Over twenty mental health support services will come together when Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service hosts a community event for Mental Health Week on October 11.
The Mental Health Street Fair will bring together local service providers, consumers, carers, families and the general public to help build a sense of community surrounding mental health issues.
The theme for Mental Health Week 2022 is ‘Awareness. Connection. Belonging’.
SCHHS Acting General Manager of Mental Health and Addiction Services Richard Spence-Thomas said the theme is very fitting with the community event.
“The Awareness aspect of this year’s theme is really about understanding the things we need to maintain and boost our mental wellbeing, knowing when to reach out for help and where to get it.
“Belonging is about looking out for each other, ensuring we feel safe and supported and understand how we are feeling. And the Connection is of course our relationships with those we care about, as well as the networks around us that we rely on to keep us happy and healthy,” Mr Spence-Thomas said.
Representatives from the Sunshine Coast’s newly formed Mental Health Youth Advisory Group (YAG) will also attend the street fair.
The Wishlist funded YAG is comprised of twelve young people and provides a platform to amplify the voice of adolescents who have experienced Child Youth and Mental Health Services.
“The Youth Advisory Group is a very important addition to our mental health team. Partnering with relevant stakeholders, they advocate for young people to improve the journey for youth and their families. The street fair will be a great opportunity for representatives to connect with local young people,” Mr Spence-Thomas said.