HERE TO HELP: (back) O'Brien Centre chair Helen Worsley, volunteers John Peters and Jenny Sams and Claudette Elliott, (front) O'Brien Centre consumer worker Jenny Coleman and Bubbles the Clown Photo: JUDE KEOGH 1004obrien1
October is Mental Health Month and O’Brien Centre chair Helen Worsley said their information stand at Post Office Lane yesterday was well received by the community.
“It’s wonderful actually seeing people come up and wanting to talk about mental health,” she said.
Mrs Worsley said over 200 information packs were handed out at the stand that contained a range of general mental health brochures.
Depression can come along when you least expect it Mr Peters said and a number of circumstances in his life have had a big impact on his depression.
“I’ve lost friends when they suicided ... these sort of things affect you too,” he said.
Mr Peters encouraged people to seek help and not be afraid if they are having any sort of mental health issues.
“If I could go back I would not be afraid to seek help,” he said.
“Don’t be afraid to speak to your doctor or anyone about mental health.
“Don’t be afraid of what’s going on inside your head ... it can be painful, very painful but there’s no need to take it out on yourself or others.”
Open sessions are held every Thursday from 9am to 2pm with a range of activities on offer including music, bingo and pottery.
The O’Brien Centre is located in the Bloomfield campus, enter via the Riverside gate.
Cost is $3 to come along and lunch is included.
nadine.morton@ruralpress.com