Sam’s Tree
Next month I am hitting the road with the Blue Tree Project for a regional tour of Western Australia.
Rural communities in Western Australia at the moment are facing many challenges, including an extended dry period and the phasing out of the live Sheep export trade. These challenges don’t only pose economic challenges, but also impact on the mental health and wellbeing of those communities.
Tackling mental health in rural communities, and accessing services, particularly those isolated from major regional or city centres, can problematic. So we are putting boots on the ground and taking the awareness and education to the communities. I can’t wait to hit the road with Kendall and the team and hopefully inspiring conversations and empowering people to seek help along the way.
Blue Trees are scattered around Australia and the world serve as a visual reminder to check in with yourself and your mates.
They are a symbol to stand strong and be able to branch out to someone you trust.
I see a lot of Blue Trees in my travels and there are stories attached to them all, whether it is to remember someone to communities being proactive in spreading the mental health message.
The tree in the photo below, Sam’s Tree, stands for much more and is in many ways very personal for me.
The tree stands on the property of Sam’s family in North Eastern Victoria. I met the Hill’s just after the Black Summer Bushfires in the Upper Murray. The family farm had been heavily impacted by the fires along with much of the Upper Murray region.
Tragically only months into the family's recovery from the fires, they lost Sam their eldest son to suicide.
He was not just a statistic, but a loved son, brother, mate and member of the community.
Even though I have been connected to this story the rest is not mine to tell.
You can read more in this article from the Border Mail
When I first saw Sam’s Tree I instantly knew this Blue Tree stands for many things, family, love, loss, heartbreak, despair, tragedy, fragility, hope, triumph, overcoming adversity, bond, mateship, vulnerability, strength, courage, fight, healing, past, future, recognition, remembrance.
I dedicate my work in the Mental Health and wellbeing space to the memory of Sam Hill the young man that the tree represents and that of our family member lost at around the same time and their families.
So next time you see a Blue Tree, there will be a story behind it.
Blue Tree Project
Blue Tree Project has flourished into a charity helping change the way we talk about mental health after the tragic loss of Jayden Whyte to suicide in 2018.
They believe the symbol of the blue tree now holds a whole new meaning for so many.
Acting as a source of conversation that helps save lives, the blue trees are visual reminders to check in on loved ones and mates who might be struggling.
Kendall is the driving force behind the project and i was lucky enough to have her on my Podcast Beyond the Back Paddock you can find out more about Kendall’s story and that of the Blue Tree Project by having a listen or you can find out more about the WA Tour Here
In times of crisis and or uncertainty, when you feel like a conversation is too big for family or friends alone, connect with a trusted health professional like your GP, and or services like Lifeline 13 11 14 or TIACS by calling or texting 0488 846 988 Mon-Fri 8am-10pm AEST or the many other local and government support services.