Insight Mindfulness Education (IME) is a registered Not-For-Profit organisation founded by Grant Milbourne, who has been involved with the NWFL football community for the past 10 years (since he started playing for East Devonport as an Under 17’s player).
IME has been created with the purpose of supporting teens aged 15-19 who are suffering from unnecessary levels of stress, anxiety or depression. The organisation leads weeklong mindfulness meditation retreats, which provide teens with an opportunity to unplug from their busy lives, learn more about themselves and develop skills which allow them to better understand their thoughts, their emotions and the choices they make. Why are we focusing on teaching the skills of mindfulness and meditation? Because studies are showing that these awareness and concentration practices lower unnecessary levels or stress, worry and even depression.
Just briefly, some stats and facts from beyond blue (https://www.youthbeyondblue.com/footer/stats-and-facts):
> One in 16 young Australians is currently experiencing depression
> One in six young Australians is currently experiencing an anxiety condition
> One in four young Australians currently has a mental health condition
> Suicide is the biggest killer of young Australians and accounts for the deaths of more young people than car accidents
> Evidence suggests three in four adult mental health conditions emerge by age 24 and half by age 14
> Young people are most concerned about coping with stress, school or study problems and body image in that order
> Concern about mental health among young people is growing
> A quarter of young Australians say they are unhappy with their lives
IME are currently looking to engage with clubs who are interested in sponsoring a young person from the Tasmanian community to attend our 2017 January retreat. IME think there is real opportunity for the football community of Tasmania to come on board and show they recognise and support teens who can often struggle throughout this period of their lives.
Sponsorship is $900 and includes covering the cost of accommodation, all meals, snacks and a five-day mindfulness based learning program with experienced meditation and yoga teachers and specialist retreat staff.
If you are at all interested in the work that IME is doing and would like to speak further about the opportunity to come on board, please contact Grant Milbourne at grant@ime.org.au or on 0487027183.
To learn more about IME please visit www.ime.org.au
To learn more about the January retreat please visit http://www.ime.org.au/retreatdates/