Mental Health Week - Hunter events
5 October 2007
Mental Health Week: 7-13 October 2007: Mental Health Week 2007 is a national event with an aim to support the psychological and emotional wellbeing of all Australians.
Mental health issues will affect 1 in 5 Australians in the next 12 months; this year’s theme Relationships in the Community will promote the power of community relationships and their ability to combat this problem.
The Mental Health Association coordinates NSW Mental Health Week in NSW and is holding events across the state from 7 -13 October.
World Mental Health Day coincides with Mental Health Week, falling on 10 October. This year’s theme will be Mental Health in a Changing World: The Impact of Cultural Diversity with a focus on cultural awareness, with a positive and celebratory message about cultural diversity. World Mental Health Day is an initiative of the World Federation for Mental Health and presided over by the Mental Health Council of Australia. The event will aim to promote the value of cultural awareness and diversity in terms of mental health, raise the awareness of services available and reduce the stigma associated with mental illness.
Stress Less Day also takes place within Mental Health Week on 10 October. This is a chance to remind the community that prolonged stress can be the cause of substantial mind and body ailments and encourage everybody to do something to relieve the stress from their lives and the lives of their loved ones. Stress Less Day events will be held across the state.
More information on reporting mental illness for media professionals is also available at www.mindframe-media.info/
The following is a list compiled by Hunter New England Health of Mental Health Week events in the Hunter region.
Morisset
Tuesday 9 October - ‘A fun day for the family’
The Morisset Hospital Mental Health Week Fun Day is a chance to get the family out in the sun while drawing awareness to mental health issues and Mental Health Week. There will be a BBQ, sports, music, sample bags and guest speakers.
Where: Front Lawn, Recreation Hall, Morisset Hospital.
When: Tuesday 9 October, 9.30am to 3pm
Karuah
Wednesday 10 October - ‘A day to relax’
There will be a free Mental Health Week/Stress Less morning tea to emphasise the importance of relieving stress from the community.
Where: Karuah RSL Club
When: Wednesday 10 October, 10.30am to 12.30pm
Maitland
Wednesday 10 October - ‘Fun BBQ Day’
Supported Recovery Hunter Valley is inviting the community to attend a Fun BBQ Day. The day’s activities will include sports, tai-chi, board games and giveaways. Gold coin donation is appreciated where possible.
Where: Maitland Park
When: Wednesday 10 October, 11am to 2pm
Lake Macquarie
Thursday 11 October - ‘In Focus’ Digital Photography Exhibition Opening
In celebration of Mental Health Week 2007 people affected by mental illness have been invited to share their experience by submitting digital photograph/s. These photographs have been collated into a DVD and will be displayed to the community. The exhibition captures in a creative way the experience of people affected by mental illness and in particular explores this year’s theme of Relationships in the Community. Where: Lake Macquarie City Art Gallery, First Street, Booragul When: ‘Exhibition Opening’ Thursday 11 October at 11.30am – 12.30pm (includes morning tea). Exhibition will also be on display until Sunday 11 November. The opening is free. Community members wanting more information about this event can contact: Sheridan Landers, Lake Macquarie Community Mental Health Team. Ph 4904 9000.
Dungog
Friday 12 October - ‘Street stalls for less stress’
Dungog residents are invited to show their support and to promote mental health week at a free sausage sizzle. There will also be street stalls for the general public.
Where: Out the front of the CWA building in Dungog
When: Friday 12 October
Newcastle City
Friday 12 October - ‘Youth mental health event’
Support Through Early Psychosis (STEPS) is holding an Early Psychosis Forum for young people. The forum’s topic Falling Up: Mental health doesn’t obey gravity includes talks, original music, free lunch and opportunities to find out what you need to know about mental health.
Where: The Loft Youth Venue
When: Friday 12 October, 11am to 2pm
Georgetown
Friday 12 October - ‘Friendship Dinner Dance’
This year’s Mental Health Week Friendship Dinner Dance theme is Spring and the dress is smart casual/semi formal. A great opportunity to show support for Mental Week and have fun at the same time. A host of organisations including Life Without Barriers, New Horizons and Richmond Fellowship NSW are responsible for this event.
Where: St Matthews Church Hall, Wentworth Street, Georgetown
When: Friday 12 October, 5.30 pm to 10pm
Newcastle City
Saturday 13 October - ‘Walk of Pride’
The ARAFMI Hunter Walk of Pride is a chance for the community to show their pride in supporting Mental Health Week acknowledging the existence of mental illness in society. The event will have a community BBQ, children’s activities, guest speakers and entertainment. This event is free.
Where: The walk be from Pacific Park via the Mall to Civic Park.
When: Saturday 13 October from 10 am
MEDIA NOTE: For more information on any of these events, including photo opportunities, please contact the Hunter New England Health Communication Unit on (02) 4985 5522.
Contact: Communication Unit
Phone: 4985 5522