Bundaberg Regional Galleries will host free Worry Doll art workshops for children aged 12 and under to mark Queensland Mental Health Week held this year from 7 to 15 October.
Worry Doll workshops in Bundaberg, Childers and Gin Gin will provide an opportunity for children to get crafty and have healthy conversations about their worries in a comfortable environment.
Worry dolls are hand crafted dolls, originating in Guatemala, and traditionally made from winding cloth and yarn around a small wood or wire substructure.
Created as a remedy for worrying and often given to children, the concept sees the worrier share their concerns with the doll before placing it under their pillow for the worries to go away overnight.
Participants of the Worry Doll workshop will have the opportunity to make their own worry dolls to carry away their cares, under the guidance of local artists Elaine Kirk and Larissa Dabrowski.
Council’s Arts, Culture and Events portfolio spokesperson Councillor John Learmonth said the workshops would offer an opportunity for children to connect and talk while being creative.
“Engaging in art activities like the Worry Doll workshops can help create a comfortable environment for children to have conversations about their worries and feelings,” Cr Learmonth said.
“Good mental health is important to everyone, and encouraging children to open up about their feelings helps them to become open and healthy adults.”
Queensland Mental Health Week’s theme for this year is ‘Awareness, Belonging, Connection’.
The Queensland Mental Health Commission said the theme reflected the important factors that helped people maintain positive mental health and wellbeing.
The Worry Doll workshops are open to children aged 12 and under, and are suitable for all abilities.
Materials will be provided for the workshop attendees, so bookings are essential.
Worry Doll workshops
Bundaberg workshop facilitated by Elaine Kirk
Saturday 7 October
10 am to 12 pm
Gallery Park, 3 Barolin Street Bundaberg
Gin Gin workshop facilitated by Larissa Dabrowski
Saturday 7 October
10 am to 12 pm
Gin Gin Neighbourhood Centre, 4 Dear Street Gin Gin
Childers workshop facilitated by Elaine Kirk
Sunday 8 October
10am to 12 pm
Childers Art Space, 72 Churchill Street Childers
The Worry Doll workshops are funded by the Queensland Mental Health Commission through the Queensland Mental Health Week Community Events Grants Program.
I think the worry doll is a good idea, but a stressed child might grasp it too tightly and cut their hand. It should be made from a soft flexible structure.