We are talking about mental health now more than ever before. This year's theme for Mental Health Month is 'have the conversation' and the Mental Health Coalition of South Australia (MHCSA) is encouraging everyone to talk about their mental health and that of their community.
"This year we have had some tough conversations about mental health," said Geoff Harris, Executive Director Mental Health Coalition of South Australia.
"While this has been hard, and we know people in South Australia are facing mental health challenges we hope this Mental Health Month they can find the support they want. Our website has resources to help people talk about their mental health, check in on those they care for and help find the resources they need when they are not doing well. With having the conversation we also want to encourage listening and understanding."
On the Mental Health Month website people can also find ways they can be a part of Mental Health Month with ideas for community events and workplace activities. There is also a social media guide, posters and a calendar of events of what's happening throughout the month.
Importantly people can also find support services for mental health challenges.
The MHCSA will be launching the Month with an online video featuring comedian Marc Ryan and the Minister for Health and Wellbeing Chris Picton.
As part of our ongoing relationship with Adelaide City Libraries, the MHCSA will again be showcasing incredible artwork from South Australian creatives living with mental illness. Throughout the month of October, works from NEAMI Arts and Living Arts will be exhibited at the City Library, North Adelaide Library and Community Centre..
On Friday 20 October MHCSA Lived Experience Awards Workforce Dinner honors the incredible work based on lived experience that is undertaken in the mental health sector. These awards recognise the contribution of those with lived experience of mental health challenges to the mental health sector. Led by the MHCSA Lived Experience Workforce Program the 2023 Mental Health Coalition of South Australia Lived Experience Workforce Awards is a night for the mental health sector to come together and celebrate the work of the lived experience workforce.
On Wednesday 25 October the MHCSA brings together Members of Parliament, the Government and Non-Government Mental Health sectors, associations and peak bodies for the Have the Conversation: Mental Health Month Roundtable. Here they will unpack what we are doing well and what we can improve in delivering our mental health system. We will look for tangible progress in the State Government mid year Budget Review and beyond.
Then on Thursday 26 October the MHCSA will be hosting its comedy night Laughter Is The Best of Meds at popular comedy venue The Arkaba who is the venue sponsor. The lineup will once again be featuring a diverse range of both leading and emerging local comedians from Adelaide with headline comedian Tom Ballard.
Head to mhcsa.org.au/mental-health-month
Mental Health Month is made possible thanks to the following sponsors;
SA Health, Uniting SA, Mind, Uniting Communities, Centacare, Live Without Barriers, Mind, Skylight and NEAMI National.
Thanks to media partners;
Solstice Media, Wallis Cinemas and Finsbury Press
Thanks to venue sponsors;
City of Adelaide, The Arkaba Hotel
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