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2007 CAP- Blue Hat Day Project

 The 2007 Community Arts Project was for group members to create a hat that symbolised how we felt about depression. The hats were launched as a depression awareness event at our open day for  ‘Blue Hat Week’. The open day was held at the Chisholm Community Centre on August the 28th 2007

Blue Hat Day Project Planning and Information Session on Depression held 13th February 2007

Charles facilitated the group through a relatively laid back discussion on a heavy topic. He provided us with an understanding of what depression is, what some causes are, symptoms to look out for, and some strategies for prevention. Charles also shared some of his personal story that was both heart wrenching and inspiring. This was an introduction to our community arts project for 2007, Blue Hat Day. Throughout 2007 we will be working with local milliner, Christine Waring, to produce hats of all kinds. Underlying the creativity and ‘glamour' of these activities is to enhance awareness of depression in our community. A few of us have put together a list of useful contacts and resources if you feel you are suffering depression symptoms or are concerned for a friend or family member. These flyers are printed on blue paper and are available at all sessions. Also, O2C have kindly donated a number of books relating to depression and anxiety that will also be available to borrow from term 2.

Thank you to all of those who shared their experiences during this session and thank you also to Charles for increasing our understanding of this often debilitating illness.

Jules

 Creating your Off the Wall Hat with Christine Waring - 8th May 2007

On the morning of the 8th of May, I was heroically trying to get the kids dressed and clean their teeth, while making lunches and doing my hair all at the same time, when I suddenly remembered we were supposed to bring something for the 'off the wall' session to decorate a hat. I madly looked around the house, scanning everything and imagining it all perched upon a straw hat, and drew a complete blank. The damn clock kept on ticking and time was running out. I realised I was still in my pink flannel PJ's and ran down the hall to get dressed. Rifling through my underwear draw I accepted the fact that I wasn't going to be able to take anything and would spend the session with a cuppa and have a chat instead. Searching for my favourite comfy grundies, I was getting annoyed at all the bras that no longer fit getting in my way. Then (light bulb moment) I thought I would take some of those (when did they actually fit me?) bras and decorate the hat with them. Why not? They are pretty and feminine and just a little bit on the sexy side. I threw a few into my bag, grabbed the kids - with toothbrushes still in hand - and off to school and BWG we went.

The gorgeous Christine was already there, setting up her bountiful collection of hat accessories and fabrics. All the girls arrived and we were set for another excellent session at Brindabella Group. As usual I was lacking inspiration despite the beautiful collection of over-the-shoulder-boulder-holders lying on the table in front of me. I made a plea to Christine for guidance. Next minute she whacked a few bits and pieces together and showed me how gorgeous it could be. Wishing I possessed but an ounce of her skill and creativity I set about doing my best. Some terribly bad sewing, many laughs and a cup of tea later I ended up with a hat I really liked as did the other ladies present. I couldn't believe how creative and talented we all were.

 The following weekend my partner came over and I showed him 'the hat'. He was very supportive, as always, and suggested that I wear it to the Mother's Day Classic walk/run for breast cancer that we were entering the following day. After much discussion about how feathers and a 'bra hat' would go with my grey tracky ensemble I decided 'what the hell' and wore it anyway. During the walk I received so many great comments about the hat that I ended up feeling very proud and strutted for nearly the whole 8 km's - by the way, if you have never strutted for that distance, it is quite an achievement in itself! I received a spot prize for the hat (a t-shirt about 20 sizes to big for me, but it is the thought that counts), and ended up donating the bra hat to the Bosom Buddies stand which was at the event. They were very excited and said they would auction if off at one of their charity events.