26 September 2023

Corrections branch out for mental health

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Staff of Corrective Services NSW across the State (CSNSW) have been whittling, welding and painting blue trees in the name of mental health awareness.

Minister for Corrections, Anthony Roberts said 50 blue trees had been unveiled at CSNSW workplaces in the lead up to last week’s World Suicide Prevention Day (10 September) as part of the Blue Tree Project.

Mr Roberts said the Project, launched in 2018 in Western Australian, saw people paint dead trees blue in memory of a person who had taken their own life, or to spark conversations and raise awareness about mental health and suicide prevention.

“The idea of the Blue Tree Project is not only a symbol of hope but one of resilience and strength – that no matter how tough things get, there is always someone you can turn to and that should never be forgotten,” Mr Roberts said.

“We hope these blue trees will promote conversations among staff and encourage those who might be suffering and speak up,” he said.

Mr Roberts said staff and inmates were involved in creating their distinctive blue trees, which ranged from murals and collages to welded sculptures and painted tree trunks.

Acting Commissioner for CSNSW, Kevin Corcoran said it was no secret that CSNSW staff worked in a difficult and challenging environment and “now, more so than ever, we need to make the effort to look out for one another”.

Wellbeing and Resilience Project Officer with CSNSW, Jane Cox said the Blue Tree Project was one of several wellbeing initiatives that staff could participate in along with Stand TALR, a specialised course to help reduce the stigma and increase understanding of mental illness.

“If people get to a point where they are impacted by mental health it doesn’t just affect their work life, it affects their home life and their relationships,” Ms Cox said.

She said CSNSW was focused on assisting staff through specialised programs, with peer support officers and dedicated staff welfare officers.

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