Territory artist Jimmy Bamble on how art can connect people

A series of workshops across the Territory are helping to spark conversations and remove stigmas around mental health, with art a critical stroke in helping to save lives.

Jimmy Bamble says he ‘used to be one of these kids with depression and used to get up to mischief and things’ but now works to help others. Picture: Supplied

Renowned Territory artist Jimmy Bamble knows the importance of connection, with people and through art.

And the ability and freedom for people to express themselves through their art.

Now, with share from a $400,000 government funding pool, Bamble is taking his vibrant, street-art inspired paintings across the Territory as part of the NT Suicide Prevention program.

Brush with B4MBLE is one of 33 community projects being held across he Top End, East Arnhem, Big Rivers, Barkly and Central Australia.

Bamble said there would be four projects in total, with one in Katherine and two in Darwin and Palmerston.

Jimmy Bamble pictured. Artist Jimmy Bamble, has been awarded one of the grants from The NT Suicide Prevention Community Grants program to deliver a painting project for youths. Picture: Supplied by Jimmy Bamble

“I want to see where this will go,” he said.

“I used to be one of these kids with depression and used to get up to mischief and things … I want to show these kids that there’s another path.

“It’s still early days and something we’re building on.

“Brush with B4MBLE interactive painting activities are about giving young people a creative outlet to express emotions and experiences in a supported environment, with the overarching goal to promote youth wellness.

“Art can increase self-esteem and confidence, with the free sessions integrating social and emotional learning while creating pieces of art that young people can be proud of.”

More than $400,000 in grant funding has been awarded to non-government organisations and community members to deliver suicide prevention projects.

It is jointly funded by the Territory government, and the federal NT Primary Health Network.

The programs range from suicide prevention events in Yirrkala to an AFL festival in Wadeye, with the goal of building stronger communities and preventing suicidal behaviour, as well as addressing the stigma around suicide.

Jimmy Bamble teaching a class at Paint and Create Darwin Picture: Supplied by Jimmy Bamble

Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Minister Lauren Moss said the grants helped build stronger communities.

“Whether it’s building connections through sport, culture, education and community or developing skills in emotional resilience, we are working together to make Territorians and our communities feel safe and supported,” she said.

Workshops and cultural activities will be held at Amplitwatja Health Centre in the Barkly region, and the school will run the Ampilatwatja Strong Minds program.

Six community projects including a mental health initiative by the NT Cattleman’s Association are planned for Central Australia, and the Central Desert Regional council will host suicide prevention straining workshops.

This is the sixth round of the NT Suicide Prevention Community Grants which has provided more than $1.4m to increase suicide awareness as part of the NT Suicide Prevention Framework 2018-2023.