High Wycombe Blue Tree Yarn Bombing- R U OK?
Community News
High Wycombe Blue Tree Yarn Bombing- R U OK?
It is okay to have a blue day and it is definitely okay to talk about it.
What is the Blue Tree Yarn Bombing? The Blue Tree Yarn Bombing (aka: the blue square yarn bombing) is the brainchild of Child Health Nurse Sara Lohmeyer (former elected member of council, City of Kalamunda; Australia’s nurse of the year 2013) who describes it as a variant of the hugely popular, Blue Tree Project that shines a light on mental health. As a result of this, one tree in High Wycombe now wears a lovely blue coat to prompt conversations about mental health, with the support of not-for-profit Meerilinga.
Meerilinga banded with the community to knit 150 blue squares to dress a tree at the boundary of their centre and Edney Primary school, with more than 50 people contributing in the name of mental health awareness. The project was born from wanting to raise awareness that shines light on mental health by helping spark difficult conversations.
Our clinic, Foothills Mental Health & Wellbeing’s logo was also knitted into the blue coat, as we have been embedded within the community for over 10 years. We appreciate the people behind the project and the awareness it brings to the community.
The 3×3 meter blue tree ‘coat’ was knitted by local knitters and crocheters living at the nearby Rangeview Over 55s Village with seven ladies inspired to add to the 150 squares. It also features a golden thread and butterflies woven through the blue squares, symbolising hope, strength, and optimism that comes from opening up about mental health struggles. The blue coat is a perfect example of diversity as each square comes from a different person and looks different from the squares next to it. Those who were unable to knit, or crochet donated wool. It encourages people to talk about mental health in a fun way.
Because of its location, it encourages conversations between the children arriving at the school next door and parents, which to helps to support younger children to gain an understanding of mental health. During the event, a blue tree yarn bombing register was provided for participants to share their experiences and help new parents understand they are not alone during what can be a difficult and lonely time. Administrator for Meerilinga, Ms Hila Breman reports that due to the popularity of the project, they have decided to turn the ’Blue Tree Yarn Bombing’ into an ongoing event.
City of Kalamunda Chief executive Rhonda Hardy, Edney Primary School principal Rebecca Losiani, child health nurse Sarah Lohmeyer and Meerilinga High Wycombe administrator Hila Breman were present for the event.
The blue tree coat is on display near the Edney Primary School and will stay in place for the next few months.
https://echonewspaper.com.au/yarn-bombing-puts-new-spin-on-blue-tree-project/
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