Surf Coast mental health charity makes waves

SURF COAST mental health and wellbeing charity Art of the Minds has been selected as a semi-finalist for the Regional Development Victoria Leadership and Innovation Award.

In what’s been described as a positive step forward for mental health awareness, the award acknowledges role models who have demonstrated both strong leadership and innovation.

Art of the Minds president Jules Haddock said while mental health barriers are gradually being broken down, there’s still vital work to be done.

“We can no longer turn a blind eye to what is happening in our communities and pretend that mental illness is somebody else’s problem,” Ms Haddock said.

Art of the Minds will launch a month-long festival on October 10 which coincides with National Mental Health Day.

Having grown from a week-long celebration in 2018 into a month-long festival this year, the program is jam-packed with art, music, yoga, golf and dance.

Art of the Minds aims to give locals the opportunity to learn about mental health and connect with individuals who have experienced similar hardships.

“Mental health affects us all, either directly or indirectly and we are looking forward to presenting the Surf Coast with a carefully curated calendar of events,” Ms Haddock said.

Organisers have encouraged people interested in attending the festival to book early to avoid disappointment.

For event details and bookings, visit artoftheminds.org.au and follow facebook.com/artoftheminds1.