Lakeside circle to symbolise solidarity

Prevention and intervention: Ballarat Mental Health Collective’s Rael Cartledge and Daniel Richards throw some shakas; a symbol that it’s okay not to be okay. Photo: EDWINA WILLIAMS

BALLARAT Mental Health Collective’s community day will be back next month for a second time.

The BMHC committee will be leading their free mental health expo and circle of solidarity on Sunday 8 October at Lake Esmond, from 10am to 3pm.

Over 40 mental health and wellbeing organisations and services for children and adults will be represented at stalls throughout the park.

The event is aiming to raise awareness of their offerings, and connect people needing help to support services.

A circle of solidarity will see hundreds of people hold hands around the lake, and is an initiative of Daniel Richards, who has experienced his own mental health challenges.

“This is the second year doing it,” he said. “It’s an opportunity for people to reconnect, it’s a symbol of unity and solidarity, and for those with mental health challenges to know they’re not alone.

“We hope more than 500 people will attend throughout the day, and we need at least 450 people to be part of the circle. Come on down and make history by holding hands around Lake Esmond.”

An official launch of the event will take place at 11am, with registered occupational therapist and Mind Australia participation and co-design manager Dr Carolynne White as guest speaker.

BMHC is also joining the Blue Tree Project movement which aims to break the stigma around mental health. The committee has had a log placed by the lake, which has been painted blue.

“The Blue Tree Project is a conversation starter,” community event lead Rael Cartledge said.

“Dead trees across Australia have been painted blue, encouraging people to have conversations about mental health and to seek support.

“Mental health impacts us all in some way, whether we experience it, or it touches someone we know, and we just want to prevent crisis points, and intervene early.”

Sausages and veggie burgers will be cooked up on the barbecue, live music will be performed by young local artists, and Army cadet volunteers will offer event support throughout the day.

Earlier this week, BMHC and community event organisers were awarded an Australia Post Community Mental Health Grant worth $10,000.