Bellarine police throw a shaka for a good cause

BELLARINE police officers have joined the list of personalities who are throwing a shaka for a Barwon Health Foundation campaign during Mental Health Month.
“Shaka Up for Mental Health” urges people to send or share the popular surfing hand gesture to let someone know they are thinking of them this month.
The campaign is also asking for donations to the foundation, which has already raised $4,000 of its $5,000 target and will use all funds to support mental health awareness.
The social club at the Bellarine Police Station are among the donors so far and have contributed $200.
Leading Senior Constable Justin Joseph from Bellarine Police said the station wanted to highlight the importance of Mental Health Month with its donation.
“Every day, Victoria Police together with all other emergency services are confronted with mental health issues, therefore we understand the importance to support this great cause.
“In addition to our donation, every member of the Bellarine Police Station has this week committed to check in with at least one person, and we would greatly appreciate if your readers could do the same in helping spread the message to those in need. Please stay safe and take care.”
According to the campaign, one in five (20 per cent) Australians aged 16-85 experience a mental illness in any year.
Due to COVID-19, the emerging mental health crisis will be far worse.
The onset of mental illness is typically around mid-to-late adolescence, and Australian youth (18-24 years old) have the highest prevalence of mental illness than any other age group.
Shaka Up for Mental Health’s supporters include World Surf League surfer Sally Fitzgibbons, Geelong Cats assistant coach and former player Corey Enright, and tradie Dale Vine.
For more information or to donate, head to shakaupformentalhealth.com.au.