Mental health event set to turn heads
9 October 2013
With Mental Health Week taking place between 7 and 13 October, more than 400 Sunshine Coast locals are expected to join in the region’s largest mental health-oriented community event to raise awareness of mental illness and wellbeing.
Donna Allen, Centre Manager at headspace Maroochydore (Australia’s National Youth Mental Health Foundation), said the ‘headspace hootenanny’ event being held on Saturday, 12 October aimed to break the stigma often associated with mental health issues.
“It’s a sad fact that there is still a lot of stigma associated with mental health, that can prevent people from getting help early for their concerns,” Ms Allen said.
“This event raises awareness that mental health issues can touch anybody; it certainly isn’t a sign of weakness and in most cases, can be treated just like physical health concerns can.”
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.
“Mental health issues can encompass anything from anxiety and depression, right through to personality and eating disorders,” Ms Allen said.
“It is important that our community talks about mental health issues openly, and that we encourage our friends, family members and associates to seek help early: much like visiting your doctor when you have a physical health issue.”
Ms Allen said the headspace hootenanny would see headspace Maroochydore transformed into a twilight market, with live art, fire twirling, music by local musicians including Tim Smith and Ash Ogilvie, a yoga and relaxation room, photo booth and free family activities on offer between 4pm and 9pm.
“We’ll also have local artist Krystle Sturgess facilitating a chalk rainbow walk that attendees can contribute to and will be hosting an outdoor movie screening of Disney Pixar’s ‘Brave’ between 7pm and 9pm.”
Ms Allen said while headspace was focused on working with young people, the event was open to all Sunshine Coast community members.
“The headspace hootenanny offers something for all ages. It’s a free event and we’re looking forward to bringing the Sunshine Coast community together to celebrate Mental Health Week 2013.”
The headspace hootenanny will be held between 4pm and 9pm on Saturday, 12 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.
Media contact:
Helen Perry, Fresh PR & Marketing
M: 0431 065 964
E: helen@freshprm.com.au
headspace media contact:
Rhiannon Sims, headspace Maroochydore
M: 0400 002 030
E: rsims@unitedsynergies.com.au
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