Upper Hunter communities encourages to tune in to mental health
Published on 05 October 2021
With Mental Health Month 2021 officially underway, Mayor of Singleton Cr Sue Moore is encouraging everyone to “tune in” to the new MindLink Upper Hunter Facebook page for a daily dose of inspiration, exercise and general wellness during October.
The page has been created by the Upper Hunter Mental Health Interagency (UHMHI) and Singleton Council as a space to promote and inform the Upper Hunter communities about mental health events, training and services.
Cr Moore said while Mental Health Month would usually be marked by bringing people together with a morning tea or social event, COVID restrictions generated the need for some creativity to reach as many people as possible.
It’s appropriate the theme for this year’s Mental Health Month is Tune In – to be present, aware of what’s happening within you, and in the world around you. You can follow the MindLink Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/MindLinkUpperHunter
“In NSW, Mental Health Month is coordinated by WayAhead – Mental Health Association NSW and gives us the opportunity to raise awareness of mental health and wellbeing, which is important at any time but particularly during the pandemic and the ever-changing restrictions that has transformed everything we thought of as normal,” Cr Moore said.
“Given the difficulties with bringing people together in person, Facebook is a channel that a lot of people have access to and the MindLink page has recently been created to be a centre for mental health information and support for people in the Upper Hunter.
“A light, bright and colourful program of daily posts has been planned for MindLink in October, including especially-created content by our own local people covering a range of topics from gardening, the benefits of walking (and exploring the Singleton Heritage Walk), and there’ll also be a very special presentation about being a carer during Carers Week 10-16 October.
“I encourage everyone to follow the MindLink page and tune in to those daily posts, but most importantly, check in with your own mental health and the people around you, and remember, there is assistance available for whatever you might need.”
The MindLink Mental Health Month Facebook program:
Week 1 (4-10 October) – Tune in to yourself. Posts will include gardening, Heritage walk, exercise at home, importance of music and cooking.
Week 2 (11-17 October) - Tune in to others. Posts will include contributions from Singleton Neighbourhood Centre, Yoga at home, Carers Week and hearing from a mental health carer who will share her caring story.
Week 3 (18-24 October) – Tune in to Communities. Posts will include Art - how to draw mandalas, how to connect with groups in the local community and hearing from local health staff.
Week 4 (25-31 October) – Tune in to Stigma. Posts will include a presentation from the HNE Primary Health Network and engaging people with lived experience of mental illness.
ENDS