Community
20 June, 2024
Mental health expo a rousing success
HAMPDEN Specialist School students used introspection, research and a willingness to be open with difficult subjects to host a Mental and Physical Health Expo last week.
Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC) students hosted the event at Hampden Specialist School junior campus P-5 campus in Terang last Thursday.
The wider community was invited to learn more about the importance of physical and mental health in areas which students had identified as needing improvement among the student body, according to Hampden Specialist School later years coordinator Brad Adams.
“Ahead of the expo our personal development class have been undertaking research to identity the biggest mental and physical health deficits we had within our student population,” he said.
“They all, in pairs, chose one of those deficits to collect information and make a presentation throughout the expo about why it was an issue, and possible solutions.
“Among the findings we had groups identify issued associated with being exhausted and the importance of getting enough sleep, of not drinking enough water or consuming too many sugary drinks and the importance of hydration, and the issue of not getting enough exercise and the benefits of staying active each day.”
The students had support throughout the expo with some of the biggest names in the region when it comes to advocacy for better mental and physical health outcomes, who all jumped at the chance to join in with their own tables and giveaways at the expo.
“We had been to Headspace, Brophy and Are-Able last term when we were looking at what supports exist within the community,” Mr Adams said.
“So, we approached them and asked if they would like to have a table at the expo as well.
“They all agreed, in addition to genU and Corangamite Shire Council.”
The expo proved to be a hit, with Hampden Specialist School family and friends, members of the wider community and students from the neighbouring Terang College rolling in throughout the day to learn more about the important topics.
Mr Adams said the wider school community was proud to see the initiative the students had shown in raising awareness on the issues which impacted them.
“The kids made all the different activities, invited everyone and put up different posters around the community,” he said.
“It’s very important, especially having our kids driving that information and change.
“They noticed these things in our school which were having an impact, and to be the ones driving the change rather than the teachers is also important because the kids will listen to each other.
“It’s important not just to hear about it, but to have something they can take away to be reminded of it.”