As part of Mental Health Awareness month in October, Central Coast Council has implemented the Lost Bird Found Project, which is a creative initiative to encourage conversations around mental health. 
 
Over 400 handcrafted birds, which were recently created by the local community, have been tagged with mental health information and placed around town centres and in libraries across the Central Coast for the community to find. Finders of the lost birds are encouraged to post and tag photos on The Lost Bird Found Facebook page, or on their social media accounts to help spread the message that mental health matters. The Lost Bird Found Facebook page also provides information on mental health services. 
 
Mayor Lisa Matthews said that initiatives like these are important to help raise awareness and improve the mental health and wellness of the community.
 
“The project was founded by North Sydney Council and we are pleased to be able to implement the final stage of this creative project on the Coast,” Mayor Matthews said.

“We want to help initiate conversations and reduce the stigma around mental health issues and assure the community there are great local services out there should they need it.” 
 
The community are encouraged to follow Central Coast Council Facebook and Twitter accounts during October to find clues on where the birds are hidden and for helpful information and tips for improving mental health and supporting those around them.
 
For more information go to centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/mentalhealth
 
#lostbirdfoundcentralcoast @lostbirdfoundproject #lostbirdfoundproject #centralcoastcouncil 
 
If you or anyone you know needs help, contact Lifeline 24-hour crisis line tel: 13 11 14