“Look after yourself for good mental health” is again the message for Warrnambool’s Mental Health Week, which runs from October 6-12.
The Warrnambool City Council, supporting partner Wellways and dozens of businesses and organisations across the city are sharing positive mental health messages.
Psychologist Dr Jodie Fleming is pleased that the campaign sends positive messages about the things we can all do to support our mental health.
“Campaigns often focus on mental illness, which is important to break down the stigma, but it’s equally as important to hear positive messages about the things you can do to support good health – both physical and mental,” she said.
“Self-care is really important.
“It can be as simple as taking a walk, time out to read, or making sure you catch up with friends.
“Time out of our busy lives is really critical to good mental health.”
As well as the community campaign, there are free events specifically designed to give people opportunities to support and improve their own mental health.
The 2019 Mental Health Week activities start on Sunday October 6 with Human Library 3280, an event which Dr Fleming helped to create.
The free event offers the unique opportunity to borrow ‘people as books’ and hear their incredible stories. Human Library 3280 will be held at the Warrnambool Library from 12pm – 4pm on Sunday October 6.
The free events continue on Thursday October 10 with On the Low Down – a Healthy Men, Healthy Communities Workshop for men over 18.
Attendees will learn how to be there for a mate by being there for themselves first.
On Friday October 11 you can celebrate the end of the week with a free screening of the Next Wave Youth Film Festival.
Perfect for the young and young at heart, the widely acclaimed festival presents 16 of the best short films made by young regional Australians.
The festival aims to promote positive mental health through creativity, collaboration and self-expression.
The Warrnambool City Council is grateful to Wellways for support to deliver Warrnambool Mental Health Week in 2019.
Go to www.warrnambool.vic.gov.au/wmhw2019
