VANISHING SUPERHEROES
WHEN our photographer managed to catch a group of Gotham’s (aka Dubbo’s) finest working out strategies to do good, they were all of a sudden nowhere to be seen, knowing that Dubbo Photo News has such a vast readership that their secret identities would be forever compromised.
Anyway, now that’s out of the way, here’s what happened during Even Superheroes Need a Mental Health Day Sometimes (ESHNAMHDS), according to local facilitator Lorna Brennan!
“Several hardy Superheroes made it to the Lions Park to celebrate our Simultaneous Superhero Dress Up Day,” she said.
“Robin, Captain Marvel and their friends got together to help recharge their emotional batteries with a good dose of laughter, coffee and cake.”
The Even Superheroes Need a Mental Health Day Sometimes initiative began three years ago to
help promote good mental health for all our youngest members of the community.
“If we can all help support our little people to safely navigate life from the very start then they will have the best possible chance of success in later life,” Lorna said.
“By using the analogy of the Superhero as a figure to whom many children relate with as being strong and invincible beings, then letting them know that even they can suffer from negative feelings and self-doubt.
“This helps to reinforce the message that it’s not weak to ask for help and there are lots of people out there who are willing to give you the help you might need.”
The ESHNAMHDS committee is comprised of many service providers who work specifically with families and their young children – Buninyong School as Community Centre, Community Health (PPSWT), Livebetter, Mission Australia, Dubbo and District Preschool and WAHCS.