Nicky is a Frankston City resident who initially wrote the book to help her first child Bayley, who at the time was struggling to eat, sleep or laugh because of anxiety.
Statistics that show while around 14 of Australian children have mental health issues such as anxiety, depression and behaviour problems, only 1 in 4 of those receive professional help.
The book was such a success that Nicky wrote another, Happythoughts are Everywhere, as well as a developing a resource kit for parents and teachers.
A Fantastic and imaginative experience to help all children learn to beat their own Worrythoughts Last year Frankston City Council approved funding for FAC to develop and implement the 40 minute engaging production of Mr Worrythoughts , which is expected to tour nationally.
The show is performed by two professional actors and a Mt Eliza Peninsula Ballet School Contemporary www.mepbs.com Stretch Special OfferTiny Begin Spec danc Funk Principal CatherinePrestonF.M.D.E.C ENROL NOW FOR 2011 88 good life, february -march, april 2011 puppeteer, and is sponsored by Grenda Transit Management and Sign A Rama Frankston.
FAC Manager Robin Batt said Since 2005, Frankston Arts Centre s Arts Access has focused on using the arts to stimulate mental health and wellbeing in our communities.
Research suggests children who suffer from high anxiety are more likely to become anxious adults.
Depression and anxiety are largely preventable conditions, and Council's involvement in this innovative production will have many benefits.
The play provides a great avenue to support discussions around managing anxiety and worries and greatly supports sel in schools.
As a KidsMatter School we have used aspects of the book - Go Away, Mr Worrythoughts - and are very fortunate to have seen the first performance of FAC s adaptation of Nicky Johnston s book.
The production was accessible to alland thought provoking.
It is a simple play combining acting and puppetry which the kids and staff loved.
Roland Wans, Deputy Student Wellbeing, St.Anne s Primary, Seaford Creatives Enquiries should be addressed to Frankston Arts Centre Cnr Davey Young Streets PO Box 490 FRANKSTON 3199 Email artscentre frankston.vic.gov.au Web www.artscentre.frankston.vic.gov.au Box Office 03 9784 1060 Teachers kits and support notes provided.
The Storyline ..
.
Nicky Johnston first wrote the book Go Away, Mr Worrythoughts for her eldest son Bayley, who suffers from Generalised Anxiety Disorder GAD .
This simple story tells of his battle and the way in which he was able to beat his worry thoughts.
Anxiety and the experience of worry thoughts can consume the life of a child robbing them of any fun, laughter and freedom of adventure.
The story is based on the ability to control and manage worry thoughts encouraging young children to learn how to maintain a level of happy thoughts Go Away, Mr Worrythoughts is about a boy called Bayden who worries about everything ALL of the time, so much so, that it was affecting every aspect of his life.
His anxiety is called Mr Worrythoughts a big, bad monster who tells Bayden horrible things which make Bayden feel sad, worried, scared and very alone.
That is until Bayden discovers he has superpowers.
His inner strength and self---belief enables Bayden to confront Mr Worrythoughts taking control of the nasty monster.
The stronger Bayden becomes within himself, the weaker Mr Worrythoughts becomes.
As Bayden learns how to control his worry thoughts, he is released from the trance of the monster and is able to live happily and freely.
The important messages in this book are that worry thoughts can be controlled and stopped before Mr Worrythoughts gets strong and scary everyone has these superpowers they just need to learn to use them.
Ballet and Adult Fitness Classes EXCITING CLASSES AT THE MOUNT ELIZA PENINSULA BALLET SCHOOL FOR 2011 Principal Catherine Preston has been teaching for over 30 years.
She aims to foster a love of dance in a fun environment with safe, correct technique.
She danced professionally for over 15 years and wishes to give this joy to her students.
All classes at the Mount Eliza and Peninsula Ballet School are designed so that each student can achieve personal progress at their own pace.
The ongoing goals at MEPBS are to pass on knowledge and enjoyment of dance while fostering a love of dance, by developing creativity, encouraging and inspiring enjoyment, artistry and excellence along with self confidence, in a happy and caring environment.
Dance is a disciplined art form, which can foster a student s natural joy of moving.
When well taught it will lay a good foundation for any form of physical activity and in fact, for life itself.
FUN DAYTIME PRE-SCHOOLERS BALLET CLASSES Wednesdays at 18 Virginia Street, Mornington Saturdays at Overport Primary School Hall, Frankston South PLUS ADULT FITNESS CLASSES WITH THERABANDS Based on Franklin Method Mondays at 18 Virginia Street, Mornington, from 9.30 to 10.30am We also have heaps of other great classes available after school and on Saturdays, for all ages and levels.
You can check out the timetable and other info on the website www.mepbs.com or contact Cate on 9787 3290 or 0407 302 441