Country-wide Wellbeing Program Needs Bush Kids

Have you ever heard the phrases “children are resilient” or “they’ll bounce back”?

They’re fairly common, but are they true?

Well, the answer is yes and no - yes, if they’re taught resilience and have a little help, and no, if they are left to deal with trauma on their own.

We would all agree that last year’s floods devastated communities, leaving young and old with a lot to bounce back from.

Rural Aid’s professionally accredited counsellors are currently delivering a program, designed specifically for primary school students across 11 Northern Rivers schools to help them bounce back from their traumatic flood experiences.

The Mustering Growth wellbeing program is being rolled out to classrooms from Lismore to Grafton until September.

Rural Aid CEO, John Warlters said the program would then be delivered right across the country.

“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,” Mr Warlters said.

“Last year’s floods left many children struggling with strong feelings and requiring support.”

“We also understand that it’s important to build resilience in our kids ahead of these big disaster events; whether it’s a flood, drought, or bushfire.”

“Through the Mustering Growth program, we can do both.”

The program celebrates everything great about growing up in the bush, 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 in the experiences of rural children.

It’s 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 equipping them with a variety of tools.

“We’ve had great feedback from schools who’ve already taken part,” Myf said.

“One facilitator reported at the program’s end, “Children discussed how it helped calm them down when they were feeling anxious.”

Mustering Growth is completely free for school.

Primary schools across the country are encouraged to reach out to Rural Aid for more information about the program.

Myf can be contacted at mhwb@ruralaid.org.au.