The Blue Tree Project, which began in Mukinbudin in Western Australia’s Wheatbelt, is a grassroots movement dedicated to encouraging open conversations about mental health. It urges individuals to speak up if they are experiencing depression or anxiety.
The initiative invites people to paint a dead tree blue, giving it a “blue lease on life” in memory of friends lost to depression. This symbolic act serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and support.
Since its founding, the Blue Tree Project has grown into a significant charity, transforming the way we discuss mental health. The project was inspired by the tragic loss of Jayden Whyte to suicide in 2018. His friend, Tjarda Tiedeken, shared their story, recounting how they painted the now well-known blue tree in Mukinbudin together in 2014.
In our own unique way, 235SGT will be lighting parts of the building blue to raise awareness about suicide prevention and encourage conversations about mental health among colleagues.
By participating in the Blue Tree Project, we can all contribute to a more open and supportive dialogue around mental health, helping to break the stigma and offer hope to those in need.