Members from The Rotary Club of Port Macquarie are on a mission to ‘Lift the Lid on Mental Illness’ by raising money for mental health research this October for Mental Health Month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Almost one in five Australians will experience a mental illness every year, and nearly half of the population will experience a mental illness at some stage in their lives.
Lift the Lid on Mental Illness is a National mental health fundraising and awareness initiative of Australian Rotary Health that aims to raise funds for mental health research and ultimately improve the lives of all Australians.
Rotarians right across Australia are getting involved in the initiative and the Rotary Club of Port Macquarie are inviting the community to come along to their High Tea for Hat Day on Saturday October 13 said organiser Sheila Openshaw.
“As a mum you want to help your children and after my son experienced his first mental health issue over 20 years ago I decided to make it my mission to help others experiencing mental health illnesses,” Ms Openshaw said.
“Since then I have raised money for mental health research as well as set up a support group for families and carers of those living with mental health difficulties in the Hastings and this High Tea is just another way we can help raise much needed funds.”
In the past the Rotary Club of Port Macquarie has held Trivia Nights, The Great Gatsby Dinner Dance and fashion parades for Hat Day but decided to organise a high tea for something different.
The High Tea will be held at Rydges, Port Macquarie from 12 – 3.30pm on Saturday October 13.
“The money raised during Hat Day goes directly to research helping the one in five Australians affected by depression, anxiety, schizophrenia and many other illnesses,” she said.
“On the day we will have a number of auction items, lucky door and seat prizes, a best hat prize as well as live music for everyone to enjoy.
“I really hope lots of people in the community come and support our Hat Day fundrasier so we have help those who are experiencing mental health difficulties.”
Australian Rotary Health CEO Joy Gillett OAM said she hopes the campaign will encourage not only Rotarians, but the wider public to support mental health research.
“Everyone knows someone who has been affected by mental illness in some point during their lives, so if anything, please consider that you will be helping them and many others if you decide to make a donation,” Ms Gillett said.
“Our research has already focussed on areas such as anxiety and depression, substance abuse and self-harm and suicide. But there is so much more we can do with your help.”
To find out more or to make a donation, visit www.australianrotaryhealth.org.au or www.hatday.com.au.
To purchase tickets to the High Tea for Hat Day at Rydges Port Macquarie on October 13, phone 6589 2888 or click here.
