PORT Macquarie Base Hospital hosted a barbecue on October 14 to raise awareness during Mental Health Month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The theme of the month is Learn and Grow.
There is still a lot of stigma and confusion around the topic and that’s where learning and growing comes in.
Port Macquarie Base Hospital mental health nursing unit manager Dean Bilton said it was important to learn more about mental illness and mental health in general, and growing yourself from that knowledge.
The courtyard barbecue showcased brochures and information about mental health and services.
“It’s nice for everyone to have a bit of insight into the illness,” Mr Bilton said.
Mental health sector non-government organisations and consumers attended the barbecue, as well as Mid North Coast Local Health District staff.
Mr Bilton said stigma surrounding mental illness was improving but there was still a long way to go.
Nearly half of all Australians will experience some form of mental illness during their lifetime.