Rachel Macindoe - Robbie Mitchell Scholarship Award Winner
Rachel Macidoe and Family with Jim Mitchell
Rachel initially graduated from the RMIT, majoring in Philosophy, Cross-Cultural Communication and Community Development. Since then Rachel has worked with migrants from East Sudan, has become a songwriter and has run family-friendly concerts showcasing local musicians as well as the ‘Little Sirens’ children’s music and story time program. Rachel is also the founder, and co-director of Unfurl Projects, an organisation facilitating creative and adaptive leadership. Her concern about the developing crisis in adolescent health led her to apply for the scholarship. She believes that the course will enable her to gain evidence-based depth and insight into the work Unfurl does with adolescents.
Rachel described the alarming crisis in adolescent mental health that has come about over the last two decades:
- For every teen who commits suicide, 200 others are thinking about it
- 1 in 2 teens suffer from some form of mental stress or illness
- Many teens feel disconnected from society, have trouble building healthy relationships and don’t know how to change things for the better
- Many suffer from anxiety, caused by pressure to succeed, body image, and concern about the future of the world
- The explosion of social media has led to excessive exposure to screen time and a reduction in time spent outside in nature
‘Unfurl’ offers programs that allow adolescents the space to be themselves and to challenge themselves. Courses are also offered in Relaxation and Mindfulness. Students celebrate their graduation from the programs with family and friends and some return to share their experiences and to assist other students. Unfurl works with schools and local councils to help keep them in touch with the culture and needs of their adolescent communities. ‘Unfurl ‘also assists teachers in learning guidance and support skills that they may not have acquired in their academic training.
Rachel’s husband Ollie, originally a New Zealand Maths teacher, is her working partner and he gave us an interesting insight into his initial interest and then involvement with her programs.
Rachel and Ollie’s commitment to help struggling adolescents was impressive and encouraging, and our club is proud to support them in their work.
https://unfurlprojects.com/facilitation/