R U OK Day

Next week, Shore will be marking RUOK? Day on Thursday 8 September. RUOK? Day is a nationally important date and Shore will be hosting two guest speakers at lunchtime for students to attend.

Mr Cameron Merchant will be joining us from Gotcha4Life on Tuesday 6 September in the Playfair Theatre and will speak to students about gaining mental and physical confidence and gratitude. Cam works as a cricket life coach and mentor to young people, helping to build confidence and mental and physical fitness. You may have also seen him on TV! Cam achieved his dream of playing professional cricket both here in Australia, New Zealand and all over the world.

In 2004, Cameron and his family’s world was rocked by the Boxing Day Tsunami in Phuket Thailand. They lost each other for over eight hours and witnessed the traumatising sights of the damage and surroundings. They feared they may never see each other again. This incident changed Cam’s life forever and he appreciates now, more than ever, the precious people in his life and understands how gratitude plays a role in one’s life to change your everyday perspective. Cam dealt with his own personal mental health and fitness journey over 10 years ago.

Experiencing the darkest side of mental health for years, and understanding that it is real, he found support, help, patience, knowledge, and determination that changed his life. Cam is now a living example that no matter where you are, how you are feeling, and how you are doing in life, it is possible to change your life for the better.

We are also delighted to host Mr Nick Kenny, Partnership Manager with KYDS Youth Development Service, on Thursday 8 September. Nick will speak to our students, at lunchtime, about how to get in shape mentally, knowing where to find help when you need it and how to develop a ‘stealthy’ mindset for better mental health. Nick will also speak with students about the work of KYDS. You can find out more about Mr Nick Kenny here nickdkenny.com