Services, Atwemme Drummers, Bluearth,Central Australian Aboriginal Congress, Create Foundation, Headspace, Holyoake,Life Without Barriers, Lifeline, Lions Club, Mifant, NRL Alice Springs, NTPolice, Oral Health Services Central Australia, Shout Out! NT, St JohnAmbulance Service and the YMCA.
This activity is supported by fundingfrom the Australian Government through the PHN Program.
