In Your Head: Wheatbelt children gather in Narrogin for massive youth mental health forum

More than 100 children from eight Wheatbelt schools came together at the Narrogin Regional Leisure Centre on September 8 for an action-packed day of activity and learning as the adolescent mental health program In Your Head came to town

Workshops delivered by creatives, athletes and mental health advocates ran throughout the morning aimed at empowering kids with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate challenges and challenging times.

Among the speakers at the event was Albany’s Marksman Lloyd, a rapper, songwriter and spoken word artist who found success through self-respect and creativity.

Marksman shared a challenging time from his schoolyard past and told children that reaching out when things were not going well was a courageous act.

“If you are going through something it’s so important to talk to the people we trust in our lives,” he said.

While Marksman had children thinking lyrically, Narrogin’s Michele Corasaniti and Tegan Jamieson got them lifting medicine balls, doing push-ups and sweating as part of the Be Alive Fitness workshop.

Former vice-captain for the Perth Wildcats Greg Hire spoke about the importance of not being afraid to make mistakes at his session in the Alby Park Clubroom.

Former West Coast Fever netballer Nikala Smith engaged children with a discussion on how to challenge and reframe negative thinking in the John Higgins Centre.