COMMUNITY groups are helping build awareness of mental health issues in local communities this October for Mental Health Month.
State Minister for Mental Health Kevin Humphries said the issue of mental health is close to his heart.
“Coming from a regional area, I have made sure that at the heart of everything I do as the Minister for Mental Health is a desire to improve mental health services and outcomes for the people of NSW, no matter where they live,” Mr Humphries said.
He said he didn’t want to see a mental health system with a “one size fits all” approach.
“I want one that is tailored to meet the unique challenges of our regional communities,” he said.
Mr Humphries said talking about the issue was one of the most simple and effective ways to end discrimination.
“I would urge people across NSW to use Mental Health Month to take the time to talk about mental illness – often just a few small words can make a big difference, and in some cases a life-saving difference.”
He said while one in five people would experience a mental health problem in their lifetime, there was still a reluctance to acknowledge the extent and the impact of mental illness in rural communities.
“The reality of mental illness is that it can affect anyone at any time and when it does it has the potential to significantly impact people’s lives,” he said.
“By using Mental Health Month to help break down the stigma and discrimination that people face when they are suffering from a mental illness, we are helping to remove one of the biggest barriers to recovery.”
Mr Humphries commended the Glove Box Guide to Mental Health - a joint initiative of The Land and the Rural Adversity Mental Health Program that will be distributed free in the October 10 issue of The Land.
Rabobank also got behind the Glove Box Guide, free in this week's paper, and is working on developing initiatives to support its communities to deal with mental health issues.
Rabobank head of sustainable business development Marc Oostdijk said the bank had a “unique approach” to rural community relationships, linking closely with its clients to actively engage with them.
He said this was demonstrated through Rabobank’s client councils meetings – open discussions among farmers held in various locations across Australia and New Zealand - which rated the issue of mental health in the top four challenges for farming communities.
Mr Oostdijk said the bank was developing ways it could support the community through raising awareness and working with health groups.
“We have a partnership with the Royal Flying Doctors (RFDS) to explore ways of supporting rural people affected by mental health challenges,” he said.
As well as helping the RFDS, Rabobank is partnering with Beyond Blue to hold pit stop health events in communities which expressed a need for those services.
He also said the company was working on its own internal guide for staff to help them identify clients in need of support.
“We’ve committed to these things long term, these aren’t issues that are just going to go away.”
Mental Health Month activities include festivals, art exhibitions, music, theatre and seminars across the State to educate and engage people about mental health issues.
Pick up your copy of the Glove Box Guide to Mental Health in this week's The Land.
