Bundaberg Regional Council is encouraging residents to foster conversations and break down barriers and stigma around mental health as part of the Our Stories Our Community campaign.
In conjunction with Queensland Mental Health Week (8 to 16 October), the initiative will provide an opportunity for locals to share their own mental health experiences online while supporting others.
Council's Community Services portfolio spokesperson Cr Tracey McPhee said the Our Stories Our Community campaign worked to spread awareness of mental health and foster inclusion by bringing people together through the power of experiences.
“Residents are encouraged to share their experiences or thoughts in regards to mental health,” she said.
“Sharing will help build our region’s understanding of mental health in general. It will normalise the conversation and hopefully educate our community on the recovery process,”
“Achieving the above is only possible with the whole community’s participation through submitting stories, anecdotes, experiences with positive outcomes or learnings or words of support.”
How to submit to Our Stories Our Community
Cr McPhee said story submissions were now being taken here.
“Some submission ideas include ‘what would make it easier for me to go about my daily life in community?’ or ‘what have I learnt through my struggles or experience with mental health?” she said.
“Once submissions are collated, they will be made available online for the community to read and provide positive responses to.”
Cr McPhee said the second part of the project included an exhibition at Hinkler Central during Queensland Mental Health Week.
“The exhibition will feature 40-word submissions capturing your main message, which will then be showcased on postcards at Hinkler Central Shopping Centre to encourage more conversation,” she said.
“With these experiences, stories and heartened words of support we hope to build a sense of belonging and community connections while reducing stigma and discrimination.”
To find out more or to submit your story or message click here.
This project is funded partially by the Queensland Mental Health Commission through the Queensland Mental Health Week Community Events Grant Program.
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