DEPRESSION and anxiety affect three million Australians every year.
According to the Beyond Blue service, many are suffering needlessly in silence.
Mental Health Week starts this Sunday, and to mark the occasion, local services and businesses have banded together to host events aimed at raising awareness of mental health issues.
Mallee Family Care case worker Margi Wilson said events planned for next week would promote community connection and stigma reduction.
“We have the annual walk that starts at the town hall and completes a block and returns back to the town hall,” she said.
“Police and Fire services will escort the walk and we are hoping to get as many people to walk with us as possible.
“At the finish, a barbecue will be provided by The Lions Club and there will be music and a guest speaker.”
As part of the week, Ms Wilson is asking local businesses to show their support by dressing up their windows and stores in blue.
“Swan Hill Rural City Council have been great and they have committed to turning the Tower Hill water tower blue for the week,” Ms Wilson said.
“They will also tint the fountain at Riverside Park blue to help show support and raise awareness of mental health issues.
“We will have people going around the CBD over the next week providing information and posters on how to come on board.”
For more on this story grab a copy of Fridays Guardian (October 7 2016)
