Mental Health Week - New England events

5 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 New England region.

Moree
Monday 8 October - ‘Carer talks’
Talk by carers Rod and Janelle Smith on the importance of relationships within the community and a brief outline of Well Ways - a program to support family and friends of people who have a mental illness, to be run early next year.
Where: Northern Regional Library Moree branch, Balo Street
When: 10am, cost is free

Tamworth
Tuesday 9 October  - ‘More literature on mental health’
The Mental Health Literature Access Group will present Tamworth City Library with a collection of mental health books.Rosemary Pollock from Hunter New England Health Mental Health Promotion and Prevention Unit is encouraging those interested to come and show their support.
Where: Tamworth City Library
When: Tuesday 9 October, 11am

Armidale
Tuesday 9 October - ‘A true dual diagnosis story’
The dual diagnosis of substance abuse and mental illness when received with community support can benefit all involved. This is an information evening for those interested in dual diagnosis and the role community relationships play in recovery. All members of the community are invited to come and hear first-hand accounts and informative speakers.
Where: Armidale City Bowling Club
When: Tuesday 9 October, 6.30pm to 8pm

Glen Innes  
Wednesday 10 October - ‘Free film screening to celebrate mental health week’
Hunter New England Health is offering a free film night at the Glen Innes Chapel Theatre on Wednesday to coincide with World Mental Health Day. The films are the finalists in the 2005/2006 Hope Short Film Awards and depict positive images of people with mental health issues.Tea, coffee and light refreshments will be available, and information about mental health will be provided.
Where: Glen Innes Chapel Theatre
When: Wednesday 10 October, from 6pm

Glen Innes
Wednesday 10 October - ‘Maturity Blues’
Beyond Maturity Blues is an information event focused on awareness and prevention of mental of depression, including who is at risk, how it is recognised, and the particular risks for mature aged people, how they should manage depression and encourage a healthy lifestyle.
Where: Garden Court, Glen Innes
When: Wednesday October 10, 10am to 12pm 
    
Tamworth
Wednesday 10 October - ‘Take a walk to relax’
The North West Slopes (NSW) Division of General Practice is encouraging the community to take part in this year’s Tamworth Stress Less Day Walk. The event is to highlight the value of community gatherings and to make positive lifestyle choices like going for a relaxing stroll. The walk will conclude at the Community Centre on Darling St for morning tea.  
Where: Departing Bicentennial Park
When: Departing at 7am.

Moree, Mungindi
Wednesday 10 October - ‘The best in mental health art’
Local artists will do their best to capture this year’s competition theme Our Community through a range of artistic forms and styles. Twelve of the best artworks from this year’s Mental Health Art Competition will be chosen for a 2008 calendar. Art works will be on display until the 26 October at Moree Health Service and Moree & Mungindi Libraries. This exhibition is free of charge.
Where: Moree Health Service and Moree & Mungindi Libraries
When: Wednesday 10 October

Inverell
Thursday 11 October - ‘Marie Bashir visits Inverell’
All eyes will be on Inverell when Governor Marie Bashir officially opens the new Memory Garden in Inverell cemetery. The project was made in a partnership project between the Inverell Mental Health Team and various community groups. The event will be a high point for Mental Health Week in regional centres.
Where: Inverell Cemetery and afterwards at Inverell Library
When: Thursday 11 October, 12 noon

Wee Waa
Thursday 11 October - ‘Mental Health Week Barbecue’
Free barbecue - opportunity for people to meet, discuss mental health and have some fun. Staff from local non-government organisations and the community mental health team will be there to talk to people and answer questions.
Where: Outside the IGA in Dangar Street, Wee Waa
When: Thursday 11 October, 11am – 2pm, cost is free

Tamworth
Wednesday 17 October - ‘TAFE Day for mental health’
There will be a sausage sizzle and information day to celebrate Mental Health awareness Day at Tamworth TAFE. There will be entertainment and speakers.
Where: Tamworth TAFE
When: Wednesday 17 October, 12pm to 2pm

Warialda
Friday 19 October - ‘Dealing with mental health on the land’
In this time of drought anxiety and mental health are real problems to Australia’s rural community. The Agricultural Field Day will deal with rural health, stress and depression issues as part of a series of presentations.
Where: Douglas McMaster Research Station, Warialda
When: Friday 19 October, 9am to 4pm

For any further information regarding these events, including photo opportunities, please contact the Hunter New England Health Communication Unit on (02) 4985 5522.

Contact: Communication Unit

Phone: 4985 5522