Melanie Riley
IGNITING the conversation and raising mental health awareness was the main aim of The Shaka Project Mental Health and Suicide Awareness Night last week.
Local mental health advocate Harmony Kennett and director of The Shaka Project Sean Phillip came together to host the event at Centrals Soccer Club for over 60 people in attendance.
The event involved a presentation from Mr Phillip where he shared his own mental health journey, how to identify warning signs in yourself and others and mental health support resources.
‘Check in on your mates’ was the message everyone in attendance walked away with and many said the information provided was both insightful and powerful.
Ms Kennett said the event went well and she felt “super accomplished” that she was able to pull it together.
“I’m very proud of myself and super grateful to Sean for travelling the distance to present to like minded people,” she said.
“He should be so proud of what he has accomplished and the amount of people he has helped.”
She said the amount of people attending was never the most important thing, but was happy to see the room filled.
“Whether there were five people there or 50, if the presentation could have helped at least one person that’s enough for me,” she said.
“I feel very accomplished considering there was a bigger turnout than we were expecting, meaning there’s a higher chance more people were positively affected by the presentation.”
Ms Kennett said she believed holding the event had potential to help so many silent sufferers.
“So many people attended in groups, and I can guarantee most of the people in those groups of friends and family would have never thought to, or felt brave enough to speak up about what they’re feeling,” she said.
“Hopefully with the help of the presentation that Sean went through, it can make them feel less alone in the way they are feeling.”
Ms Kennett said she is inspired by the work that Mr Phillip continues to do with the Project and thanked everyone for their involvement in holding the event that was very close to her – and everybody’s – hearts.
“A massive thank you to Centrals Soccer Club for being so accommodating to the event, the work you all have done did not go unnoticed,” she said.
“To the attendees, I thank you all so much for coming out to support the cause.
“I hope that this has encouraged the tough conversation starters to be had with our friends and family.”
Mr Phillip said despite the presentation having some heavy themes, he was feeling positive afterwards about the impact it had made.
“We had some great responses and some really awesome interactions with people,” he said.
“A big goal of mine when doing this is just being able to generate some conversation, and I’ve been able to have some really good ones.”
Mr Phillip thanked the community involved in bringing the event together including the local businesses that donated prizes for the raffle, Centrals Soccer Club, everyone in attendance, and made special mention to Ms Kennett.
“I can’t emphasise how much of an amazing job she’s done,” he said.
“It’s people like her – especially at such a young age – who are actually making a real impact.”
“I can come to an event and do the PowerPoint presentation, but I wouldn’t be here if she hadn’t said ‘my community needs this.’
“That’s the biggest thing – just a thank you to her, and everyone for supporting her in doing that.”
