Supporting mental health in the regions

17 June 2011

A new mental health and wellbeing resource collection will soon be available to the Gunnedah community thanks to their local library.

The collection means Gunnedah residents will have ready easy access to information about mental health and mental illness.

HNE mental health worker Helen Carter said information can be critical when someone is facing mental health issues.

“Access to accurate, up to date information can be an enormous source of support by helping individuals recognise signs of illness and show where to get help,” she said.

“It is also an important strategy in decreasing the stigma associated with mental illness.”

The Gunnedah collection is one of 10 similar collections held in libraries across the New England and North West.

The latest collection is part of a regional initiative to improve access to mental health information developed by Hunter New England Health and was developed in conjunction with Gunnedah Shire Library, Home and Community Care Multi Service Outlet and local support group Active Minds.

Gunnedah Shire Librarian Sharon Tollard said the library is a community space that offers easy access to resources.

“We wanted to get involved because looking after our mental health is important not only to our individual wellbeing but also the wellbeing of our communities,” she said.

“Having this collection will make it easier to access information about mental health and wellbeing that supports Gunnedah people.”

The collection will be launched at 6pm, Wednesday 22 June at the Gunnedah Shire Library, 291-293 Conadilly Street.

Speakers will include Gunnedah Mayor Adam Marshall, Active Minds President Jim Coombs, Mental Health Promotion Officer Roslyn Foskey and Ms Tollard.

Community members are welcome so book your place (for catering purposes) by calling Gunnedah Library on (02) 6740 2190 by 21 June.

Contact: Frances Holz

Phone: 4939 2216