A free wellbeing app for young people, developed by young local Indigenous people on the Northern Rivers, is being launched this Thursday, November 30 at the M-Arts in Murwillumbah from 5pm.
Organisers say the Bunyarabugalma Youth app will include ‘cultural approaches to managing anxiety, stress and trauma, equipping young people to recover from, and be more prepared for adverse events, while creating a deeper connection with Country and self’.
‘Understanding that Country is part of us, and how we care for both it and ourselves during times of change or adversity builds identity, self-care and resilience in users’, said a spokesperson for the group. ‘The young people involved have created guided meditations and affirmations to support young people through different challenging emotions. The project ran workshops including guided walks on Country, music, art and movement.’
They say the Bunyarabugalma Youth project brought together young people, creative mentors, elders, health, community workers and the Bunyarabugalma Project Team to create a healing resource for young people, by young people.
The Bunyarabugalma Youth project is part of the Bunyarabugalma project coordinated by the Murwillumbah Community Centre’s Indigenous Programs Coordinator.
‘Seeing our young people engage with the natural environment and the important historical place in the community was very special,’ said Indigenous Programs Coordinator, Lara Lei.
The launch includes a showcase of the young people’s music art and the content from the app. There will be live music performances at the launch from Angel, STA, Uncle Garry Kafoa, and the Wiradjuri Sisters with the showcase from 5pm and the all-ages dance party happening from 7–9pm. This is a drug and alcohol free event for young people.
For more info contact [email protected].
Such a beautiful idea. So rich and well-rounded in approach. I wish the folks who designed this could be in charge of our world!!!