Hinchinbrook Shire Council is today encouraging staff and community members to acknowledge the impact of mental health and wellbeing of those around them as part of Wellbeing Wednesday.
“There is no sugar coating the impact on the Region. The suicide rate in Ingham, has historically been 2.8 times the state average,” said Mayor, Ramon Jayo.
“Sadly, many of our staff have been impacted by the suicide of a family member or colleague. That is why Council considered utilising the funding provided under the Queensland Health Localised Mental Health Grant Initiative to conduct this Wellbeing Wednesday event.”
Wellbeing Wednesday is a day for Council staff and community partners to come together and connect and raise community awareness, as part of Queensland Mental Health Week and National Safety month.
Council has partnered with Trade Mutt, Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre, Queensland Police Service, Queensland Ambulance Service, Standby Uniting Care, Brighter Super and the Wholebeing Initiative to embrace the initiative.
Council’s Chief Executive Officer, Kelvin Tytherleigh said Council will be introducing colourful TradeMutt shirts (pictured) into its Uniform Policy at today’s Wellbeing Wednesday event.
“As part of Wellbeing Wednesday, our participating community partners, who are often on the frontline of mental health crisis response, will also be issued TradeMutt shirts for their teams,” said Mr Tytherleigh.
The Founding Directors of TradeMutt, Ed Ross and Dan Allen, will be attending as keynote speakers.
“TradeMutt make the invisible issue of mental health impossible to ignore, all the while supporting intervention counselling through their mental health hotline, This is a Conversation Starter (TIACS) program,” he said.
Council’s Wellbeing Wednesday will commence with a group suicide awareness walk from Lannercost Street to the TYTO Conference and Events Centre, with both staff and community partners wearing the newly introduced colourful TradeMutt shirts.
Council staff will have the opportunity to network, listen to Keynote Speakers and attend a yoga or TYTO Wetlands Walk for their wellbeing. Exhibits and resources will also be on display that align with Queensland Health’s program of, ‘Dear Mind, remember to make time for you’.
Council will today also introduce 15 newly accredited Mental Health First Aiders. The Mental Health First Aid training was expertly delivered by Philipa Harris from Community Mental Health Education, Council said in a statement.
Key stakeholders and partners – TradeMutt, Queensland Police Service, Queensland Ambulance Service, selectability, Wholebeing Initiative, StandBy – Uniting Care, Brighter Super and Hinchinbrook Community Support Centre – will come together to assist with the key message of the day.
This project was funded by Queensland Health under the Localised Mental Health Grant.
“Council is looking to offer community organisations, clubs, sporting groups and individuals free Mental Health First Aid training in an effort to provide even more people with the confidence to help.”
“Participants will gain the knowledge and skills to know when and how to offer first aid for a mental health problem. Keep an eye on Council’s Facebook page for further information relating to this training in 2023,” Council said in a statement.
