‘Open Your Mind’ – Mental Health Week in Whyalla

Media Release, 11 October 2011

Mission Australia – supported by other agencies - is holding an activities day in Whyalla to celebrate Mental Health Week.

The ‘Open Your Mind’ family fun day will be held at Civic Park on Thursday October 13 from 10.30am to 2pm and will feature a variety of events plus a healthy barbecue.  

As well, there will be outdoor activities and low-impact exercises, such as a Heart Foundation community walk around the park, body balance classes, free massages, stress ball making, as well as complimentary vouchers.

Professionals will be attending the event to provide a host of information. People who have experienced mental illness will also be sharing their personal stories.

Mental illness is a general term that refers to a group of illnesses affecting the mind. People may experience episodes of mental illness that come and go throughout their lifetime. While some people may experience mental illness once and are able to fully recover, others may endure it for their entire life.

Mental illness can dramatically alter the lives of an individual as well as their families. A person trying to cope with mental illness may experience discrimination and isolation within their community.

Mental Health Week seeks to bring the issues of mental health to the forefront of people’s minds.  This year’s theme ‘Open Your Mind’ asks individuals, family members or community members to think about how they can reduce the stigma associated with mental health.  

“One in every five of us will have a mental health problem in our lives,” said Ms Mary-Ann Koerner, Mission Australia Whyalla Team Leader. “But the stigma of mental illness deters many people from seeking assistance.”

Mission Australia is the lead agency, along with Personal Helpers and Mentors Programme, Eyre Futures, Centacare, Uniting Care Wesley Port Adelaide, Joan Gibbons Neighborhood Centre, Day 2 Day Living, Community Mental Health, Community Health – Foodies, Whyalla City Council, Be Active, Life Without Barriers, CAMHS, University of South Australia, Mental Health Coalition SA and Beyond Blue, holding this event to celebrate Mental Health Week this year.

“A committee comprising of a range of interested parties wanted to hold one major event this year and we have been working tirelessly to ensure its success,” said Ms Koerner.

“Mental Health Week presents a great opportunity for community members to seek out information.”

To coincide, Community Mental Health is also auspicing an art competition for local school children, with considerable monetary prizes to be awarded. Dr Dinesh will also be guest speaker at Joan Gibbons House at 10am on Wednesday 12 October.

Media contact: Mary-Ann Koerner at Mission Australia on 0428 725 584 or KoernerM@missionaustralia.com.au