News Alert |

Local media are invited to attend this morning’s Mental Health Forum at the Eureka Centre.

The Ballarat Mental Health Forum, which is presented by the City of Ballarat as part of Mental Health Month, is an opportunity for people working in mental health and the health promotion sector to network and hear the latest research on how eating well and spending time in nature can promote and maintain good mental health.

Dr Tetyana Rocks – Fernwood Post-Doctorate Research Fellow, Deakin University Food and Mood Centre – is today’s keynote speaker.

Dr Rocks will present her keynote address Food for thought: how what you eat is linked to how your feel.

This will be followed by a panel discussion, facilitated by local psychologist Jacqui White, about opportunities to integrate this research.

The panel includes Dr Rocks, Ballarat Health Services Senior Dietitian Kate Falconer and Western Victoria Primary Health Network (WVPHN) Senior Manager Mental Health Michael Struth.

Other guest speakers include: Nature is good medicine Presented by Brigid Isaac, Parks Victoria Manager Community Engagement and Partnerships

Getting to know your local parks – Woowookarung Regional Park Presented by Siobhan Rogan, Parks Victoria Area Chief Ranger

Western Victoria Primary Health Network – update on Stepped Care model and regional plan Presented by Michael Struth, WVPHN Senior Manager Mental Health

Ballarat Mayor Samantha McIntosh will open the forum this morning at 10am. The 2.5-hour forum will conclude at 12.30pm.