Blue Tree Project - Kendall Whyte speaks about Mental Health - 2 October 2019
Deteriorating mental health is an experience faced by many irrespective of age. But how many of us take steps to slow down, check in with ourselves or learn mental health first aid? With 45% of Australian’s facing some form of mental illness during their lifetime there is a growing need for society to recognise, act and support those who are struggling.
Kendall Whyte, founder of The Blue Tree Project sends a resonating message that it’s “Ok not to be Ok.” Kendall lost her brother to suicide despite him presenting to a hospital emergency department twice in one day. She believes it was the stigma of mental health that led her brother into crisis. The Blue Tree project is a symbolic art installation that has seen over 250 dead trees painted bright blue across Australia and more recently overseas. It is an initiative that unites families and communities. Equally it is a call to action and reminds us that we all have a part to play in preventing suicide.
“These trees have become land-marks and sign-posts to remind us all of the importance in supporting one another”
Kendall is a 26 year old Western Australia woman raised in Mukinbudin. During October (Mental Health Month) Rotary Elizabeth Quay warmly welcomed Kendall to share her story and that of The Blue Tree Project at The Shoe Bar in Perth’s Yagan Square. Kendall was nominated as a finalist in the 'West Australian of the Year' (youth category) for 2019. She continues to travel around the state promoting her campaign and championing the message that “Its ok not to be ok” but that the conversation doesn’t just end there.
By Alex Truelove