Act Belong Commit (ABC) was launched in Orange on Friday with a positive focus on how residents can keep their mental wellbeing in check.

Family and Community Services business innovation representative Gargi Ganguly, with Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health executive manager of programs and services Trevor Hazell, said Orange was fortunate  in the number of community groups and activities on offer  that appealed to a wide section of the community.

“It is not about having the money to join organisations,” Ms Ganguly said.

“Our focus is to help people get involved and very often the first step for them is a difficult one, as they don’t have the resources to do so.”

Mr Hazell says the launch of Friday’s program, which will also run on social media, is designed to help people feel good about themselves by being physically and socially active.

Mr Gee says while the community is being informed about where they can seek help for a mental illness or at a time of crisis, this program is designed to promote health benefits and help people enjoy life.

“By getting involved in physical and social activities there are benefits of better mental health at work, at home, and in your sporting and professional life,” he said.

“We are encouraging people who are experiencing some hard times to take advantage of the program.”

Orange was chosen to implement the program in NSW after it was deemed a success in Western Australia.

Ms Ganguly said while encouraging people to get involved would be a whole-of-community approach, there would be some focus on Bowen and Glenroi where, in particular areas, there was little engagement with the wider community.

However, Mr Hazel says the success of the program hinges on the whole community getting involved, with the benefit that people who are mentally healthy tend to be more active physically, socially and mentally.

The campaign is a collaborative effort between Family and Community Services, Orange City Council, Housing Plus, Mental Health Department, Department of Education, Department of Sport and Recreation, headspace, OCTEC, Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health and the Orange Chamber of Commerce.

To find out more visit www.actbelongcommit orange.org.au or www.facebook.com/ actbelongcommit orange.