Mental Health Month is a national mental health campaign coordinated every October by the Mental Health Association
of NSW to promote good mental health and wellbeing in our local communities.
Western NSW Local Health District’s Mental Health, Drug & Alcohol (MHDA) Services are working in partnership
with the Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health, TAFE NSW Western Orange and Bathurst Colleges, Central
West Libraries, and various non-government organisations to host a number of activities with the theme for 2016
being ‘Learn and Grow’.
Director Mental Health, Drug & Alcohol Services, Jason Crisp said October is promising to be a busy month with
planned activities to be delivered right across the region.
“Approximately 45% of Australians will experience some form of mental illness during their lifetime, and those that
don’t will most likely know someone that does,” Mr Crisp said.
“Mental health issues will affect one in five Australians every year. Anxiety disorders are often the most common
mental health challenges, followed by depression.”
“This year’s theme aims to increase knowledge of mental health in our communities so we can reduce preconceived
views that people have about mental illness.”
There are a number of activities planned for October, including the annual Central West Pride March, floral
arrangement workshops, ceramics workshops, drumming workshops, photography exhibitions, Mental Health First Aid
training, ‘Tackling Mental Health’ expos and mental health information stalls at community events.
Information stalls at the TAFE NSW Western Bathurst Campus on 12October, Dubbo Farmers Markets on 15October and TAFE
NSW Western Orange Campus on 19October aim to raise mental health awareness, with brochures and information about
mental illness and local mental health services available.
“People should take the time during October to take time out to explore local surroundings, keep physically active,
aim to have more sleep and to reach out before things get tough,” Mr Crisp said.
“We hope that Mental Health Month reminds people to do things that help improve mental health, and to carry on these
behaviours once the Month is over.”
“Mental Health Month creates an opportunity for people to look at how they are feeling and focus on ways to enhance
their social and emotional wellbeing, thereby building their personal resilience and support networks,” he said.
For more information about local activities and events during Mental Health Month, please click on the calendar and
event flyer links below, or the Way Ahead website
wayahead.org.au
.
Anyone with concerns about their mental health or the mental health of a family member or loved one should call the
Mental Health Line on free call 1800 011 511 or contact their General Practitioner (GP).
Mental Health Month Calendars:
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For Western NSW Local Health District
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For Dubbo & Region
Event Flyers:
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Outback Drumming, free October workshops.
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Ceramic workshops
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Pinch & Press workshops
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Mental Health first aid training course - for service
providers
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Mental Health first aid training course - for the general
public
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Floral arrangements workshop - for carers
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Floral arrangements workshops - for the general public
