Mental Health Week more important than ever

Tomorrow is the beginning of WA Mental Health Week (10–17 October), and centres around the theme ‘Strengthening Our Community – Live, Learn, Work, Play’.

Mental Health Week is celebrated each year around World Mental Health Day on 10 October and aims to increase mental wellbeing in WA communities.

City of Fremantle Community Development Officer Erinn Litchfield said this year’s Mental Health Week campaign was more important than ever due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The pandemic has brought so much uncertainty and lasting impacts into our lives, it’s vital we look out for each other and celebrate recovery within our community,” Ms Litchfield said.

“One in five Australians are affected by mental illnesses every year, but many don’t seek help because of the stigma associated with it.

“Events and activities during Mental Health Week are a great way to raise awareness, start conversations and remind us all to be aware of our own and others’ wellbeing.”

The City of Fremantle is hosting a stall at the Imagined Futures World Mental Health Day event tomorrow (Saturday October 10) at Esplanade Park from 10am–2pm.

Fremantle residents can come down to learn more about the Act-Belong-Commit initiative to see how they can be active in the community to maintain and improve their mental health.

There will also be free activities on offer including yoga, DRUMBEAT®, mindfulness and street games throughout the day.

WA Mental Health Week is coordinated by the Western Australian Association for Mental Health (WAAMH). Find out more at mentalhealthweek.org.au.