Community invited to shape mental health future

THE newly formed Geelong chapter of Australians for Mental Health (AfMH), a nationwide campaign advocating for mental healthcare reform, is preparing to host its first community event.

The free family-friendly ‘Geelong Speak Your Mind’ event will take place on October 12 between 1 and 3pm at Geelong Trades Hall.

AfMH Geelong chapter organiser Clare Johnston said the event was about both introducing the organisation to the Geelong community and allowing the organisation to hear directly from the community about their concerns and experiences.

The feedback gathered from the community during the event will be used to guide the future direction of AfMH’s advocacy efforts.

“We’ll have some really cool, fun activities that are all around engaging with community to hear their concerns on mental health and the way mental health is treated in Geelong and, hopefully, some of their ideas on how to improve the situation,” Ms Johnston said.

“Because we’re [a] grassroots [organisation], everything’s led by communities. What they tell us on the day will really direct what our next steps are.

“I would like to see a really strong community come together around mental health in Geelong and go from there in solving some of our own issues. Exactly what that looks like is really up to Geelong.”

The event will feature live music, children’s activities such as face painting, as well as several “low impact” and “low pressure” listening stations which will allow attendees to share their insights and ideas through mediums such as art and phone apps.

For those who prefer to talk face-to-face with someone about their ideas, there will also be a cosy conversation nook where the community can speak directly with a member of the AfMH team.

“We’ll also be inviting local leaders from around our area to come and talk with community and hear directly from community and hopefully put their two cents into how they’d like to see the mental health system improve,” Ms Johnston said.

She encouraged anyone and everyone who has ever been touched by mental health to come along.

“If mental health is something that concerns you and you see in your community that it’s an area of need, come along to our event,” she said.

“Talk to us and help us work together to improve this.

“If this is your first time engaging with something like this, even better.”

For more information, or to register for Geelong Speak Your Mind, head to afmh.org.au or email [email protected]