Alice Springs residents are invited to Stress Less in the Park today to mark Mental Health Week.

Mental health starts where you live, learn, work and play!

Stress Less in the Park is about recognising people in the community struggling with mental health issues, and also recognising those that support them.

Mental health issues affect everyone in our community and reducing the stigma is important to ensuring people can get the help they need early.

More than 1000 people are expected at the event which offers high tea, more than 20 information booths and a great line-up of guest speakers including Sprint Car Racer Ricky Boston and Paralympian Emily Tapp, who will share their mental health journeys.

There are loads of activities, including badge making, creating balloon animals, nail painting, photo booth fun, rock painting, massage centre and a Chalk It Out message board, plus the ever-popular sausage sanger.

Mental Health Central Australia coordinates Stress Less in the Park with support from non-government organisations and others with a vested interest in mental health in the region.

The event, funded by NT PHN, showcases the mental illness services available in Central Austraila and everyone is invited to participate in educating and supporting those of us living with a mental illness.

CAAMA will again broadcast live from the event.

Stress Less in the Park kicks off at 9am and runs until 1pm on the Alice Springs Hospital lawns on Stuart Terrace.

Media contact: Laetitia Lemke 0487 888 753