Building Healthy Communities

Mental Health Week is a national event each year in October that aims to shine a spotlight on mental health in our communities. Mental Health Week provides an opportunity to increase mental health literacy, inform community members of the support services available and share ideas on what people can do in their lives to support their own wellbeing.

In the Northern Territory Mental Health Week is celebrated 5-10 October, ending on World Mental Health Day. The NT theme for Mental Health Week is β€˜Building Healthy Communities’, acknowledging that building the overall health of our communities is integral in supporting people’s mental health.

The Mental Health Association of Central Australia (MHACA) organised a program of activities in Alice Springs in collaboration with other local organisations. Activities included a Mental Health Week launch at Yaye’s CafΓ© in the Araluen Arts Precinct, a film screening of β€˜My Year Of Living Mindfully’ at the Alice Springs Cinema, a morning tea at MHACA with a presentation by the Congress Health Promotion Team and the NPY Women’s Council Uti Kulintjaku Program, Relaxation Workshops at Lasseters Health Club in partnership with the Alice Springs Town Council, and a special Heart Foundation Walk for World Mental Health Day. The popular Stress Less In The Park event was on Friday 9 October at the Civic Centre Lawns.

Local cafe’s participated in a β€˜Mental Health Matters’ coffee cup promotion throughout the week.

β€œCollaborating and working together is a key ingredient in building healthy communities,” said Helen Lambert, Health Promotion Unit Manager, Mental Health Association of Central Australia.

β€œWe know that a whole range of factors can influence a person’s mental health including secure housing, financial issues, family supports, social networks, employment, illness, trauma, stress and other environmental factors. Addressing the social determinants of mental health help prevent mental illness and in the long run reduces pressure on services.”

β€œ2020 has been a tough year with lots of change and challenges from the impacts of the Coronavirus. However, we have also seen the power of what happens when we work together. MHACA is committed to reducing the stigma of mental ill health in our communities and collaborating with local organisations so that community members can better understand services and access the support they need for mental health challenges.”

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#goodfoodhelpsgoodthinking Want to better understand how food and nutrition can support your health and wellbeing?

Join the Healthy Lifestyle Group which starts on Thursday 31 July.
πŸ“ Flynn Drive Community Health Centre
πŸ• One-hour sessions from 4pm to 5pm every Thursday for 5 weeks

Sessions are run by the Urban Nutrition Service, with one session led by a local physiotherapist focusing on how to boost wellbeing through safe and enjoyable exercise.

This program is free and open to:
βœ”οΈ Anyone who could benefit from dietary support
βœ”οΈ Social service workers looking to upskill in key nutrition messages

πŸ“ž Call 8951 6017 to book your spot.

#wellbeing #healthybodiessupporthealthyminds
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#GoodFoodHelpsGoodThinking Want to better understand how food and nutrition can support your health and wellbeing?
Join the Healthy Lifestyle Group which starts on Thursday 31 July.
πŸ“ Flynn Drive Community Health Centre
πŸ• One-hour sessions from 4pm to 5pm every Thursday for 5 weeks
Sessions are run by the Urban Nutrition Service, with one session led by a local physiotherapist focusing on how to boost wellbeing through safe and enjoyable exercise.
This program is free and open to:
βœ”οΈ Anyone who could benefit from dietary support
βœ”οΈ Social service workers looking to upskill in key nutrition messages
πŸ“ž Call 8951 6017 to book your spot.
#Wellbeing #HealthyBodiesSupportHealthyMinds
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