Mental Health Minister Roger Cook and Western Australian LGBTQI+ activist Jordan Bruno are encouraging everyone to put their mental health first as WA celebrates Mental Health Week.
Jordan, who shot to fame as a semi-finalist on My Kitchen Rules, has come on board as an ambassador for Mental Health Week, which runs through to October 12, 2019 with the theme: Mental health starts where we live, learn, work and play.
Western Australians are being encouraged to think about the everyday settings where we can improve our own mental health and support the wellbeing of others.
“Just like physical health, keeping our mind healthy is something we should do on a daily basis because preventing health issues and enhancing our wellbeing is one of the best ways we can work towards a great life,” Minister Cook said.
“Each year one-in-five Australians experience a mental health issue, which demonstrates that it is something we must all be aware of not just for ourselves, but also for our friends, family and workmates.”
“The McGowan Government is very pleased to be able to financially support those running mental health awareness events this week, and I encourage everyone to have a look online to find something near you.”
“Whether you enjoy exercising, spending time with loved ones, art, music, cooking a healthy meal or taking time out, please take action and stay mentally healthy.”
As part of Mental Health Week, the State Government is providing the Western Australian Association for Mental Health with a $263,000 Lotterywest grant to help charitable organisations host their own Mental Health Week events.
The grant will also help people with lived experience and regional delegates attend the 2019 Mental Health Conference and Awards in November this year.
Major events during the week include the Arts and Mental Health Network Exhibition ‘Hello to Here’ which opens this evening, a Jungle Body class at the WACA Ground and the Stand Up! for Comedy Closing Gala in partnership with Perth Theatre Trust.
On Thursday (October 10), World Mental Health Day will be celebrated with Optus Stadium, Matagarup Bridge and Trafalgar Bridge in East Perth all being lit up in green; the official mental health awareness colour.
