Mental Health Week Important to South Burnett
“Mental health is one of the most serious issues facing the South Burnett,” said Mayor Brett Otto. “Council works with many support services to help our community deal with the often complex problems.
“Mental Health Week, 8 to 16 October, is a time to become more aware of not only the problems but also the solutions available to help people, especially the young and farmers who are most at risk in the South Burnett of developing mental health challenges.
“There is often a stigma in country areas associated with asking for help or letting others know that you are struggling. Fortunately, we have many groups who work together and with Council to provide support for those doing it tough.”
Mayor Otto mentioned that Councillor Danita Potter was the Council’s active representative on the South Burnett Suicide Prevention Working Group, and commended other local groups for their work, including (but not limited to) Graham House, CTC, Lives Lived Well, CRAICCHS, Regional Housing Limited, Men’s Sheds, and Centacare.
“Council helped fund the Support Finder, a small, printed handout with contact numbers for counselling and support services,” said Mayor Otto. “We promote mental health initiatives across our media and social networks.”
“We also play a strong advocacy role with state and federal governments to boost local funding and services in mental health.”
“In addition, Council is hosting two fundraising events to mark Mental Health Awareness Week. Council will be participating in Beyond Blue’s Big Blue Table on Thursday 6 October across the Council Offices. This event centres around coming together to share a meal and discuss mental health to break the stigma and make it regular table talk. The other event is GROW’s Odd Socks Day on Friday 7 October. This event is specifically around wearing Odd Socks as a conversation starter around mental health and again breaking the stigma associated with mental health.”
