October is Mental Health Month and Central Coast Council has pulled together a program of online courses and activities to get residents to reflect on their mental health and wellbeing.

Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Julie Vaughan said Council was asking residents to ‘Tune in’ to what is happening to them and around them.

“This year, the National 'Mental Health Month' campaign is asking people to 'Tune In' – Tune In to yourself, Tune In to others, Tune In to your communities, and Tune In to stigma,” Ms Vaughan said.

“Council is partnering with a range of service providers, not just to help the community learn more about mental health, but to give residents practical tools and support to build mental resilience and look after their mental wellbeing.

“Our program includes online webinars with Mental Health organisations like ‘Mind Blank’, an Accidental Counselling training course with the ‘Lifeline Direct Training Support Team’, plus online mindfulness craft workshops, stretch and relaxation classes and more.”

Council Administrator, Rik Hart said this is part of Council’s longstanding commitment to work with the community to solve a range of social and health issues that may impact community wellbeing and vulnerable people.

“From devastating bushfires, drought and floods to a global pandemic, major economic downturns and social isolation, there’s no denying that the past few years have paid a heavy toll on the mental health of our community,” Mr Hart said.

“Key to our community’s recovery from these events is Council’s role in connecting those who need support with education, information and advice, so we are helping to start those important conversations. We aim to reduce the stigma around mental health issues and connect locals to great programs that they can access.”

For more information, search ‘wellbeing’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

View Council’s Mental Health Month event calendar for details and to register.