Community activities mark Mental Health Week

Displays, seminars, community barbecues and an interesting street “busk off’ will all be part of Mental Health Week activities (October 9-16) across the Southern Downs.
Southern Downs Mental Health Service mental health promotion officer Danielle Peres said the 2011 Mental Health Week theme is ‘Be active, get connected, stay involved’.
“This week is all about awareness. ‘Be active’  rein-forces the fact that staying healthy means looking after yourself physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually,” she said.
“The connectedness that healthy relationships bring to communities helps to build great lives and help keep people well.
“Being in touch with nature makes us feel good, so take time for yourself to do what’s important to you, stay involved, and join a club.
“Volunteer health experts say that doing good deeds adds meaning to our lives and helps our self-esteem, so stay involved with your community.
“One of the best ways is to form and maintain healthy relationships with people who have your interests at heart,” she said.
In the Southern Downs region, Mental Health Week 2011 will be celebrated with a number of community activities including a display at Stanthorpe State High School on October 11 from 1.15pm to 2pm; a barbecue and display at “Rotary Park” Leslie Parade, Stanthorpe, on October 12 at 11am; Headspace Barbecue for the “Busk Off” in the Warwick Town Hall on October 12 at 4pm; and a display at the Warwick Library and Southern Downs Regional Council from October 10-17.
For further details, contact Danielle Peres at Southern Downs Mental Health Service on (07) 4660 3901.