Walk and talk for mental health

Published on 13 September 2019

Residents are encouraged to get together, dress in bright colours and host a 5 Ways to Wellbeing Walk and Talk event to support mental health and the Gannawarra Giving Account.

The events will take place throughout National Mental Health Month of October, with the 2019 theme being Better Mental Health for All.

Mayor Lorraine Learmonth said that mental health issues are prevalent across all Australian communities with it estimated that forty five per cent of the population will experience a period of significant mental illness during their lifetime.

“We know that our local farmers are experiencing a range of significant challenges at present and that this flows on to effect local business and the wider community,” Mayor Learmonth said.

“The Gannawarra Giving Account is raising funds to support local farming families, particularly to help with the cost of uniform, equipment and fees for children to participate in community, sport and recreation opportunities.

“What better way to do this than for individuals, community groups, businesses and workplaces to give to this great cause while being active and connecting with others in their own communities.”

The 5 Ways to Wellbeing - Be Active, Connect, Take Notice, Keep Learning and Give – was developed by the New Economics Foundation and has been used locally for a number of years.

“Now more than ever the 5 Ways to Wellbeing provides an important framework for promoting healthy and happy living and supporting conversations around mental health and wellbeing across our communities,” Mayor Learmonth said.

The 5 Ways to Wellbeing Walk and Talk events is an initiative of GLAM - a partnership between Gannawarra Shire Council, Northern District Community Health, Kerang District Hospital, Cohuna District Health, Mallee District Aboriginal Services, Victoria Police, Mallee Family Care and the Southern Mallee Primary Care Partnership.

To register an event and receive an event pack including a Gannawarra Giving Account donation box, visit www.gannawarra.vic.gov.au/add_your_event or phone Council on (03) 5450 9333.

Mayor Lorraine Learmonth will host a Walk and Talk event on Wednesday, 9 October 2019 with a walk leaving from the front gate of the Kerang Primary School in Victoria Street at 9am. Participants are encouraged to dress in bright colours. A morning tea will follow where gold coin donations towards the Gannawarra Giving Account will be accepted.

Tax deductible donations to the Gannawarra Giving Account can be made at any time by phoning Northern District Community Health on (03) 5451 0200 or visiting www.givenow.com.au/gannawarragivingaccount

CAPTION: Mayor Lorraine Learmonth is encouraging residents to host a 5 Ways to Wellbeing Walk and raise funds for the Gannawarra Giving Account.