Cheryl Paradella says now more than ever it’s important to continue the conversation on mental health.
“The devastating impact of the bushfires, closely followed by the Covid-19 pandemic, has had an enormous impact on mental health in our community,’’ says the president of Beautiful Minds South-West Sydney.
Beautiful Minds will join forces with Macquarie Fields MP Anoulack Chanthivong for his latest community health series.
“I would like to thank Anoulack for his continued advocacy in this area to help increase mental health awareness and continue this important conversation in our community, which is needed now more than ever,” Ms Paradella said.
Mr Chanthivong’s Mental Health Matters monthly video series from July through to October will cover a range of mental health issues, feature special guests and provide important information on access to local services.
The series follows on from Mr Chanthivong’s successful annual community mental health forums held in partnership with Beautiful Minds.
“Given the ongoing uncertainty with Covid-19 restrictions, it was decided a video series for 2021 would be the best platform to continue the important conversation on mental health awareness,’’ says Mr Chanthivong.
“The lockdown has certainly reminded us all to look after our mental health and reach out to each other during this difficult time.
“The series will cover a range of mental health issues and feature discussions with experts in the sector to help connect people with information and local services.
“Mental health is an ongoing concern in our community and my series of videos will help to reduce the stigma often associated with mental ill health and provide avenues for support,” Mr Chanthivong said.
The video series will be posted on the MP’s Facebook page on the last Friday of each month, July through to October.
Speakers and topics are as follows:
July: Caring for someone with mental ill health – Cheryl Paradella, president, Beautiful Minds South-West Sydney
August: Mental wellness during a pandemic and natural disasters – associate professor Jill Newby, Black Dog Institute
September: Self-harm generation: why they do it and what to do about it – Dr Paul Fung, clinical director, Enhanced Services – Uniting
October: Mental Health Matters – Let’s Keep Talking -Mr Ashley de Silva, ReachOut Australia CEO.
For more information contact 9618 2077.
