Tasmanians are ‘Stronger Together’ for Mental Health Week in 2017

Today, numerous Mental Health Week events kick off around the state for 2017. This year it is all about celebrating the idea that as a Tasmanian Community we are ‘Stronger Together.’

MHCT CEO, Connie Digolis, said the Stronger Together theme is just what we need as a community to unite us and support each other to become a more resilient and mentally healthy community.

“We really want this year’s Mental Health Week to be something everyone can get involved with. If we look at ways we can build the capacity of Tasmanians to work collectively to improve our health outcomes we could develop a reputation as a state with the best mental health in the country.”

“It may sound idealistic, given the challenges that we face within our health system, but we need to stop looking at illness as inevitability. There are ways we can prevent illness, further prevent mental health challenges from escalating and support our fellow members of the community facing ongoing mental health concerns to thrive and lead contributing lives,” said Ms Digolis.

There are a wide range of events being held state-wide during Mental Health Week from as far as King Island to Kingborough and beyond. These events include: art exhibitions, community breakfasts, mental
health expos, family fun day activities and interactive workshops. Details of events open to the public can befound at www.mhct.org/mentalhealthweek

Monday 9 October
10AM – 2:15PM Creative Workshop and Soundbath
10AM – 2PM Mosaic Workshop – Dorset House Scottsdale
1PM – 4PM Opening Up The Conversation – Youth Mental Health BBQ – Launceston
2:30PM – 3:30PM Healthy Sleep Habits at Bucaan (Chigwell)
3:15PM – 4PM Qi Gong Workshop – Warrane
7PM Opening Up The Conversation – Youth Mental Health Forum (Tramsheds Launceston)

Tuesday 10 October
7:30AM – 10:30AM Stronger Together Mental Health Breakfast- Eureka Clubhouse Moonah
9AM – 1PM Trans-cultural Mental Health Awareness Workshop- Tailrace Conference Centre Launceston
10AM – 1PM Creative Workshop – West Moonah
10AM – 10:45AM Qi Gong Workshop – Kingston
11AM – 2PM Smithton’s Stress Busters
11AM – 2PM United & Stronger Together Family Fun Day
5PM – 7PM Stronger Together Art Exhibition Launch Event Bunnings Launceston

Advice on how to report sensitively and accurately on mental health and suicide can be found at: http://www.mindframe-media.info/for-media

Don’t forget to check out the Stronger Together short films as part of Mental Health Week!

Amber and Diane: Amber is a passionate Mental Health advocate who volunteers with the consumer organisation Flourish Mental Health Action in our Hands Inc. and the Hobart Human Library. She also has a lived experience of mental illness. Diane is Amber’s Mother and a volunteer with the Red Cross Mates program. The Mates program aims to reduce social isolation in the community by matching a trained volunteer with participants that could benefit.
VIEW THEIR FILM HERE: https://vimeo.com/236846040

Michael: Michael is a Tutor with Save the Children’s HIPPY (Home Interactive Program for Parents and Youngsters.) Program He also has a lived experience of mental illness.
He enjoys working with young people and is passionate about supporting his Gagebrook community and the Tasmanian LGBTI community.
VIEW HIS FILM HERE: https://vimeo.com/236845985

Simon: Simon has had a rough time over the past few years before arriving at the Men’s shelter Bethlehem House. He now aspires to speak more about his experiences and journey so far and recently spoke to a group of CEOs as part of the ‘CEO Sleep Out’
VIEW HIS FILM HERE: https://vimeo.com/236846180

Sally and Willow: Sally is a Mother, Comedian and Children’s entertainer. Willow is her 8-year-old daughter who loves horse-riding and making You Tube videos. Willow also has a lived experience of mental health issues.
VIEW THEIR FILM HERE: https://vimeo.com/236844989

John: Originally from Sierra Leone, but now a proud Launceston local, John is a Counsellor with the organisation Catholic Care. John is passionate about working with people with refugee and recent migrant backgrounds. John has a lived experience of trauma stemming from the war in Sierra Leone.
VIEW HIS FILM HERE: https://vimeo.com/236846109
Catherine Delpero Media and Communications|Mental Health Council of Tasmania