Published on: 17 June 2016



Ashlee Harrison was at Christ Church this week, educating and empowering students to effectively deal with mental health issues. Ashlee is Founder and CEO of zero2hero, a not-for-profit organisation which provides innovative school-based programs for young people to help develop their understanding and awareness of mental health issues and services.

“I don’t believe mental illness is any different to physical illness, so my goal is to change the way we communicate about our mental health,” Ashlee told the boys during her engaging presentation.

Ashlee implored the boys to practice being the person they want to be right now, encouraging them to change their thought patterns from negative to positive.

“Change your thought patterns for 28 days and you will be on your way to thinking more positively about yourself. There is nothing more important than you and your health,” she said.

Ashlee gave the boys eight strategies to ensure they are striving to be proactive with their mental health.

1. Speak up
2. Eat right
3. Stay connected
4. Accept yourself
5. Keep active
6. Take a break, which includes taking a break from your mobile phone
7. Do what you love
8. Ask for help 

Many thanks to The Centre for Ethics and The Wynne Centre for Boys’ Health and Wellbeing for co-hosting this inspiring event.