Call to raise awareness
TOWNSVILLE residents are being urged to take as much care with their mental health as they do with their physical wellbeing.
Debra Burden, CEO of mental health service provider Selectability, said 20 per cent of the population had issues with mental health and they could affect anyone at any time.
“One in five Australians experience mental ill health at any given time, which means this is a common issue and it’s something we all need to be aware of,” Ms Burden said.
“By being aware of our own mental health, along with our physical health, we can ensure we take steps to look after ourselves and maintain good health.”
Not- for- profit organisation Selectability has more than 30 years’ experience in the community mental health sector, previously known as SOLAS and MIFNQ before the two organisations merged as one, with staff across northern and western Queensland and a head office in Townsville.
It has organised a breakfast event on October 10 as part of Mental Health Week, featuring former rugby league star Shane Webcke.
Shane Webcke will share his journey from a family farm to the footy field and back to the farm, including stories from his playing days with the Broncos, Queensland and Australia.
Ms Burden said Mr Webcke was a great advocate for mental health.
“His story of grit, resilience and life’s ups and downs reminds us all to value our mental health as much as we do our physical health,” she said.
“We have worked with Shane to produce events similar to this in other regions and they have always been a hit.”
The breakfast is being run by Roxanne Grey from Roxanne Grey and is one of a range of events being held across the region to highlight the importance of good mental health and also to recognise there is work to be done in the sector.
“When we are aware of things we can take action when required,” Ms Grey said. “People need to be aware mental health is just as important as physical health.”
The breakfast, dubbed # grit, will be held at The Ville Ballroom on October 10 with tickets available for $ 65 from townsvilletickets. com. au In the Spring edition of The House of Wellness magazine, Elyse Taylor, the face of Nude by Nature’s latest campaign, shares her delight at taking a natural approach to life in our cover story and how much she loves coming home to see family and friends. We also catch up with the delightful Zoe Marshall, who is co- presenter of The House of Wellness TV show, along with Ed Phillips, which features on the Seven Network on Sunday mornings. On the charity front, we are thrilled to be able to support Gus Worland and his Gotcha4Life organisation supporting men’s mental health, as well as Neale Daniher’s Fight MND Foundation, which is raising money to fight this insidious disease. We also welcome aboard Fit Pharmacist Holly Louise and look forward to her expert tips on ways to keep healthy Townsville Bulletin & The House of Wellness Magazine, $ 2.40 inc GST and The Sunday Mail & House of Wellness Magazine, $ 3.00. Available at participating newsagents only, strictly while stocks last. For participating newsagents visit townsvillebulletin. com. au/ competitions. One magazine per paper sale only.