A sea of rainbow colour will soon wash over the Bundaberg CBD when a flash mob takes to the streets for Mental Health Week awareness.
The event will be held at the Bundaberg Police Beat on Wednesday, 9 October with a large group of people donning colourful outfits and dancing in unison to Nutbush City Limits.
The Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service is organising the activity, which is one of many planned for Queensland Mental Health Week in the Bundaberg Region from 5 October to 13 October.
What's on for Queensland Mental Health Week
The community is invited to take part in a wide range of events to encourage a focus on mental wellness through exercise, fun and creativity.
The activities – which include a dragon boating, ParkRun events, sausage sizzles and the flash mob – are being organised or supported by Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service’s Mental Health team.
Wide Bay Hospital and Health Board Chair Peta Jamieson said it was important for the health service to engage directly with its community, including through fun activities with a serious purpose.
“Queensland Mental Health Week aims to shine a spotlight on what all of us can do to look after our mental health and reach out to those who need support,” Ms Jamieson said.
“As a health service, we want to make sure we’re not only providing the best possible clinical and support services, but also that we can maximise our health promotion opportunities.
“I commend the Mental Health team for driving all of these community events, much of which they have done in their own time because they’re passionate about promoting wellness and encouraging early intervention.”
WBHHS Executive Director of Mental Health and Specialised Services Robyn Bradley said the theme for this year’s Queensland Mental Health Week was “Take time for mental health”.
“The theme this year recognises that, just as with our physical health, our mental health is a priority and we should be taking time out to pay attention to it and nurture it,” Ms Bradley said.
“In supporting Queensland Mental Health Week, our service really wanted to look beyond just the clinical services we provide and focus more heavily on mental wellness.
“That’s why our team has gone to a great deal of effort to organise a range of events that promote wellness through exercise and fitness, creativity, social opportunities, or trying something new in a group atmosphere such as our ‘flash mob’ dance.”
Robyn said members of the community were invited to support these events and to have fun while taking time for their own mental health.
“Our staff volunteering at all the events will be visible in their purple Wide Bay Mental Health t-shirts,” she said.
“They’ll be available if anyone wants to have a chat, ask a question, or find out more about services we provide or mental health and wellness generally.”
Event list:
Saturday, 5 October: ParkRun Bargara, hosted by Wide Bay Mental Health. 5km walk/run at your own pace. 6.45am for a 7am start, Nielson Park, Fred Courtice Dr, Bargara.
Wednesday, 9 October: Flash mob dance, 12.30pm in the CBD/Police Beat area. A small group will start it off, then others are welcome to join.
Thursday, 10 October: Sausage sizzle. 11 am to 1 pm, the rotunda at Alexandra Park, Quay St, Bundaberg, hosted by the Bundaberg Continuing Care Team. All welcome
Saturday, 12 October: ParkRun Bundaberg, hosted by Wide Bay Mental Health. 5 km walk/run at your own pace. 6.45 am for a 7 am start, Queens Park, off Hope St, Bundaberg.
Saturday, 12 October: Dragonboating come and try. Bring a hat, water and sunscreen. Paddle and coaching provided. Anyone over 12 can take part. From 2.30 pm, river end of Wolca St, North Bundaberg.
