A crisis in the country

The young people of rural Australia are facing greater struggles with mental health, caused by a variety of factors. As research shows, self-harm and suicide rates rise with remoteness, and mental health services are much more limited in these areas compared to the access and supply of services in major cities. The environment itself also shows impacts on mental health, with circumstances such as prolonged drought being linked to feelings of isolation, causing overwhelm and worry for family and financial circumstances.  

Mental health advocate, Meg Southecombe, who works closely with the Where There’s a Will Foundation, in the Upper Hunter, believes physical activity and the new digital world, can allow youth to take control of their mental wellbeing, with exercise for both the brain and body.  

“It’s like sun safety, you teach people to put sunscreen on, so they don't get skin cancer, we teach people how to prevent poor mental health before they get there,” Meg said.  

Prevention is better than cure

The Where There’s a Will Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation, founded in 2016 by Pauline Carrigan, after her son, Will, took his life in 2015. The organisation works across the Upper Hunter Region to bring wellbeing education to schools. The foundation works with more than 30 schools and uses evidence based programs such as student leadership initiatives.  

The schools that are involved integrate wellbeing practices into everyday activities,  

“We teach people how to have good self-confidence and self-esteem, and how to boost themselves up when they feel a certain way”  Southcombe says.

“It’s about giving early intervention, not waiting until things are bad.” 

Southcombe, a studying teacher at Newcastle University and mental health advocate, has helped to run workshops all over the Upper Hunter. These sessions are designed to give young people the tools they need to support themselves, and others.  

However, one challenge she says, arises with the generational gap.  

“A lot of the kids are really well educated (about mental health) now,” she says,

“But unfortunately, many adults in the Upper Hunter aren’t. So now we’re really trying to reach older people in the community too.” 

Rural Roots

Growing up in Musswellbrook, Southcombe says her upbringing shaped resilience, but also exposed her to the disadvantages of rural youth.  

“There’s a real lack of access to mental health facilities, It’s cultural, economic and environmental.”  

Limited local facilities, and a normalised “tough it out” mentality in rural Australia, mean that rural communities face barriers in many forms.  

“There’s no psychiatric hospital nearby – the closest is Maitland or Lake Macquarie, so if you need hospital care, you’re away from family. That’s hard.”  

Despite the struggles, she wouldn’t trade her roots.  

“Growing up in a small community gave me skills I wouldn’t change for the world, it made me who I am.” 

The Power of Movement

Southcombe’s passion for wellbeing moves beyond the classroom. Her university thesis explores the link between physical activity and mental health, focusing on fundamental movement skills, which are the basic movements needed to participate in games and sports.  

“If you can play games with others, you feel a sense of belonging and connection,” she said.

“But if kids don’t have these skills, they lose that connection, their confidence plummets, and their mental health suffers.”  

Whether it’s a casual jog, a lunchtime kickaround, or a fun game of table tennis, movement is more than just fitness benefits. It fosters community and connection - crucial factors for mental health.  

“Physical activity boosts endorphins, self-esteem, and that feeling of being part of something bigger,” Southcombe explains.  

“It’s massive.”

Building Belonging

For some young people, access to sporting clubs can be limited, for various factors such as financial and geographical circumstances, and Southcombe believes schools are the best places to start.  

“Get engaged in PE at school,” she said.

“It should be a supportive environment where kids feel comfortable to try.” 

For Southcomb, the influence of movement on the mind isn’t just an academic project, it’s personal.  

She recalls the times when students from rural public schools who usually opt out of PE, finally join in.  

“There’s nothing better than seeing that ‘aha’ moment,”  she said.

“That’s when you know you’ve made a difference.”  

Even in her own life, physical activity has been a tool.  

“I’ve had tough times with my mental health,”  

“Running helped me clear my head – but even more than that, it was the people. My run club made me feel a part of something. It’s that sense of belonging.” 

Student success stories 

Since the launch of the Where There’s a Will Foundation In 2016, more than 5000 students have been educated on the importance of mindful wellbeing practices and more than 400 teachers have been trained in Visible Wellbeing and positive education programs, bringing schools the education needed to consistent in mental health maintenance.  

Visible wellbeing programs, implemented by Where Theres a Will, as a parter program with PESA – Positive Education Schools Association Independent, give teachers confidence and tools to support youth. Research from the University of Melbourne found that students involved in Visible Wellbeing programs saw measurable improvements in wellbeing, with reduced stress and higher life satisfaction. 

“It’s not about one-off workshops,” Southcombe says,  

“It’s about changing school culture.”  

Southcombe says what gives her hope for the future is young people themselves,

"We’re talking about mental health more openly. There’s still a gap between generations, but it’s closing.”  

She points out a new wave of educated youth leaving the Upper Hunter and returning with new skills and knowledge that can be shared with the rural populations.  

“People like me are leaving the Upper Hunter, getting upskilled, and coming back to give back. That gives me hope.” 

“When we feel part of something – that's when we heal.”