Plant a flower, create a field a hope.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
That’s what around 150 Illawarra residents plan to do at MacCabe Park on Friday, as part of their celebrations for Mental Health Month.
The Picnic in the Park event has been organised by mental health peer workers and TAFE students undertaking a certificate IV in mental health peer work.
“The theme of Mental Health Month is ‘share the journey’ and this year’s event in Wollongong enables people to come together, have fun and share a meal,” peer worker Tim Heffernan said.
“Also to highlight well-being we will be creating the field of hope, by asking people to design and make flowers.
“These will be planted on the day as a symbolic reminder of people’s struggles with mental health, or of the people they may have lost along the way.”
Information and activity stalls will be set up, while entertainment and some food options will be available at the event which runs from 11am to 3pm.
TAFE student Kathryn Fitzpatrick urged community members to join in the celebrations.
“It’s about breaking down stigma and providing information to the wider community,” she said. “I don’t understand the stigma around mental illness – anyone can get it and everyone deserves help for it.”
People can bring flowers, or make them on the day.
A range of mental health services are taking part in the event, including Neami, Wellways, Grand Pacific Health, ARAFMI and the local health district.
Wollongong’s Picnic in the Park and Field of Hope
- Friday, October 12, 11am to 2pm
- MacCabe Park, Wollongong