Veronique Hamilton is a Mental Health Promotion Officer in the Latrobe Valley, Victoria. She is also one of Healthy Futures wonderful volunteers who regularly champions the climate action for health cause, especially from a mental health perspective. Here Veronique shares some of her story.
"I started thinking about climate change when Scott Morrison was voted in as PM. Prior to this I left climate change up to others. I thought surely our politicians would be making the right choices to protect the environment.
Being a Mental Health Nurse, I was more interested in people, and helping others. But how quickly my views changed. When Scott Morrison was voted in, I remember crying, and my young daughter asking me what was wrong. It was at this point that I realised our government wasn’t going to make the choices to protect our communities. It was at this point that I realised I had to get active in the climate action space if I wanted to help people. It was a heart breaking time for me, learning about how devastating global warming is, and will continue to be on our planet. I cried a lot for my daughter, and all of my friends' children, and the future generations.
But then I got active, I had to do something, so I can look my daughter in the eyes and say I am trying.
Mental Health, extreme weather events, food and water impacts and fossil fuel being the lead contributor to global warming.
Climate change has impacted me personally on a number of levels. Once I learnt about the climate crisis we are in and the inaction of our politicians, I decided not to have any more children, so my daughter will be an only child. I have dedicated my time volunteering in the climate action space, taking time away from my family and friends.
Mental Health, extreme weather events, food and water impacts and fossil fuel being the lead contributor to global warming.
Climate change has impacted me personally on a number of levels. Once I learnt about the climate crisis we are in and the inaction of our politicians, I decided not to have any more children, so my daughter will be an only child. I have dedicated my time volunteering in the climate action space, taking time away from my family and friends.
It has changed my outlook on life and I worry often about the future. I found it difficult for some time to connect with people that didn’t share the same concerns as me. But I have learnt compassion and that everyone has their own reasons for their level of understanding and action (or inaction).
We have been involved in bushfires, floods, and wild storms. I have seen the devastating impacts personally and professionally that climate change has had on communities.
We have been involved in bushfires, floods, and wild storms. I have seen the devastating impacts personally and professionally that climate change has had on communities.
It has also had some positive impacts on me. It has led me to be more connected to nature. I now grow my own vegetables and think carefully about where my food comes from. I appreciate more simple things in life. I now have a new hobby of op shopping instead of being involved in fast fashion. I enjoy the outdoors a lot more now. And I have met some incredibly amazing, dedicated and passionate people along this journey of climate action."
Would you like to volunteer with Healthy Futures? Please get in touch!