Mental Health - Education, Support and Prevention
Take a look below at some of what we got up to at Mardi Gras Fair Day in Sydney’s Victoria Park on 17th February 2019. We spoke to many people about good mental health and collected their thoughts on the best Stress Less Tips. We also kept everyone cool with our brand new fans.
Liz showing off the new slogan launched by WayAhead, Being and Mental Health Carers NSW at Fair Day 2018
At this time of year I am reminded of the many ways our community comes together. February and March continue to be important months in the LGBTI community’s calendar with the annual Mardi Gras festival. We know that for many in the LGBTI community last year was a troubling time when the marriage equality debate was in full public view, often scrutinising and placing value on personal relationships and the way our community views LGBTI Australians. We know this took a toll on many people’s mental health and wellness.
Sarah Lambert – Collective Purpose Speaker Series
We also know that the hurt and distress felt last year didn’t all magically disappear with the introduction of marriage equality in Australia, though wonderful it is. I believe that WayAhead has a role in supporting the mental health and wellness of NSW’s LGBTI community which is why on Monday 12 February, WayAhead along with its Collective Purpose partners held a public talk by Sarah Lambert from ACON titled After the marriage equality postal survey – what now for LGBTI mental health? Sarah’s insights were very impressive, and it gave me a better understanding on what the LGBTI community now require from mental health organisations like us. The event was filmed, and we have uploaded it to our website, so if you weren’t there on the night, I encourage you all to watch it.
WayAhead was also at the annual Mardi Gras Fair Day last weekend, talking to the community about how WayAhead can help them with their mental health and wellness. The WayAhead team was able to have hundreds and hundreds of conversations and interactions with people attending Fair Day and as you can tell from the photos from the day it was a lot of fun!
Visitors to our Fair Day Stall
Of course, another huge community coming together during this time of year is Lunar New Year. It is certainly lovely to see our Chinese community celebrate this time of year and I have been impressed yet again by the Lunar Lantern display of all the larger-than-life animal signs of the Lunar zodiac at Circular Quay. WayAhead understands and realises that each culture can view mental health and wellness differently to others, which is why we have had a range of our mental health and wellness fact sheets translated into Simplified Chinese on our website.
WayAhead was able to have hundreds and hundreds of conversations and interactions with Sydney’s LGBTI community and showcase how WayAhead can help them with their mental health and wellness.One of the main activities at our stall was getting people to tell us which ones of the Mental Health Month stress less tips worked for them. The most popular were Laugh each day, Make time for exercise and Take a step outside.
WayAhead also launched its new How WayAhead can help you brochure, designed specifically for the LGBTI community.
WayAhead attended Fair Day in partnership with its Collective Purpose partners, Being and Mental Health Carers NSW.
The Collective Purpose partners, Being, WayAhead and Mental Health Carers NSW are pleased to present the first speaker series event for 2018 – After the marriage equality postal survey – what now for LGBTIQ mental health.
Throughout 2017, the LGBTIQ community had to endure public discussions about their lives and the value the community placed on their relationships. Many people from the LGBTIQ reported feeling anxious, distressed because of the postal survey and for some it made them re-live trauma from their past.
The mental health and wellness needs of the LGBTIQ community has not ended now that Australia has achieved marriage equality. This public event will discuss what needs to be done to best support the mental health and wellness of NSW’s LGBTIQ community.
Sarah has over 15 years’ experience working in mental health, disability and alcohol and other drugs sectors in both clinical and community based organisations. Trained as an occupational therapist with Masters in Health Science (Drug and Alcohol) and management qualifications Sarah has enjoyed a variety of direct client work, community development/health promotion, training and management positions. Sarah has worked at ACON for five years, four years managing the direct client services before stepping into the Director role which incorporates ACON’s clinical/client services, LGBTI health promotion, regional services and training programs. She has a passion for peer and lived experience and supporting individuals and communities to realise their own capacity.
