Spring has sprung and this month's update is blooming with news!
It's great to feel the sunshine and the renewed sense of hope and optimism as we watch vaccination levels rise across NSW. It's also a great time of year to get outdoors for your daily exercise and we have the perfect opportunity coming up - our ninth annual Wellness Walk! While we can't come together to walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge this year, One Door Mental Health is encouraging everyone to stay active and walk for wellness during the week following World Mental Health Day on 10 - 16 October. Walking is a great way to improve our physical and mental health and by registering to participate, you're letting everyone know that you stand with us in support of people living with significant mental illness and their loved ones.
September has also brought a new opportunity for One Door, as we open three Head to Health 'pop up' clinics - in Lakemba, Bankstown, and Liverpool. Funded by the Federal Government, these pop-up clinics help us to address the significant impact that the ongoing lockdown restrictions are having on the mental health of individuals and communities. Opening on Monday 6 September, our three Head to Health clinics will provide mental health supports by phone, video, and in person. I would like to thank the South Western Sydney and Central and Eastern Sydney Primary Health Networks for providing us with the opportunity to partner with them on this important initiative.
I would also like to congratulate The Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia for launching their new service - Finding North Network. As a MIFA member, it is exciting to see a safe and secure online environment for people to share their experiences, discuss ideas, and develop their voice in speaking to the issues surrounding mental health in Australia.
On 10 September, we will observe World Suicide Prevention Day. This is a day to reflect and remember - to raise awareness, help overcome stigma, and share support for people that need it. We know that 8 people die by suicide each day in Australia and for every death, it is estimated that 30 people will attempt to take their life. Today, R U OK? Day contributes to suicide prevention efforts by encouraging people to invest time connecting, alerting, having a conversation with those around them if they identify signs of distress or difficulty. Your genuine support can make a difference. If you're not sure how to start a conversation, there are lots of resources available here -
https://www.ruok.org.au/how-to-ask.