MENTAL Health Week steps out this morning with hundreds of supporters pounding the pavement to create awareness.
The second annual group walk for mental health begins 10.30am today starting at the Swan Hill clocktower, heading along Campbell Street to the Swan Hill Art Gallery.
At the riverside destination guest speakers will talk about the issue, including artist Margaret Wilson, currently exhibiting in the Colour Me Crazy show at the gallery, which features work created by artists who have a mental illness.
Co-organiser Lyn Andrew said about 200 people were expected to join the walk.
“The aim of the event is to raise awareness of mental illness and the community support services available,” she said.
“A really critical part is reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness and supporting sufferers and carers.”
The annual national awareness week, held to coincide with World Mental Health Day (October 10), offers a platform to engage people and talk about help-seeking behaviours and wellbeing.
Organisers of the event have said one in five Australians will be affected by a mental health condition in their lifetime.
Ms Andrew reminded people they did not have to register and all were invited.
“You don’t have to have a mental illness, anyone who would like to attend and raise awareness of mental health and support services.”
