A GOVERNMENT minister visited Port Macquarie last Thursday as part of a whistle-stop meet-and-greet tour.
The Minister for Mental Health Kevin Humphries toured the Headspace centre in Port Macquarie, the Laurieton Men’s Shed, and attended the opening of a special mural at Mt Carmel House painted by residents. He was accompanied by Port Macquarie MP Leslie Williams.
The tour was one of many activities taking place as part of Mental Health Month.
The Headspace youth mental health service was established in Port Macquarie earlier this year, providing increased support to young people in areas such as mental health, physical health, alcohol and drug abuse, and social and vocational support.
The Laurieton Men’s Shed is a social group for men where they can work with tools.
Mt Carmel House is a hostel for seniors and residents living with dementia. The mural was part of an art therapy program run under the supervision of a local artist, who conducts classes there on a fortnightly basis.
Mr Humphries said talking about mental illness was a simple and effective way in which we can all help end the stigma and discrimination that surrounded mental illness.
“Mental Health Month provides the perfect opportunity for people to reach out to one another and talk about mental health, and in doing so help break down the stigma and discrimination that people with mental illness face every day,” he said.
“One in five people will experience a mental illness at some point in their lives yet people are often reluctant to acknowledge there is a problem, which only serves to worsen the stigma and stop people from seeking help early on.
“One of the most important challenges that we as a community face is to lift the cloud of stigma that prevents people from seeking help when they are in trouble, and I would urge people to take a stand against stigma during Mental Health Month.”
The theme for Mental Health Month this year, Kindness: Little acts, Big impacts! aims to remind people of the importance of kindness and generosity on our own and others mental health and wellbeing.
“Often a simple act of kindness such as a few small words to someone can make a big difference, and in some cases a life-saving difference,” Mr Humphries said.
“This October let us all put kindness at the forefront of everything we do. It doesn’t require a big effort, but it can have a big impact on those around us.
To mark Mental Health Month events such as festivals, art exhibitions, music, theatre and seminars being held right across the state that are aimed at educating and engaging people about mental health.
Mental Health Month is co-ordinated by the Mental Health Association of NSW and is funded by the NSW Government. For more information on events being held visit www.mentalhealth.asn.au.
