After two years of groundwork, some 'nervous conversations' and plenty of much-needed faith Wayne Hill proudly announced The Resilience Project is now established at a number of schools across Orange.
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A nation-wide program designed to build resilience and happiness through evidence-based strategies, Mr Hill has worked tirelessly to raise $150,000 to fund the program which will supplement seven schools' curriculums.
Orange High and Canobolas Rural Technology High, along with Orange, Canobolas, Calare, Nashdale and Clergate public schools are all on board and have either already begun lessons or will start soon.
"It's a simple program designed to complement what schools are already doing in the well-being space," Mr Hill explained.
Research shows our brains are wired negatively, so this program really helps to find positivity day-to-day.
- Wayne Hill
"Students will have sessions through class periods and they'll focus on a specific topic for an hour, so it basically just becomes another class in their timetable in a way.
"You hear stories about people close to you struggling and they make you want to find a way to help, especially with youth and the struggles they might have.
"Research shows our brains are wired negatively, this program helps to find positivity day-to-day and develop coping mechanisms to help move forward with a positive mindset."
The Resilience Project is based around three pillars - gratitude, empathy and mindfulness. More than 1,500 schools and workplaces have engaged with the program along with some of Australia's leading sporting clubs and organisations.
Mr Hill discovered the program, which also focuses on emotional literacy, connection and physical health, through his work the National Rugby League.
"I researched a bit more and after a few conversations with the schools I saw an opportunity, there was a gap in mental health programs or just holistic well-being programs in general," he explained.
Then came the numbers, The Resilience Project notes one in four adolescents and one in seven primary school students have a mental illness. However, 65 per cent of adolescents will not seek help.
"That research shows we have seven negative thoughts for every positive thought, day-to-day. You can see the impact when you think about that in weekly, monthly or yearly terms. That was the real selling point for me," Mr Hill said.
He sold the concept to schools with virtually nothing behind it other than his knowledge and those numbers.
"There was some nervous conversations early on, I sold it to them without funding, but the schools put a lot of belief in me and that faith pushed me to work harder to make it happen," Mr Hill.
It's really important our kids are able to see those pillars - gratitude, empathy and mindfulness. Especially when there is a focus on emotional literacy.
- Canobolas Rural Technology High's head teacher of well-being Sam Williams
That funding has since been found, Orange City Council has contributed $100,000 through a NSW Health funding stream while Orange Aboriginal Medical Service has chipped in $50,000 as well.
"They're major supporters and I'm incredibly grateful for that. We're going to work to raise a little bit more so we can give the schools the program for free for two full years," Mr Hill said.
"Potentially to branch out even further too, to Cabonne and the Orange electorate first but maybe beyond that as well."
For now though, the seven schools already on board will continue delivering the program through their teachers, who will be provided with professional development opportunities to build their knowledge.
"We're about four lessons through years seven to 12, our students have been really engaged so far," Sam Williams, Canobolas Rural Technology High's head teacher of well-being, said.
Orange High teacher Kerrie Chopping and Canobolas Public assistant principal Nick Hughes-Clapp agreed wholeheartedly.
"It's magnificent for our kids, to help them develop confidence in themselves ... and learn valuable skills they can take forward in the future," Ms Chopping said.
"This program is something that's really simple but it's scientifically based and proven to help. It's really important for our kids, so we're really excited to be involved," Mr Hughes-Clapp said.
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