A NEWLY created group for Indigenous youth aged between 12 and 25 years old are being invited to come have a ‘yarn,’ or a casual chat at headspace Shepparton as part of the ‘Yarn Circles’ program.
headspace Shepparton general manager, Caroline French said that it is important to have someone to talk to instead of bottling up feelings when things become too much.
“When we’ve got a lot going on we can feel sad, tired, stressed and angry. Everybody has these feelings when life is tough, but when these feelings go on for a long time it can weaken our body, mind and spirit,” Ms French said.
Facilitating the group are YARNSAFE peer workers, Keyara and Mark. Taking from the YARNSAFE message, that there is no shame in talking it out, the yarn circles provide the opportunity to talk when it feels like too much is happening.
Keyara decided to become a peer worker at headspace as she wants to be the person that she needed when she was younger. She wants to help break through the silence as she believes it is helpful to have the opportunity to share things with peers. Mark wants to encourage young people to express their concerns, rather than suppress them.
Keyara and Mark are supported by Elder Uncle Lance James from Rumbalara.
“Yarning is important and encourages young people not to be afraid to speak out when they have a lot going on,” Uncle Lance said.
To kick off, yarn circles will start with a meet and greet on Wednesday, October 17 at 4pm to 5pm at headspace Shepparton, 129 High Street and afternoon tea is provided.
