October is National Mental Health Month, a time to focus on taking care of your mental wellbeing.
National Mental Health Month encourages the community to come together, raise awareness about mental health and advocate for better mental wellbeing for community members of all ages and backgrounds.
This year’s theme, ‘Tune In’, means being present, being aware of what’s happening within you and what’s happening in the world around you. Tuning in to your thoughts and feelings can help still and focus your mind, increase your understanding of what’s going on for you, and reduce anxiety and worry.
The theme also ties in with that of World Mental Health Day, which falls on Monday 10 October and is calling everyone to ‘Make mental health and wellbeing for all a global priority’.
To help Maroondah residents ‘Tune In’ and prioritise mental health and wellbeing, Council is offering free wellbeing workshops in partnership with Communities of Wellbeing and LifeConnect to help you discover new ways to live well, even when things aren’t going to plan.
The workshops offer practical skills to move through and grow from life’s experiences, enabling you to access support while learning about a range of mental health topics.
The workshops also address the request by the Maroondah community for further mental health and wellbeing support - one of the top needs highlighted by community members in the
Mayor of Maroondah, Councillor Mike Symon, encouraged residents to take part.
“Mental health and wellbeing continues to be a priority for Council. The past few years have been challenging for many of us. The pandemic brought about lots of disruptions and changes to everyday life, including how we connect with those around us.
“By delivering these workshops, Council is providing opportunities for residents to improve their overall mental health and wellbeing as we move on from the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Cr Symon said.
“I’d encourage everyone to get involved and use the skills they develop in the workshops to look after their mental health and wellbeing and support those around them, both during National Mental Health Month and beyond.”
Event details
Workshops will be presented on:
- Wednesday 12 October, 10am to 11am: Gratitude, LifeConnect (in person)
- Wednesday 12 October, 7.30pm to 8.30pm: Gratitude, LifeConnect (online)
- Wednesday 19 October, 10am to 11am: Responding to emotions, LifeConnect (in person)
- Tuesday 25 October, 7.30pm to 8.30pm: Finding your super powers with Edwina Ricci, Deputy Chair of Communities of Wellbeing (online)
- Friday 28 October, 10am to 11am: Finding your super powers with Edwina Ricci, Deputy Chair of Communities of Wellbeing (in person)
In person workshops will be held on Level 2, Realm, 179 Maroondah Highway, Ringwood.
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Need to talk to someone?
- Lifeline 13 11 14 is a national hotline that provides 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention. You can also text 0477 13 11 14 or chat online with a Crisis Supporter any time of the day or night.
- Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636 is available 24/7 where you can speak one-on-one with a counsellor over the phone or via webchat. You can also email or join a community member forum.
- Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 is a 24/7 private and confidential phone and online counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25.