Raising awareness about mental health

A campaign aiming to "Lift the Lid" on mental health is underway this month in a co-operative effort by Drouin and Warragul Rotary Clubs.

In conjunction with Mental Health Month in October and Australian Rotary Health's (ARH) annual "Lift the Lid on Mental Illness" campaign, Drouin and Warragul Rotarians will be focused on fundraising and awareness.

Drouin Rotarian Russell Ford said the club was working closely with Warragul Rotarians to raise awareness in the community and fundraise for Gippsland Lifeline.

"We have a close relationship with Lifeline Gippsland and we recognise the need they fulfil. We were shocked with some of the figures we heard from chief executive officer Cindy Pullar. We felt we couldn't ignore those figures.

"Rotary is about community and community support so we really wanted to get behind Lifeline in something that couldn't be ignores," he said.

Last week, Drouin Rotarians with Lifeline Gippsland volunteers were at the Kiosk in Drouin to provide support information and raise awareness about mental health. They will return to the Kiosk tomorrow from 11am to 1pm and at the same time next Wednesday, as well as the Drouin Rotary Community Market in Civic Park, Drouin on Saturday, October 17.

A Two Towns Trail walk will be held on Sunday, October 25 at 11am. Participants can start the walk at either Drouin or Warragul. Community members can seek sponsorship to raise funds or support the walk as an unsponsored participant.

There will be a free sausage sizzle and prizes for best hat and best dressed hat.
This week, the "Lift the Lid" awareness focuses on youth mental health - pages 14 and 15.