Trees grow mental health message

Blue trees in the Capes are popping up everywhere as mental health becomes a more common and widely accepted conversation.

As part of the Blue Tree movement, Vasse Estate planted its own stump on Bussell Highway near the Vasse Yallingup Siding Road, to help break down the stigma surrounding mental health.

Vasse Estate community development officer Suzie Belbin said it was important to connect and bring the community together.

“Following a period of isolation as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic this year, we felt it was more important than ever to bring the community together in aid of this initiative,” she said.

In October, more than 50 Vasse residents took part in a tree painting day to support, talk, and open up about mental health issues – supported by Headspace Busselton, Man Walk Busselton’s David Barton, and Shining Hope WA’s Jon Eddy.

“After an inaugural Satisfaction Survey of residents in 2019, health and wellbeing were identified as an integral and important part of the Vasse lifestyle,” Ms Belbin said.

The Blue Tree Project is a national initiative, with more than 500 blue trees installed across Australia to open up conversations about mental health and wellbeing.