Mental health unites town

Local organisations and the public came together to break down the stigma surrounding mental health last week.

As part of the nationally acknowledged Mental Health Week, the town hosted events to raise awareness.

Activities included mosaic tiling, glitter tattoos, making body scrubs, a movie night, painting trees blue and a two-day junior basketball carnival.

A range of organisations were on hand to host the activities and give the community valuable information about mental health, including BRAMS, KAMS, Anglicare, Centacare Kimberley, Broome PCYC, Garnduwa and Headspace Broome.

Centacare Kimberley team member Kim Harris said the activities held for all ages was a fantastic way to bring the community and local services together.

“(Having all these events) galvanises all the great people out there working in the community to put in prevention strategies to address mental health,” he said.

“We want prevention strategies rather than cures and there’s some amazing people that are living in remote communities and play a leadership role for people to talk to.

“It’s all about coming together to break down the stigma surrounding mental health illness and disorders and show people it’s OK to talk to someone if you’re not doing well.”