Mental Health Week 2021 will turn Launceston orange

This year, the theme is 'Awareness, Belonging, Connection' to reflect the important factors which help people maintain their mental health and wellbeing.

As part of the week, Tasmanians are encouraged to show their support by Turning Tasmania Orange - whether that be dressing up or changing the colour of a light bulb in a building.

At celebrations, people can also share photos online using the hashtags #TurnTassieOrange and #mhw2021.

Mental Health Council of Tasmania chief executive Connie Digolis said the theme of the week was to highlight that no one was alone, especially after the rough 19 months of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"I think there's a range of things that people can be doing, it can be in the workplace, it can be let's take time out. You know, let's look at not just focusing on work all day, every day," she said.

"In our homes, I think it's about having conversations which is acknowledging that we're not all having a great time and actually opening up to what that means and how it might be impacting on people differently."

Headspace community liaison office Alison Filgate believes Mental Health Week is important to reduce stigma about mental health, but to also celebrate the journey's people are going on.

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"Let's celebrate some fantastic outcomes. That gives hope for other people, they can see the journey," she said.

Ms Filgate said the connection between Headspace and people in the community was still quite high, with mental illness seen in one in five Australians.

"I know with our statistics in Launceston, the connection that young men have with us is higher than the national average," she said.

Ms Filgate said for anyone wanting to support those around them who have mental health issues, the best thing they could do was to be informed about what help was available and take the time to catch up with friends and ask questions.

"That's why mental health week is great because communities get together to celebrate mental health and get the information out there in a non-threatening manner," she said.

Plenty of events are being held in Tasmania to raise awareness of mental health. In the North, there is the Minds do Matter exhibition at the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery which explores the relationship between art and wellbeing.

The Mental Health Week Comedy Roadshow at Campbell Town will bring Tasmania's best comedians out to speak their minds about mental health.

The Launceston Men's 5km Walk is a chance for men to walk while talking about their mental health. The event will also be followed by a barbeque.

Anglicare Connecting with Community Event & ABC Walk for Wellness will also be hosting a similar event, but catered towards everyone.

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Anglicare's housing and community services general manager Noel Mundy said the organisation was encouraging people to stay after the walk for food, music, and activities.

Connecting as People: The Power of Lived Experience will provide attendees with a lived perspective and insight into how service providers and organisations can utilise that to offer the best services possible.

The 2021 Building Connections Trivia Night will have eight general rounds, two mental health rounds, and a physical team puzzle challenge to get involved with.

More than 40 events have been registered for the week's program. For more information or to see other events across the state visit mhct.org/mentalhealthweek/program.

Several councils across the state - including Launceston, Burnie, and Devonport - have committed to decorating or lighting up landmarks in their towns with the colour orange to show support.

City of Launceston mayor Albert van Zetten said in support of mental health services and the Turning Tasmania Orange campaign, the Town Hall would glow a bright shade of orange.

"I would encourage anyone in our community who has loved ones who may be struggling to take to the time to reach out, connect with them on a meaningful level and ask if they need help," he said.

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"I would also encourage those in our community to wear something orange ... and most importantly, start a conversation about mental health."

Mr van Zetten said the theme - Awareness, Belonging, Connection - was a timely reminder of the importance of managing our own mental wellbeing as well as remaining cognisant of the mental health of those around us.

Mental Health and Wellbeing Minister Jeremy Rockliff said the week was an important and timely reminder for people to take the time to look after their wellbeing.

"I want all Tasmanians to know that support is there for you, if you need it," he said.

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