Chalk It Up for Mental Health this October

With Mental Health Month just around the corner and many Australians’ enduring increased isolation as a result of long lockdowns, the importance of raising mental health awareness is more important than ever.  Council is collaborating with the Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP) to run an important mental health initiative and spread a positive mental health message amongst the community this October.

“We are asking the Lithgow community to support the initiative by writing a mental health message on their driveway, bricks or farm gates during October,” said RAMHP Coordinator, Sonia Cox.

Mental Health Month is held in October annually, helping to raise awareness for mental health and wellbeing. This year, Sonia and her colleagues are running #ChalkItUpForMentalHealth, asking community members to get involved by sharing a mental health message on their private property or business, taking a photo and uploading it with the #chalkitupformentalhealth and tag Lithgow City Council and RAMHP on Instagram or Facebook to help us share the message.

Now, more than ever, our regional and rural communities need to support one another and continue to check in.

“During these uncertain times, it’s so important for our community to stick together and support one another. By writing a short message for others to see, we are letting our neighbours know that we are here to support them, while also highlighting the importance of looking after our mental health and wellbeing.”

Research shows that 1 in 5 adult Australians experience mental illness each year and we know prevalence is greater in regional areas.

“RAMHP play an integral role within the Lithgow Community through mental health education and linking people to appropriate care. This initiative is a great way to get the community involved in supporting one another’s mental health,” said Mayor Ray Thompson.

If you have any concerns about yourself or a loved one, please contact the NSW Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511 or call Lifeline on 13 11 14.  For best practice guidelines on Metal Health Reporting, visit https://www.ramhp.com.au/