Comedian and radio personality Tom Ballard has joined beyondblue, the national initiative to raise aware of anxiety and depression as an ambassador.
Beyondblue CEO Kate Carnell has welcomed ballard to the role.
“Along with making people laugh with his razor sharp wit, Tom has been a powerful advocate for the wellbeing of LGBTI people, particularly LGTBI youth,” she said.
“People like Tom are an important part of the push to end discrimination against people in these communities. Research shows such discrimination against LGBTI people contributes to higher rates of depression and anxiety than in the general population.”
Research from the Australian Bureau of Statistics suggests that gay and bisexual Australians are are three times more likely to experience depression and twice as likely to experience anxiety than their heterosexual counterparts.
The Young and Well Cooperative Research Centre has gathered data that suggests young LGBTI Australians are around six times more likely than their heterosexual peers to consider taking their own life.
Ballard has said he is intent on doing his best to change these statistics.
“As an openly gay kid who grew up in a regional area, I’ve been through a tough time or two when it comes to mental health,” he said.
“As a beyondblue Ambassador, I hope to let as many people as possible know that no matter who you are or what you’re going through, there are organisations out there like beyondblue who want to help you.”
Tom Ballard will be co-hosting SBS 2’s coverage of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade. Beyondblue will be represented in the parade by a big blue bus leading a number of the organisation’s staff and supporters.
The bus, which will also be traveling across Australia for beyondblue‘s National Roadshow, will be parked in Eastern Sydney in the days after the parade, stopping at Bondi Beach on March 2 and Darling Harbour on March 3.
Kate Carnell says “Coming along to a Roadshow event is a great opportunity to increase your awareness of depression and anxiety and find resources for seeking support if needed,” she said.
To find out more about the National Roadshow and for details of events in Eastern Sydney, see over this page or visit www.beyondblue.org.au/take1step
If you or someone you know thinks they may have depression or anxiety, the beyondblue Support Service has trained mental health professionals to talk on the phone on 1300 22 4636 or via email or chat at www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/get-immediate-support
