Mental Health Matters Round wraps up this weekend in Whyalla
This year’s Mental Health Matters Round has reached its final weekend, with residents encouraged to take advantage of the remaining opportunities to meet athletes, take part in local sporting and community activities, and learn more about mental health and wellbeing.
A different element of this year’s round is custom Speak & Share merchandise created specifically for Whyalla and Mental Health Matters Round. Developed through Whyalla City Council’s partnership with Speak & Share, the merchandise is being worn throughout this year’s activities and provides another way to reinforce the importance of conversations about mental health.
More than 10 Speak & Share sessions have already been delivered this week, including programs at local schools, sporting clubs, workplaces and mine sites. Speak & Share is a preventative mental health charity focused on early intervention, education and reducing stigma. Its programs help people build the knowledge and confidence to support their own wellbeing and look out for others.
You can find out more about Speak & Share here.
The program continues on Friday 21 August with a Football Night Activation during the South Whyalla and North Whyalla match. Former AFL players will attend, alongside inflatable games, family activities, giveaways, live music and representatives from Speak & Share.
On Saturday 22 August, Wanderers will play Croatia as part of a Soccer Mental Health Matters Round Activation. National-level players will attend, with family activities, face painting and representatives from Speak & Share also available.
Mental Health Matters Round football matches will also be held between Roopena and Weeroona Bay at Bennett Oval and Central Whyalla and West Whyalla at Memorial Oval.
On Sunday 23 August, Lions will play Steel at Worsnop Park.
The final weekend will conclude with the Speak. Share. Move. community event at Ada Ryan Gardens on Sunday morning. Participants can walk, jog or run either a three-kilometre or five-kilometre course, with a free community breakfast available.
You can register for Speak. Share. Move. here.
Temporary road closures will be in place along sections of the foreshore course from 7.30am until 9.30am. Motorists are asked to follow traffic controls.
Council’s Youth Activation Officer Chloe Fisher said the partnership was broadening the reach of this year’s program.
“We’re excited to be working alongside Speak & Share to deliver activities that reach people of all ages and backgrounds, whether that’s through schools, sporting clubs, workplaces or community events,” Ms Fisher said.
“The program has something for everyone, and we encourage residents to get involved, attend an event and support the important message that mental health matters.”
A huge thank you to our sponsors – MHMR would not be possible without your support!
- Alligator Energy
- Medicare Mental Health
- Workforce Extensions
- Stassi Consulting Engineers
- Whyalla Suicide Prevention Network
- Tilt Renewables
- Connected and Active Communities.
Need Support? If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available:
- In an emergency, call 000
- You can reach out to local services here in Whyalla, click here
- For a variety of 24/7 helplines, click here
Stay up-to-date on the Mental Health Matters Round here, where you can also check out highlights from previous events.