A MENTAL health first aid course is being offered to Balranald locals by the Strengthening Community Access Inclusion and Wellbeing Advisory Committee.
Held on March 3 and 4 at the Theatre Royal, the course is a free, with all members of the community welcome.
Funded by the Balranald Shire Council and NSW Office of Responsible Gambling, the course is aimed at sharing the struggles of mental health and what can be done to combat illness.
The course wants to “start the conversation” and will provide attendees with the ability and skills to provide support to someone experiencing mental health problems.
This is a way for people to come together and learn what they can do to help themselves and others.
Project officer for SCAIWAC, Katleen Harris said the course will greatly benefit the community.
“This course is such an important step into learning how to address and confront mental health issues,” she said.
“It is a completely funded program, and we encourage residents from all over the Balranald Shire to come along and get involved.
“It is a great opportunity for members of local committees and clubs to understand and learn how to deal with and identify mental health issues.
“Residents who come along to the sessions will earn a certificate for their work and involvement in learning and understanding the needs of understanding mental health issues.
“This initiative is so important in strengthening our community, and we invite everyone regardless of their background or experience.”
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare estimates that one in five Australians between the ages of 16 – 85 years old have experienced a mental health disorder in their lifetime.
This comes as one in seven children are reported to have experienced mental illness with up to 17 per cent of Australians having had experienced an anxiety disorder.
Register your interest to projectofficer@balranald.nsw.gov.au
