Di Gill, Tom Norris, Mayor Phyllis Miller, Claire Nicholson, Mayor Ken Keith, Ross Williams and Marg Applebee. Photo: Jenny Kingham
An exciting new collaboration between Gotcha4Life, Landcare NSW, the Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP) and Surf Lifesaving NSW has led to the opportunity to bring new programs to the Parkes and Forbes Shires with a focus on building mental fitness.
The four organisations saw the opportunity to work together in regional, rural, and coastal areas in NSW by delivering workshops and training focussed on the concept of ‘prevention through connection’.
Forbes Shire Mayor, Cr Phyllis Miller and Parkes Shire Mayor, Cr Ken Keith OAM have expressed the support of both Councils for the outlay of programs. After several years of drought and then COVID-19, now is the time to continue working on these important aspects of our community health.
Gotcha4Life is a not-for-profit foundation dedicated to connecting corporate Australia, government, community and NFP to help prevent and reduce instances of poor mental health in Australia.
Founder of Gotcha4Life and television and radio personality, Gus Worland said:
“Our vision at Gotcha4Life is a world where people are open, honest and supportive in their relationships and comfortable to express themselves when they are not ok. We envisage a society in which everyone has a Gotcha4Life mate who they can open-up to and rely on no matter what.”
Marg Applebee, Coordinator for Central West Lachlan Landcare, and Di Gill, RAHMHP Consultant are pleased to be working with Gotcha4Life to help activate these programs in the Parkes and Forbes Shires.
The RAMHP currently has 20 Coordinators who live and work across NSW who connect people to local services and information.
RAMHP Manager Tessa Caton said continuing to find new ways of building mental fitness and capacity in rural communities was absolutely essential after the challenges 2020 has brought.
For guidelines on safe media reporting about suicide, mental ill-health and alcohol and other drugs, head to Mindframe on https://mindframe.org.au/