Shire of Manjimup to curb mental illness
MEDIA RELEASE - Shire of Manjimup to curb mental illness
June 2016
The Shire of Manjimup has recently signed a memorandum of understanding to adopt the Western Australian Act-Belong-Commit in a bid to create a more mentally healthy region.
Act-Belong-Commit is a world first program developed by Curtin University that encourages everyone to take action to protect and strengthen their mental health and wellbeing.
Shire President Wade DeCampo explained how sometimes people are so caught up with preventing physical illness that often mental illnesses and problems get ignored or forgotten. "We all seem to know what we need to do to remain mentally healthy, but we neglect that element of our wellbeing because we're busy or because we are caring for other people."
"The best part is, for most of us, strengthening our mental health is as simple as doing things you enjoy, and doing them more often" said Cr DeCampo.
"Spending time with friends and family, taking up a hobby, going out into nature, volunteering and attending local community events not only makes you feel good but also contributes to happiness and good mental health"
"In fact anything that is new and challenging that personally interests you will give you a boost" he said.
The Act-Belong-Commit campaign prescribes being active, building a sense of belonging and having a sense of meaning and purpose in life for good mental health.
"There are a number of elements to Act-Belong-Commit, which extends to being committed to helping your friends and loved ones with their own mental health," Cr DeCampo said.
"Becoming a part of the program coincidentally aligns with the Community Mental Health Forum that was held in Manjimup on the 2nd of June by Rotary. We are all in on this together, as a community, and the Shire of Manjimup is committed to boosting the mental health of our people."
To find out more about the program, visit www.manjimup.wa.gov.au/actbelongcommit or phone Sharon Wilkinson from the Shire of Manjimup on 9771 7777.
-ENDS-
Authorised by Andrew Campbell, Chief Executive Officer
Contact Gina Nieuwendyk, Coordinator Communication and Executive Support
Contact: 9771 7777
Contact for comment: Wade DeCampo, Shire President.
Contact: 0427 094 081
