The Southside Mental Health Collaborative is a partnership between community and government organisations who work together to improve the mental health and well-being of Brisbane Southside’s local community.
Each year the collaborative commits to hosting a free community event open to the general public to support Mental Health Week, a nationally recognised initiative. This event is an example of the collaborative working together to support wellness, raise awareness and address stigma around mental health in the community.
The theme for the event this year is ‘Celebrate Good Times’ in recognition of the possibilities and potential for recovery and transformation regardless of our experiences. Together, we can all celebrate good times and together contribute to the opportunities for people experiencing distress to experience good times in their life.
The event will be held at Musgrave Park on Saturday October 11, from 10am to 3pm and will provide a forum to engage the local community in a range of fun activities and entertainment while promoting inclusion, reducing stigma and providing a positive message of hope. The event is strongly driven, developed and run by people who have an experienced mental illness and is evidence of the capacity and potential of people to overcome, thrive and inspire others.
The event will showcase live music, rides, speakers, information stalls on physical and mental health, fun interactive activities and workshops as well as a touch football competition and tug of war. With over 1500 people expected to attend the event the collaboration hopes to raise mental health awareness and have a positive impact within the local community, particularly in the wake of the increasing prevalence of mental health concerns within our community. The theme ‘celebrate good times’ is also a counter message to the negative perception of the prognosis and potential of people with mental illness within our community.
Helena Roennfeldt, from enlightened Consultants said she was really pleased that enlightened Consultants were going to be a part of the event.
“It’s great to see organisations coming together to ensure a beneficial event is available for the whole community to attend. Mental Health Week is all about raising awareness within the community and educating people about mental health and the importance of people supporting each other,” Helena said.
The event planning committee is currently sourcing the support of local businesses or other community groups who would like to be involved with the day. “With a few months left until the event, if anyone is interested in being a part of the event, we’d love to hear from them, whether it’s volunteering on the day, holding a stall or organising a musical group or activity, all input is welcome. It’s going to be a fantastic day for the community” she added.
Last years event was a huge success and with a day of fun-filled activities planned, this year’s event is expected to be bigger and better. The Southside Mental Health Collaborative hopes that the community and organisations will continue to support this free event so that together we can build strong, resilient and caring communities who will reach out with a helping hand or an ear to listen in times of need. To find out more or to add your support, contact Gerard Beuers at Macgreggor Lions on 0407758529 or Helena Roennfeldt on 0403772040.
