A dedicated mental health reflection space is being planned for Waroona.
With mental health concerns impacting one in five people in the community at any given time, Waroona Council voted unanimously at its July meeting to locate the space along the 'Noisy Scrub Bird' walk trail at Waroona Weir.
The concept for a dedicated space was proposed by Dusty Roads WA, a non-profit mental health focused organisation based on the main street of Waroona.
The organisation is passionate about helping people through their mental health journey offering a range of services from peer to peer support groups, coping workshops and emergency relief for those struggling financially.
Dusty Roads WA founding member Bronwyn North said the approved location of the reflection space was ideal because it was surrounded by blue and green space, which have proven healing effects on mental wellbeing.
"The space will include a bench overlooking the water, a native rockery garden and a small rural fence to hang messages of hope, encouragement and remembrance," Ms North said.
The space will include a bench overlooking the water, a native rockery garden and a small rural fence to hang messages of hope, encouragement and remembrance.
- Bronwyn North
Shire President Cr Mike Walmsley said keeping mentally healthy was just as important as keeping physically healthy.
"Particularly in rural communities such as Waroona where additional barriers are in place to access services and supports," Cr Walmsley said.
"Unlike physical health which has visible indicators, mental health can often creep up on people with little to no signs."
Dusty Roads WA with support from the Shire and wider community, will create the Mental Health Reflection Space as part of Mental Health Week (10-17 October) initiatives 2020.
The project aligns with Dusty Roads objectives to raise awareness and improve access to mental health programs and support for people living in rural and remote communities across WA.