Carrying the week’s theme of Stronger Together, about 40 exhibitors were represented as part of the event, which was organised through the Northern Youth Coordinators Committee.

Committee member David Wilson said the expo was a celebration of healthy minds.

“It’s about giving everybody a platform to come together,” he said.

“We want to not only show the Northern Tasmanian community what they can access, but also physically get them in a space where they can network.

“Mental health is everyone’s business and it relates to everybody, so it’s important to build those networks between the community and providers.”

The expo included a variety of free activities, as well as guest speakers, a games corner, fill-your-own showbags, spot prizes, workshops, and buskers. 

Mr Wilson said the event’s interactive focus helped people leave with “smiling minds”.

“We’ve got a yoga instructor, a visitor from Singapore doing body art, and deep relational circle chats,” he said.

“The stall holders engage with the community in a variety of different ways.”

Community engagement within the scope of mental health was also explored at Hadley’s Hotel in Hobart on Wednesday as the Mental Health Council of Tasmania announced the winners of its inaugural ‘How Do You Treat Yo Self’ Creative Arts Awards.

More than 30 entries from across the state were received for the competition, which was for young people aged 15 to 25. 

Entrants were asked to focus their creative works on sharing with the audience the things they do to help themselves feel better when times are tough. 

Categories for the awards included written (a short story or poem), digital (audio recording, photograph, or short film), and traditional (drawing, painting or sculpture). MHCT chief executive Connie Digolis said the competition was a unique snapshot of Tasmania’s young minds.

“We are so proud and in awe of the talent and ability of our young Tasmanians,” she said.