Fun workshops, inspiring guest speakers and live music are part of a program designed by youth for youth putting the spotlight on mental health and wellbeing.
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City of Ballarat Youth Council’s Change Your Story event hopes to equip young people with the tools to help themselves put their wellbeing first through self-care and creative methods.
Youth Council member Letesha Stephens said guest speakers Ben Pettingill and Mike Rolls would offer a refreshing take on overcoming adversity and challenges.
Mr Pettingill lost 98 per cent of his eyesight at 16 from a rare genetic syndrome, while Mr Rolls lost his legs when he survived Meningococcal septicaemia at 18.
There will also be live music, creative arts, the Healthy Hub Wellness Centre’s workshop on nutrition and a free lunch provided.
Ballarat rap artist Mitchell Burgess, known as EMBE, will lead a songwriting and hip hop workshop through Project Origin, where he will discuss lyrics, beats and help participants gain the confidence to share their stories.
“When I started writing stuff down it was a chance to vent and it has helped me so much creating music,” Burgess said.
“For me to share that and try to get other people to use that same medium is really important, it’s creative but you also get to speak about something you might not feel like you could have spoken about before.”
Meanwhile, organisations such as Ballarat Community Health and Headspace Ballarat are involved in the Chill Out Zone, which includes beanbags, giant games and the StoryPod – a space to record a message and help form a mental health video.
Youth Council member Brienna Kamp hoped the event would help young people feel more connected.
“Mental health is a big problem around youth community because our brains are still developing and we don’t have as much experience in the world,” she said.
“A lot of the time we feel a little bit alone and are hard on ourselves… we face bullying, puberty and all of this hard stuff so it’s really helpful to know there are people out there who understand.”
The event takes place at Morshead Park on April 20 and is aimed at people aged 12-25 with school groups encouraged to attend. To book your place visit https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/change-your-story-tickets-43541454663.
