In its fifth year Stress Less in the Park has attracted more than 30 organisations to celebrate Mental Health Week and promote mental wellbeing across Central Australia.
Stress Less in the Park began in October 2014 with only a handful of supporters and less than 100 attendees, but in 2018 the organisers of this great community event are expecting more than 500 people to come together and unite in creating a mentally healthy community.
Stress Less events strive to challenge perceptions and remove the stigma around mental illness to pave the way for more people to seek assistance and get the support they deserve.
The focus of this community event will be caring for those who look after people with mental health illness and to advocate positive mental health and social and emotional wellbeing to the wider community.
Families, consumers and carers are encouraged to attend and receive additional information about mental health from the many stallholders who will be showcasing what they can offer to anyone who needs assistance to cope with mental unwellness. The whole community is invited to enjoy the day and help destigmatise mental health.
Stress Less in the Park brings together many Alice Springs organisations and agencies whose programs help people with mental illness to provide a fun and interesting day with activities and giveaways, free pancakes, sausage sangas and even a Devonshire Tea. For those who love to sing there will be Karaoke with prizes and vouchers. CAAMA will again be broadcast live from Stress Less in the Park.
The event is supported by Mental Health Central Australia Health Service, Oral Health Services Central Australia, Alcohol and Other Drug Services Central Australia, Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia (NT) Inc., Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association, Drug and Alcohol Services Australia, Alice Springs Youth Accommodation and Support Services, YMCA, Mental Health Association of Central Australia, Dementia Australia, NDIS, headspace, Carers NT, Menzies School of Health, Lions Club of Alice Springs, Bellette, The Salvation Army, Linkup, Central Australia Aboriginal Congress, Central Australia Aboriginal Alcohol Programs Unit, Central Australia Womens Legal Service, North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency, Disability Advocacy Service, Sexual Assault Referral Centre, MacDonnell Range Tourist Park, Lifeline, Mission Australia, Red Cross Australia and Aboriginal Regional and Remote Community Services.
This activity is supported by funding from the Australian Government through the PHN Program.
Stress Less in the Park is being held on the Old Hospital Lawns on Stuart Terrace in Alice Springs on Friday 12 October from 9am-1pm.
Media contact: Gail Turner – 0476 839 383