Crazy socks for mental health
Horsham’s Lister House Medical Clinic staff will wear crazy and colourful socks to work on Friday to help raise awareness for medical workers’ mental health.
The clinic is joining a worldwide ‘Crazy Socks 4 Docs Day’ campaign for the first time, hoping to start a ‘conversation’ with its light-hearted attire.
Clinic nurse manager Amanda Wilson said the day helped support work-life balance and acknowledge the health issues people in the medical industry face.
“We thought that as a clinic it was important for people to understand that doctors, nurses, reception staff and all those working behind the scenes are normal people who deal with lots of challenges,” she said.
“The people who help others with their health can struggle too, so something like this can help to start a conversation – we’re just trying to look after each other.
“Hopefully it will become something we do every year.”
Mrs Wilson said staff will be selling socks at the clinic for $10 a pair to raise money for a mental-health charity.
She said the clinic had not yet decided on the charity, but was open to suggestions.
“We would like to donate to a local charity that is not government-funded,” she said.
“But anyone who comes into the clinic to buy some socks or even just wears a pair of crazy socks in solidarity is helping support mental health.”
People can contact Mrs Wilson on a.wilson@ listerhouseclinic.com.au for charity suggestions.