Local school learns about the black dog

A member of the Black Dog Ride family, Felicity Loader, works at a Perth primary school and she recently commissioned a project to start the conversation of depression awareness amongst her young charges.

Coming on the heels of Nannup District School's Winston Project, Black Dog Ride's visit to a Kangaroo Island school, Winston flying sky high with school children, and Wudinna School visiting with Black Dog Ride, Felicity Loader showed the school community that you are never too young to learn about mental wellbeing.

Felicity set out to raise funds for Black Dog Ride's beneficiaries, Lifeline and MHFA, in addition to starting a conversation amongst the children about looking after themselves and each other.

Black Dog Ride Founder Steve Andrews addresses the children at a school assembly.

Felicity says, "We did the sausage sizzle during school hours, which was really popular. And I had the children partake in a poster competition on 'how to keep yourself happy'. They did really well & we had a prize for junior, middle & senior (for the most creative & informative)."

Winners of the poster competition were each presented with a Winston by Steve Andrews, who spoke to the young crowd about talking to their peers and adults if they're feeling down for a long time, and taking care of your friends if they're feeling sad.

"We did that so it created conversation and awareness that not always people are happy and that we need to keep our mind/body in good health," Felicity continues, "It also helped give strategies to children that might already be struggling."

The culmination of all this hard work by Felicity, was the presentation to Steve Andrews of a cheque, handmade by the children, of $1,100! These funds will go directly to Lifeline and MHFA to help them continue their vital mental health services to the community.

Black Dog Ride Founder Steve Andrews with Felicity Loader, and the three winners of the poster competition (with their prizes!). Click image to view larger version.

Thank you Felicity, and the staff and school body of Riverton Primary Campus, for taking up the baton of raising awareness of depression and suicide prevention! Please share your thanks to Felicity and the school community here.