Next week, Mandurah will host the official launch of WA Mental Health Week with a fun family day of activities on Monday.

Members of the public are encouraged to head along and join in the fun while learning more about mental health issues.

Free food, activities, workshops and information stalls will operate on the eastern foreshore until 3pm with giveaways and prizes on offer throughout the day.

A solidarity walk will leave Keith Holmes Reserve in the Mandurah Ocean Marina at 10.30am to arrive at the eastern foreshore rotunda in time for the official opening ceremony at 11am.

Mental Health Week is an annual national health promotion event coordinated in Western Australia by the WA Association for Mental Health.

The aim is to raise awareness of the importance of mental health and wellbeing in the wider community, to increase community awareness and education about mental health issues and to encourage participation in life-enhancing lifestyles.

Mental health and wellbeing is about everyone and the Mental Health Week Expo will cater for all age groups.

People can try their hand at drumming, yoga or dancing through a series of workshops and children will enjoy the bouncy castle and face painting.

The diverse program of free activities on offer this year is the result of the generosity of local businesses and supporters, and the commitment of the multiple local organisations that form the Peel Mental Health Week planning group 2009.

Events like this provide a wonderful opportunity for people in the community to support each other and share their experiences.

So head down to the expo on Monday and join together to walk towards a brighter day.

For a timetable of the day’s events phone 9550 4444 or go to www.waamh.org.au/mentalHealthWeek Events.cfm