October 10 is World Mental Health Day.
In Queensland, we celebrate our own Queensland Mental Health Week to take positive steps in highlighting the importance of mental well-being. This year’s theme is to “value mental health” as an individual, corporate and community.
Nearly half (45%) of Australians will experience a mental illness at some stage of their life. Despite this, people living with mental illness will often experience stigma and discrimination from friends, family, employers and the community as a whole.
To help, we’re encouraged to reach out and listen to those who may suffer from mental illness. Also, encourage them to seek help from their own family and friends, health professionals, counselling services and support groups.
At Inala Community House, we run our own Community Support Program (CSP) which encourages all members of our community to stay active and social with one another. CSP is proud to support a few of our current members with mental health issues, who have benefitted greatly by regularly attending our events such as the popular Musical Morning Tea session every Monday.
We welcome members of all backgrounds, including carers or patients of mental illness. If you would like to join our CSP program or try our Musical Morning Tea session, please contact Haley Kiata (via e-mail haley.kiata@ich.org.au or telephone 3372 1711).