DDHS Mental Health Week Event

A free Mental Health Week event is being held to break down stigmas about mental health issues and facilities. – Darling Downs Health’s Mental Health Week event will be held at McDonald Hall, Baillie Henderson Hospital, on Tuesday 9 October from 10am to 2pm.

More than 40 mental health service providers will attend including Headspace, Goolburri Aboriginal Health Advancement, Toowoomba Clubhouse, Richmond Fellowship Qld, Warrina, Lifeline, Catholic Care, TASC, Open Minds and the Department of Defence. There will also be a variety of activities and entertainment on the day including live music, drum beat, an art exhibition, chalk art demonstrations, and a free sausage sizzle.

Darling Downs Health Consumer and Community Engagement Officer Donna Lucas said the event aimed to provide the community with an opportunity to connect with local service providers and wellbeing programs, while participating in various activities. “This is our second Mental Health Week event at Baillie Henderson Hospital with the first one in 2017 being a great success,” Ms Lucas said.

“Baillie Henderson Hospital has proudly provided mental health services since 1890 and over the years mental health services have taken many forms at the campus,” she said. “A booklet outlining the history of Baillie Henderson Hospital will be available at the event, and it is a very interesting and informative read about one of Toowoomba’s oldest facilities.

“Today Baillie Henderson Hospital treats up to 100 mental health service consumers, some of whom have contributed artwork to the art exhibition that will be on display at the Mental Health Week event. We are encouraging community members and staff to come along, enjoy the event, show support for our mental health service consumers and help to break down any stigma surrounding mental health that might prevent people from seeking mental health support when required.”

The opening ceremony will start at 10.30am, featuring a welcome to country with traditional Indigenous dancers, and free on-site car parking is available on the day. For more information phone 4699 8386 or email DDHHS-Consumer-Engagement@health.qld.gov.au .

The Darling Downs Health Mental Health Week event is partially supported by Darling Downs and West Moreton PHN under the Australian Government’s PHN Program.