Mandurah shows its support during national Mental Health Week

Each year, the awareness week is centred around World Mental Health Day on October 10.

The week aims to raise awareness and break down stigma surrounding mental health in the community. 

West Australian’s will see a wave of events throughout the state take place until October 14.

Mental Health Week is run by the Western Australian Association for Mental Health, and supported by the state government through the Mental Health Commission and Lotterywest.

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This year, the theme ‘Mental health starts where we live, learn, work and play’, aims to encourage people to think about the everyday settings where we can support the wellbeing of others.

Mental Health minister Roger Cook said all the events taking place in WA shared sometime in common. 

“They bring communities together to help people embrace the theme, ‘mental health starts where we live, learn, work and play’,” he said. 

“I encourage all Western Australians to try and live by this theme, every week of the year.

Each year, one in every five Australians will experience a mental health issue and about three per cent of Australians live with a severe mental illness which can significantly impact their ability to function day-to-day without the right treatment and support.

“This theme encourages us all to think about the things we can do every day, no matter where we are, to not only improve our own mental health and wellbeing but the mental health and wellbeing of those around us too,” Mr Cook said. 

Among those raising awareness during the national week is Mandurah’s Headspace. 

The youth mental health foundation host their own event during the week called, National Headspace Day.

Held on October 11, the event will see local staff and volunteers hosting a “rad, colourful and crafty” event in the Mandurah Forum during late night shopping hours.

There will be live music, an open yoga class, origami lessons, face painting and lots of colour. 

Find the local team between H&M and the food court from 3-7pm. 

If you would like to access support through Headspace Mandurah, call 6595 8990 to make an appointment.

On October 10, mental health service Neami National will host a free family event at Mandurah’s eastern foreshore. 

From 10am-2pm, the waterfront park will be filled with a variety of local community based services as well as a stalls and free children activities.

The event also boasts live music and a petting zoo .

On October 10, people are encouraged to wear blue to help create awareness around men’s mental health in the workplace.

Blue Shirt Wednesday is a state-wide event to show that people are aware and care about the prevalence of mental health issues in men.

On October 12, Carers WA will host a free mental health peer support group session.

The event at Lotteries House is for carers in and around Mandurah who are caring for someone with mental health issues.

The social group allows attendees to gain knowledge and assistance in caring for a person with mental health issues. 

To register and for more information visit Carers Australia website.

For confidential information, advice and support, call beyondblue 24/7 on 1300 224 636.

In a crisis situation, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.