BALLARAT Mental Health Collective\u2019s community day will be back next month for a second time.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Over 40 mental health and wellbeing organisations and services for children and adults will be represented at stalls throughout the park.<\/p>\n
The event is aiming to raise awareness of their offerings<\/span>, and connect people needing help to support services.<\/span><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is the second year doing it,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s an opportunity for people to reconnect, it\u2019s a symbol of unity and solidarity, and for those with mental health challenges to know they\u2019re not alone.<\/p>\n \u201cWe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n