Mental Health Week activities to focus on wellness… and you’re invited!
THE Wide Bay community is invited to take part in a wide range of events as part of Queensland Mental Health Week, to encourage a focus on mental wellness through exercise, fun and creativity.
The activities – which include dragonboating, ParkRun events, rock painting and even a flash mob – are being organised or supported by Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service’s Mental Health team and will take place across the region from October 5–13.
Wide Bay Hospital and Health Board Chair Peta Jamieson said it was important for the health service to engage directly with its community, including through fun activities with a serious purpose.
“Queensland Mental Health Week aims to shine a spotlight on what all of us can do to look after our mental health and reach out to those who need support,” Ms Jamieson said.
“As a health service, we want to make sure we’re not only providing the best possible clinical and support services, but also that we can maximise our health promotion opportunities.
“I commend the Mental Health team for driving all of these community events, much of which they have done in their own time because they’re passionate about promoting wellness and encouraging early intervention.”
WBHHS Executive Director of Mental Health and Specialised Services Robyn Bradley said the theme for this year’s Queensland Mental Health Week was “Take time for mental health”.
“The theme this year recognises that, just as with our physical health, our mental health is a priority and we should be taking time out to pay attention to it and nurture it,” Ms Bradley said.
“In supporting Queensland Mental Health Week, our service really wanted to look beyond just the clinical services we provide and focus more heavily on mental wellness.
“That’s why our team has gone to a great deal of effort to organise a range of events that promote wellness through exercise and fitness, creativity, social opportunities, or trying something new in a group atmosphere such as our ‘flash mob’ dance.
“We invite members of the community to support these events and to have fun while taking time for their own mental health.
“Our staff volunteering at all the events will be visible in their purple Wide Bay Mental Health t-shirts. They’ll be available if anyone wants to have a chat, ask a question, or find out more about services we provide or mental health and wellness generally.”
Events will be as follows:
| Date | Event | Inquiries |
| Saturday, October 5 | ParkRun Bargara, hosted by Wide Bay Mental Health. 5km walk/run at your own pace. 6.45am for a 7am start, Nielson Park, Fred Courtice Dr, Bargara. | Jennifer Watterson 4150 2600 |
| Saturday, October 5 | ParkRun Maryborough, hosted by Wide Bay Mental Health. 5km walk/run at your own pace; 6.45am for a 7am start, Anzac Park, Cheapside St, Maryborough. | Felicity Moore 4122 8777 |
| Sunday, October 6 | Dragonboating come and try. Bring a hat, water and sunscreen. Paddle and coaching provided. Anyone over 12 can take part. From 7.30am, Buccaneer Dr, Urangan (right of boat club). | Ruth O’Sullivan 4128 5400 |
| Tuesday, October 8 | Rock painting for mindfulness. 10am–noon, Community Mental Health waiting room, Bauer-Wiles building, Neptune St, Maryborough. | Ruth O’Sullivan 4128 5400 |
| Wednesday, October 9 | Flash mob dance, 12.30pm in the CBD/Police Beat area. A small group will start it off, then others are welcome to join. | Carey Thompson 4150 2600 |
| Thursday, October 10 | Sausage sizzle. 11am–1pm, the rotunda at Alexandra Park, Quay St, Bundaberg, hosted by the Bundaberg Continuing Care Team. All welcome. | Amanda Lutteral 4150 2600 |
| Saturday, October 12 | ParkRun Bundaberg, hosted by Wide Bay Mental Health. 5km walk/run at your own pace. 6.45am for a 7am start, Queens Park, off Hope St, Bundaberg. | Jennifer Watterson 4150 2600 |
| Saturday, October 12 | ParkRun Hervey Bay, hosted by Wide Bay Mental Health. 5km walk/run at your own pace. 6.45am for a 7am start, Urangan Pier Park. | Stacey Cooper 4128 5400 |
| Saturday, October 12 | Dragonboating come and try. Bring a hat, water and sunscreen. Paddle and coaching provided. Anyone over 12 can take part. From 2.30pm, river end of Wolca St, North Bundaberg. | Ruth O’Sullivan 4128 5400 |
| Sunday, October 13 | The Dub v The Hub 7-a-side cricket match, Archer Park, Mundubbera, 10am–3pm. Food and drink stalls available; bring your own chair. Register your team with Live Better Community Services. | Bobby Redgard bobby.redgard@livebetter.org.au 4994 2508 |
