All the action of the 50th Mental Health Week will start in the Goldfields today, as this annual event embraces regional Western Australia in 2017.
Kalgoorlie’s Centennial Park will play host to the opening ceremony which will mix the history of the Aboriginal elders with modern sports and activities for everyone to come and try.
Events will be held across the State throughout the week, including an Arts and Mental Health Network Exhibition, a World Mental Health Day Celebration Stall in the central business district, a park fun run and the annual Stand Up! For Comedy show.
For 50 years, Mental Health Week has been promoting mental health awareness in Western Australia. The 2017 theme is also being adapted to Aboriginal audiences, encouraging people to connect with nature, community and their own self for strong social and emotional wellbeing.
Mental Health Minister Roger Cook and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Mental Health Alanna Clohesy will join community members at a range of Mental Health Week events in Perth.
People can find a list of events ranging from art, dance, sports seminars and quiz nights across WA, and are also invited to register their own, at https://mhw.waamh.org.au
To boost mental health support and treatment options available to Western Australians, the State Government recently announced an overall increase of $61.7 million over four years would be invested in mental health and programs across the State.
The vital funding will help health service providers to deliver public mental health hospital and community treatment services.
If you or someone you know is at risk, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, beyondblue on 1300 22 4636, the Mental Health Emergency Response on 1300 555 788 (Metro) or 1800 676 822 (Peel) or RuralLink on 1800 522 002.