STUDENTS at Kerang Technical High School were treated to an array of vintage cars as a part of RU OK? day.
RU OK? – meaning are you okay? – is an annual day which aims to highlight the importance of communication in mental health and encourages people to ask each other ‘are you okay?’
Kerang Technical High School turned the day into a week of events themed around mental health, including meditation lessons, a free barbecue, and a talk from youth mental health organisation Headspace.
The Kerang District Vintage Motor Club brought a display of vintage and classic cars on Friday for the students.
President, Ron Payne said that the kids had a lot on their plates and the cars gave them a chance to relax.
“We had a call and were asked to do it, so I had a talk to everyone and they were more than enthused,” he said.
“It’s a matter of showing a bit of support for local kids,” he said.
Organiser and school chaplain Michael Walker said the focus of the week was to bring kids together and spread the message of checking in with one another.
“There is a stigma of keeping problems to yourself and not sharing. But sharing is a really therapeutic experience in itself,” he said.
Year 10 student Shelby Neil said that the week had been fun.
“The message [of communication] has definitely been put out there,” she said.
Principal Dean Rogers said the week had gone really well.
“It introduced the kids to different activities and the general message of are you okay has gotten out as well,” he said.
