Two groups in Deloraine have banded together to show country Tasmanians its ok to talk about mental health.
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Deloraine Kangaroos Football Club and Deloraine Rotary Club will host a beyondblue day on July 15 to raise awareness and improve the lives of people affected by anxiety and depression.
Beyondblue speaker Nicole Graham and Make.Runs.Maxi public speaker Rulla Kelly-Mansell will both speak at the event.
Mr Kelly-Mansell, who is also a state league footballer, said his goal was to try and help people live a happy and healthy life, by discussing solutions to problems faced with mental health.
“I focus on the positives and steer away from the negatives.”
It would be an emotional day for many of the players and Mr Kelly-Mansell as it would honour Isaac “Maxi” Walters, who died earlier this year.
His brother Joseph Walters said if you feel down, speak up. “It’s ok to talk to people.”
Mrs Graham, a former street cop, said country towns could be feel isolating, but you could always speak to your GP or go to the beyondblue website.
“It’s good to see mental health brought to the forefront in Deloraine.”
Deloraine Kangaroos Football Club president Shaun Donohue said he hoped the event would encourage people to talk to their mates about their mental health.
“Suicide is the leading cause of death for Australians aged between 15 and 44, with around 3,000 people dying by suicide every year,” Mr Donohue said.
“You might have some tough times … but there is a light at the end of the tunnel.”
Tickets are $20 per person for a two course meal, RSVP to the Deloraine Kangaroos Football Club committee by July 8.
If you or someone you know needs help, contact beyondblue on 1300 22 4636 or chat online at the beyondblue.org.au website.
Tess Brunton
I recently returned from across the ditch where I worked at New Zealand Fairfax paper The Timaru Herald and developed a love of mountains. Originally I'm a mainlander from an area known for cheese, the Bega Valley, who also dabbled in radio at ABC RCAFF before finding a place in newspapers. I can often be found hiking, caving or climbing when I'm not cursing at my work computer or technology in general.
I recently returned from across the ditch where I worked at New Zealand Fairfax paper The Timaru Herald and developed a love of mountains. Originally I'm a mainlander from an area known for cheese, the Bega Valley, who also dabbled in radio at ABC RCAFF before finding a place in newspapers. I can often be found hiking, caving or climbing when I'm not cursing at my work computer or technology in general.
