Council to support Mental Health Month

25 July, 2016Posted in: Community, Events
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Wingecarribee Shire Mayor Councillor Larry Whipper is calling on local service providers to join together in support of October’s Mental Health Month.

“Mental Health Month is the perfect opportunity for all of us to gain more understanding of mental health issues that affect many in our community,” he said.

“It acts as a yearly reminder to check up on friends, family, co-workers and even ourselves.”

The call comes following the Mayor’s successful Mayoral Minute passed at the last Council Meeting where he called on Council to allocate $4000 towards supporting the Shire’s upcoming Community Services Forum Expo.

“In addition to supporting the Expo which will help raise awareness for youth mental health issues, I also suggested that Council sponsor an annual youth music event to further shine a spotlight on the wellbeing of our young,” the Mayor said.

“I’m happy to say I received unanimous support from my fellow councillors on both of these recommendations.”

The Community Services Forum Expo will be held on Thursday 29 September 2016 at the Bowral Memorial Hall.

“In addition to the Mayoral Minute I’ve also asked to meet with the Minister for Goulburn, the Hon Pru Goward MP, to discuss the current state of mental health services here in the Highlands,” the Mayor added.

Amongst her State portfolio Ms Goward holds the position of Minister for Mental Health.

Also invited to the meeting will be representatives from the Hume Local Area Command, senior staff from the South Western Sydney Local Health District and regional mental health advocates.

“Statistics suggest that almost half of the population may experience some form of mental health issue at some point in their life,” Councillor Whipper added.

“With these figures in mind I believe this is the perfect opportunity for all of us to have an open discussion on mental health and work towards reducing the stigma around this vitally important issue.”

To learn more about October’s Mental Health Month visit mentalhealthmonth.wayahead.org.au.