Ungrind your mind at mental health forum

A FREE mental health forum in Torquay later this month is being staged by the community for the community.

Ungrind Your Mind will be held at Ocean Grind and is open to all people seeking support, connection and learning in a safe and friendly environment.

The event aims to debunk, destigmatise and normalise discussion surrounding mental health issues in the community, thus providing a supportive network and safe space to learn and evolve.

Pre-forum activities will run from noon to 2pm, and include tree planting with Arizona Living, yoga with Emma Flick from Desa Retreat and a food van by Feed Me Surf Coast.

The forum will open with a Welcome to Country from Wadawurrung Traditional Owner Corrina Eccles, followed by a keynote speech from
Dawn O’Neil.

Ms O’Neil was chief executive officer of Lifeline Australia for more than 10 years, chief executive officer of beyondblue, deputy chair of the Mental Health Council of Australia, and part of several federal ministerial advisory councils that span 20 years’ of leadership, strategic policy and board experience in mental health and suicide prevention reform.

She was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 2009 for services to the community and to mental health, and received the Outstanding Contribution Award from Suicide Prevention Australia in 2010.

The panel discussion to follow will feature mental health practitioners, service providers and community members with lived experience.

The forum will also include poetry by actor John Wood, yarning circles, and music and movement with Wild Moves International.

Ungrind Your Mind will be held at Ocean Grind, 10B Sawmills Way, Torquay, on November 28 from noon.

For more information or to book tickets, head to the Ungrind Your Mind page on Facebook.

Attendees are asked to register for the event before the day to confirm numbers due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Attendees must follow all existing COVID-19 protocols, including being double-vaccinated. Numbers are limited in accordance with regulations.