Sutherland Shire Council is getting behind Mental Health Month by hosting a number of events throughout October.
The council wants residents to tune into their mental health by boosting their personal well-being at activities including art workshops, bushwalking, yoga, tai chi, mindfulness programs and seminars that focus on resilience, nutrition, hope and managing stress.
Some of the events are held in person while others are online and all are part of the Tune in Festival, which has seen the council partner with South Eastern Sydney Local Health District through its St George & Sutherland Community Mental Health Service arm.
The festival has the backing of a number of peak mental health and community service organisations, including Headspace, The Disability Trust, New Horizons, 3Bridges Community and Trusted Support.
It will end on Saturday with an online concert featuring Sydney-based charity 'Mostly Mad Music' and local musician Dylan Wright.
Sutherland Shire Mayor Steve Simpson said he hoped the events inspired discussion and raised community awareness of mental health.
"Regardless of whether you have a lived experience of mental health challenges or not, these programs provide the opportunity to develop skills and insights to support mental well-being in our everyday lives," councillor Simpson said.
"Many in our community may be experiencing personal hardship and loneliness as we navigate these uncertain circumstances, so it is more important than ever to understand what local support is available for anyone who may need it."
"St George & Sutherland Mental Health Service is excited to be a partner in the 'Tune In Festival' for Mental Health Month 2020 and we have planned a great variety of online and face-to-face events to support and promote mental health and well-being for our community," said its community development co-ordinator Angela Crow.
"Especially at this time, 'tuning in' is so important for resilient communities, families, and individuals. It's fabulous to be able to offer such a wide range of events in such a flexible way which is sure to suit everyone."
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