Teen’s pins for mental health

DURING the COVID-19 pandemic, one Ballarat teenager took it upon herself to fundraise for youth mental health in a creative way.

High school student, Sophie Busuttil hand crafts and sells ceramic clothing pins with a portion of the profits donated to Ballarat Headspace.

As a highly creative teenager who loves to draw, Sophie said she’s really enjoyed the process of making and painting the badges.

“I’ve been doing them around a month now and just started selling them in the last couple of weeks,” she said.

“I was super inspired by artists who were creating the clay pins on Instagram to make my own.

“Everyone’s been super supportive, so it’s made my half a lot easier.”

Earlier this year, Sophie’s school encouraged her to apply for the Western Bulldogs Youth Leadership Program which hosts

activities and projects for young leaders from across the state.

Sophie said this program was instrumental in her gaining the confidence to make and sell her crafty pins.

“My house leader thought the program would be a great opportunity for me as it was focused on leadership and teamwork skills and reaching goals,” she said.

“Everyone’s encouraged to create a social impact project, mainly about what they’re passionate about and in a way that will benefit the community.

“When it came to choosing a project, I thought this would be a good idea because it’s something people could actually wear as an accessory.”

Next came selecting a charity and for Sophie, supporting Headspace was a no brainer.

The non-profit organisation provides mental health help for 12 to 25 year olds which Sophie said, is now more necessary than ever.

“I chose Headspace because during these times I think that, especially as a young person, it’s really important to promote good mental health,” she said.

“Everyone is doing it tough right now and it’s an amazing organisation to both raise money and awareness for.

“I figured, if there was any way I could help someone who has it worse, I should.”

Sophie’s mum Deanne Busuttil added, “She’s very socially aware and understands that some people might be having a tougher time particularly through COVID and remote learning, hence Headspace.

“She’s really well supported by her school as well as they encourage her put herself out there a bit.”

Each broach is crafted from air dry clay, hand painted and finished with a glossy enamel all by Sophie herself.

With $2 from every pin allocated to Headspace, Sophie said her goal is donate $200 to the organisation by Christmas.

“Everyone has been so nice towards it and selling wise and it’s the people who have made it an enjoyable experience,” she said.

“Local artist Shelby Sherritt and I are working together to create a collaboration pin to hopefully put on her website and get some sales there.

“I love it so much, I’m really grateful I could do it.”

Clay pins are priced at $12 each and can be purchased through Sophie’s Instagram page @sophieemma_art.