BlueHackers.org is an informal initiative with a focus on the wellbeing of geeks who are dealing with depression, anxiety and related matters.

This year we’re more organised than ever with a number of goodies, events and services!

– BlueHackers stickers

– BlueHackers BoF (Tuesday)

– BlueHackers funded psychologist on Thursday and Friday

– extra resources and friendly people to chat with at the conference

Details below…

This year, we’ll have a professional psychologist, Alyssa Garrett (a Perth local) funded by BlueHackers, LCA2014 and Linux Australia. Alyssa will be available Thursday and part of Friday, we’ll allocate her time in half-hour slots using a simple (paper-based) anonymous booking system. Ask a question, tell a story, take time out, find out what psychology is about… particularly if you’re wondering whether you could use some professional help, or you’ve been procrastinating taking that step, this is your chance. It won’t cost you a thing, and it’s absolutely confidential. We just offer this service because we know how important it is! There will be about 15 slots available.

You can meet Alyssa on Tuesday afternoon already, at the BoF. Just to say hi!

The booking sheet will be at the BoF and from Wednesday near the rego desk.

The BlueHackers BoF is on Tuesday afternoon, 5:40pm – 6:40pm (just before the speakers dinner). Check the BoF schedule closer to the time to see which room we’re in. The format will be similar to last year: short lightning talks of people who are happy to talk – either from their own experience, as a support, or professional. No therapy, just sharing some ideas and experience. You can prep slides if you want, but not required. Anything discussed during the BoF stays there – people have to feel comfortable.

We may have some additional paper resources available during the conference, and a friendly face for an informal chat for part of the week.

Every conference bag will have a couple of BlueHackers stickers to put on your laptop and show your quiet support for the cause – letting others know they’re not alone is a great help.

If you have any logistical or other questions, just catch me (Arjen) at the conference or write to:  l i f e (at) b l u e h a c k e r s (dot) o r g