Rural Aid is playing a vital role in helping school children bounce back from their traumatic flood experiences with the roll-out of the Mustering Growth wellbeing program.
Developed in collaboration with experts at Monash University, the program focuses on strengthening kids’ innate resilience, normalising mental health experiences and decreasing stigma, increasing mental health literacy, and building strategies to cope with challenges that are unique to the experiences of rural children.
Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said “Rural kids are the farmers of our future, and we recognise that many of our ‘little mates in the bush’ need some extra help and support.”
“Last year’s floods left many children struggling with strong feelings and requiring support,” said John.
The program is fun, interactive, flexible and includes nature-based activities.
Rural Aid’s Manager of Mental Health and Wellbeing, Myf Pitcher, said Mustering Growth was helping kids be the healthiest version of themselves by teaching them a variety of tools.
“We’ve had great feedback from schools who’ve already taken part. One facilitator reported at the program’s end: ‘Children discussed how it helped calm them down when they were feeling anxious’,” Myf said.
Mustering Growth is run by Rural Aid’s counsellors and is completely free for schools. Primary schools across Australia are being encouraged to reach out to Rural Aid for more information on the program. For further information contact Myf Pitcher at mhwb@ruralaid.org.au