As one of the first universities in Australia to be nationally accredited for its unique approach to student mental health and wellbeing, UWA is focused on supporting campus connectedness and wellbeing with a new Blue Tree Project, an initiative of the UWA Mental Health and Wellbeing Framework.
The Blue Tree Project, founded by alumna Kendall Whyte (BSc15, GradCertBus19), champions a mission to help spark difficult conversations and encourage people to speak up when experiencing mental health issues.
“It’s wonderful to have the UWA community help spread Blue Tree Project’s mission even further. We know how important mental health conversations are for university students and these conversations can help to reduce stigma as well as encouraging students to get help and support if they need it,” Ms Whyte said.
One of the core initiatives behind The Blue Tree Project is to paint a dead tree that needs a ‘blue lease on life’. Through spreading the message “It’s OK not to be OK”, Ms Whyte is helping to breakdown the stigma that may be attached to mental health.
The collaborative UWA Mental Health and Wellbeing Framework initiative also partners with Good Arts Good Mental Health, Campus Management, Student Life, School of Indigenous Studies, Student Guild and Lawrence Wilson Art Gallery at UWA, with a unified goal to enhance community connectedness through shared activities and arts-based campus activations.
Image: Ms Kendall Whyte, founder of the Blue Tree Project.
Fiona McAuliffe, Acting Associate Director, Success and Wellbeing within UWA’s Student Life Division, leads the new project.
“We know from research that physical spaces enhance mental health and wellbeing, student connectedness and create a more vibrant and engaged student experience,” Mrs McAuliffe said.
“The installation of a Blue Tree at UWA will provide a great campus focus point for mental health discussions, inspiring moments of awareness and connection.”
Planning for a Blue Tree at UWA is making progress and anticipated to be finalised early next year.