Encouraging result for team member

Mental Health Clinician Jan de Groot, from our Bussleton office,  took part in the Busselton Dunsborough Alliance Against Depression art award for Mental Health Week.  The task was to decorate a mannequin head reflecting the Mental Health Week theme – Strengthening our Community – Live, Learn, Work & Play. 

Jan’s mannequin – “Beauty in Diversity – Stronger Together – celebrates our individuality as part of the broader community. She says, ‘I realised that the meanings of the words live, learn and play are as diverse to each of us as individuals, as we are unique as individuals – yet there is a common thread amongst us all.’

COVID- 19 has highlighted the importance of social determinants of mental health and wellbeing.  And conversely, how mental health can impact social determinants.  This year has taught us that community is very important to us.  We get support from our community and we learn from it too. 
The exhibition was open to consumers, carers and mental health professionals from across the region.  Mental Health Week activities are a way to raise awareness of mental health in our community and reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness – which sadly increases the barriers to people getting care.

The Busselton Dunsborough Alliance Against Depression is a newly established grassroots organisation keen to reduce mental health stigma, promote mental health awareness and reduce barriers to care.