Mental Health Week 2012: Get Involved

A ‘wellbeing walk’ in Westfield is one of the exciting new events taking place during this year’s Barwon Mental Health Week.

Celebrated annually across Australia in the second week of October, Mental Health Week will run from 7 - 13 October this year. The aim of the week is to improve community awareness and knowledge about mental health and reduce the stigma and discrimination associated with mental health problems.

In the Barwon region, a diverse range of activities is being organised throughout the community. Opportunities are now open for individuals, the community and workplaces to become involved in one of several ways. This includes the Wellbeing Walk, Wellbeing Awards and Wellbeing Grants.

Wellbeing Walk

The Mental Health Week Wellbeing Walk is a new community-based event added to the calendar. The walk will be held over three days during shopping hours at Westfield Shopping Centre, commencing Saturday, 6 October. The Wellbeing Walk will be on five treadmills to symbolise one in five people affected by mental illness.

Anyone interested in registering can email mentalhealthweek@barwonhealth.org.au.

Wellbeing Awards

If you know someone who has made a significant contribution to mental health, why not nominate them for a Wellbeing Award? Categories include someone affected by a mental illness; carer; mental health employee; volunteer worker; community organisation; employer; primary and secondary school or education facility; sport or recreation organisation.

The awards are sponsored by the Highton-Kardinia Rotary Club and the prestigious awards ceremony is a highlight of the Barwon Mental Health Week program.

Wellbeing Grants

The Wellbeing Grants program enables individuals, organisations and community groups to apply for funds of up to $300 to run events during Mental Health Week. Activities need to demonstrate positive health and wellbeing benefits.

The range of events previously funded includes: relaxation, yoga, music, wellbeing workshops, staff in-service and guest speakers.

Application and nomination forms are available on the Barwon Health website (www.barwonhealth.org.au). The closing date for both programs is Friday 3 August.

Media contact – Katherine Jess, ph. (03) 5246 8032

Background

Last year’s award winners were:
Person affected by a mental illness: Nicci Wall
Outstanding carer: Diana Pinnow
Outstanding worker: Robert Turnour
Outstanding volunteer: Vlad Selakovic
Outstanding community organisation: GROW
Outstanding employer: Kempe Engineering
Outstanding Primary School: Northern Bay College
Outstanding Secondary School or Education Facility: Northern Bay College
Outstanding Recreation Club: Clusterers Bicycle Club