ROdown Blog
Skin Deep
What do you think of when I say “body image”?
This is an issue that according to a recent survey, is one of our biggest personal concerns. So how exactly do we feel about ourselves?
In 2010, after plucking up the courage to apply (and being successful) for the Youth Minister’s Round Table of Young Territorians, I had the opportunity to select a topic or issue that affects young people and that I am passionate about; and produce a community based project to present to the Northern Territory Government.
Alongside team members Aroha Jennings and Hannah Woerle, Skin Deep: Body Image, Self Esteem and Eating Disorder Services in the Northern Territory was born. We surveyed 257 young Territorians, interviewed young people and mothers who had experience with body image and eating disorders, met with the Butterfly Foundation and talked to numerous health professionals within our community.
From these discussions, and a general agreeance that very little was being done to spread positive messages to young Territorians, we created a Facebook group named ‘Skin Deep’ as part of a campaign to increase positive messages, give information and reject the ideals of what is considered beauty. We also concluded that the process that many young people need to go through in the Territory in order to be treated for a mental illness like an eating disorder can be obscenely difficult and potentially excessively distressing – and that is if they and their loved ones know where to go for help at all.
As a result of our research and campaign, in December we were able to deliver a presentation and make 12 recommendations to the Northern Territory Government with a view to assist young Territorians to lead happy, healthy and more confident lives. The greatest part?
Our project is now public, and you can check it out here!!! We will be following up with the Northern Territory Government to gain feedback on our report and whether or not the recommendations will be implemented.
Our greatest wish is that the project is taken seriously and young people are equipped with the knowledge, messages and support that will allow them to ask “Who is providing my ideals of beauty?” and to be able to answer “me”.
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