headspace Hootenanny held for Mental Health Week
7 October 2014
More than 400 Sunshine Coast locals are expected to join in the second annual ‘headspace Hootenanny’ event this week in honour of Mental Health Week, which will take place between 5 and 11 October.
Donna Allen, Centre Manager at headspace Maroochydore (Australia’s National Youth Mental Health Foundation), said the ‘headspace hootenanny’ was being held on Saturday, 11 October and aimed to raise awareness of mental health issues within the local community and inspire locals to talk about mental health.
“The sad reality is that there is a stigma surrounding mental health in Australia,” Ms Allen said.
“What many people don’t understand is that just like physical illness, mental illness can strike anyone at any time.”
“It’s important that we create an open dialogue regarding mental health issues to ensure sufferers feel comfortable seeking help, and we hope to use this event to dissolve the myth that mental illness is a sign of weakness.”
According to the National Health and Medical Research Council, more than 45 per cent of Australians will experience mental illness at some point in their lifetime.
Ms Allen said at a local level, statistics would suggest that more than 60,000 Sunshine Coast residents would be affected by some sort of mental health issue this year.
“Whether it’s anxiety and depression or even personality or eating disorders, mental health issues come in a variety of forms,” Ms Allen said.
“It’s important that as community members, we are aware of these issues so we can recognise when ourselves or others are struck by mental illness and require help.”
Ms Allen said the ‘headspace hootenanny’ would see headspace Maroochydore transformed into a twilight market, with art workshops, drumming and dancing, music by local musicians including Ayla Scanlan and Dear Willow, a jumping castle and a photo booth on offer between 4pm and 9pm.
“We’ll also have local artists facilitating a chalk rainbow walk that attendees can contribute to and will be hosting an outdoor movie screening of Disney’s ‘Frozen’ from 7pm.”
This event is a collaboration of more than 15 community partners including mental health services, youth organisations and businesses with a social conscience.
Ms Allen said while headspace was focused on working with young people, Sunshine Coast community members of all ages were invited to come along to the event.
“The ‘headspace hootenanny’ offers something for everyone. It’s a free event and we’re looking forward to creating a strong sense of community spirit on the night.”
“Sunshine Coast residents are also welcome to join in the ‘Hats on for Mental Health Week’ barbecue in the lead-up to the ‘headspace hootenanny’. The barbeque is taking place on Wednesday, 8 October at Cotton Tree Park (across from the corner of the Esplanade and Second Ave) from 12pm.”
The headspace hootenanny will be held between 4pm and 9pm on Saturday, 11 October at headspace Maroochydore, 1/27 Evans St, Maroochydore. For more information, call (07) 5409 4900, email headspace@unitedsynergies.com.au or visit www.facebook.com/headspaceMaroochydore.
// Ends.
Media contact
Helen Perry, Fresh PR & Marketing
M: 0431 065 964
E: helen@freshprm.com.au
headspace media contact:
Fraser Landreth, headspace Maroochydore
M: 0400 002 030
E: flandreth@unitedsynergies.com.au
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