October 5, 2016
Mental Health Week will be marked next week with a number of activities throughout the South Burnett.
Queensland Mental Health Week will run from October 9-15, including World Mental Health Day on October 10.
Darling Downs Hospital and Health Service mental health promotion officer Danielle Peres said the goal of the week was to “value mental health”.
“Approximately half of all Queenslanders will experience mental illness at some point in their lives,” she said.
“A critical part of reducing the stigma around mental health is promoting an understanding that mental illness can affect anyone.
“This year’s theme reinforces the message that staying healthy means looking after yourself physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.
“Participation in events and activities during Mental Health Week is an easy way for all Queenslanders to get involved and to highlight the importance of mental wellbeing.”
She said there would be a number of opportunities for residents to learn more about local service providers during Mental Health Week.
“Cherbourg and Kingaroy Hospital staff will have a display in Community Health and also in their hospital foyers for members of the public to visit.
“The Kingaroy Hospital canteen will be selling smiley face cakes throughout Mental Health Week and Cherbourg Hospital is holding a consumer art day and barbecue on October 14.”
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In Blackbutt, self-help group Road Of Recovery will be holding their third annual Mental Health Forum on October 14 as part of Queensland Mental Health Week.
It will be held at the Blackbutt Showgrounds from 10:00am to 3:00pm to provide information about some of the mental health support services available in the South Burnett.
