Ocean Mind paddle out for World Mental Health Day

LOCAL therapeutic surf charity Ocean Mind has celebrated World Mental Health Day by hosting a paddle out and community connection workshop.

This morning’s (Friday, October 10) event at Cosy Corner in Torquay was attended by more than 20 people and featured fun social games, a group surf session and a talking circle.

Ocean Mind marketing manager Jack Balakas said it was important to celebrate this big occasion in a wholesome way.

“It was great to have a morning of connecting with ourselves, nature, other people and doing some activities and having a good time.

“You can be doing everything in life — sleeping, eating and exercising — but if you’re not connecting to other people your mental wellbeing can only go so far.

“For us, it was just about getting around World Mental Health Day and making sure we acknowledge the things around us and how they can benefit us.”

The paddle out is one of several events taking place across the Surf Coast this week as part of the annual Art of the Minds mental health festival.