General News
20 September, 2023
Embracing the difficult conversations
A POPULAR mental health organisation visited Terang College last week to discuss how important a simple conversation can be.
A POPULAR mental health organisation visited Terang College last week to discuss how important a simple conversation can be.
Mental health organisation Speak and Share visited the college on R U Okay? Day last Thursday, Australia’s national day of action encouraging people to ask others ‘Are you okay?’ and support those who are struggling.
Speak and Share was co-founded in 2021 by a group of young men from Mornington Peninsula who were grieving the death of their friend, Josh.
They were all facing struggles, and were fed up with trying to hide it.
The message has quickly gained traction online with Speak and Share amassing 24,000 followers on Instagram and 17,000 on TikTok with a unique approach combining positivity and humour to encourage difficult discussions.
Speak and Share co-founder and director Nathan Scagliarini was among the team to visit after meeting Terang College teacher Matt Murray through football.
As a qualified teacher, Mr Scagliarini knows the importance of helping young people equip themselves to face the challenges life inevitably throws at us all.
“Speak and Share was created just over two years ago in the Mornington Peninsula with the intention of bringing mental health awareness to our community,” he said.
“Our slogan is a problem shared is a problem halved, so we’re all about that positive awareness and encouraging students to check in with each other and feel comfortable both speaking and sharing.”
The group hosted workshops with year nine and 10 students encouraging teamwork and communication, highlighting the importance of positive social connection.
“We highlight how much easier it is to work through problems when you communicate,” Mr Scagliarini said.
“Our mental health is exactly the same.
“Rather than bottle things up and not talk about it, when you’re open and vulnerable with your peers they can help you solve those problems.”
Mr Scagliarini said efforts to shine a spotlight on mental health had quickly gained traction in rural communities, where losing someone to mental health often leaves the whole community reeling.
“These old stigmas are starting to be challenged, which I think is awesome,” he said.
“There’s more awareness, especially with younger people, who are more willing to talk about these things.
“If we can reach people earlier in their lives then they’re better equipped to face life’s challenges as they grow in to adulthood.
“It’s awesome to see it growing – there’s a lot of wonderful organisations out there who are doing great work, and we’re just trying to play our role.”
Terang College teacher Matt Murray said opportunities to welcome groups like Speak and Share was a positive step to both protect and connect the student cohort.
“These interactive workshops give the kids some time to connect with each other but also spread a positive message about mental health and breaking down the stigma,” he said.
“We try to make sure students at Terang College are well connected and we have a large welfare team, but we want to encourage students to feel comfortable knowing sometimes it’s okay to not have the answers and we can be listened to.”
Mr Murray said the school had comprehensive systems in place to support students in times of need, but was also undergoing expansion to ensure everyone had access to the programs.
“The school is doing a great job, we’ve got a great team and the school places a great emphasis on helping these young people with their mental health through their schooling – from prep to Year 12,” he said.
“We’ve got the Respectful Relationships program, promoting respect, positive attitudes and behaviours and teaching kids how to build positive relationships and their own confidence, for Year 9-10 at the moment.
“That’s done from Prep-4 and we’re now extending that through to Year 12.
“The plan going forward is having an hour session a week for students.”
To learn more visit www.speakandshare.com.