October is mental health month. Latest figures show that two in five Australians will experience mental ill health at some point in their lives.
Next month serves as an important reminder to take time to care for ourselves and those around us, to fight to reduce the stigma and discrimination associated with mental health conditions and to continue to educate ourselves.
Whether it touches us personally, our family, friends or community, mental ill health impacts all our lives. But there are many ways we can show our support:
Become a volunteer
Anthony volunteers as a Crisis Support worker at Uniting’s Lifeline in Prahran.
He supports people over the phone who may be facing a mental health crisis, and those who call asking for advice about a loved one or friend in trouble.
“I truly feel that I am making a difference,” said Anthony.
“My role is to be their ally, to let them know they are not alone, to acknowledge what they are going through and how it impacts them.”
Since volunteering at Lifeline, Anthony has found his outlook on life has shifted.
“This role gives me a lot of perspective. It serves as a reminder to feel grateful for what I have, and to equally recognise when to call out for help,” he said.
“I feel very grateful being able to do this role and I always leave work feeling positive.”
Learn more about volunteering at Lifeline
Fundraise with us
You can partner with Uniting to raise vital funds for those who need mental health assistance.
Step out of your comfort zone, try something new and enjoy exercise. All things that help to promote and improve our mental health. Whether you walk, run, ride, or swim, there’s a fun challenge out there for you.
How you can fundraise for us
Meet Team Life Cycle.
Earlier this year, a team of nine passionate cyclists took on the Murray to Moyne relay event to raise money for Uniting’s mental health services.
The team rode 520km all up, from Echuca to Port Fairy over two days.
“It was a buzz, an achievement, a team-bonding experience, fun, fabulous, fascinating and all in a good cause. We raised $5,627 for Uniting’s headspace program in Horsham,” said the team’s captain, Chris Morfoot.
Donate
Donating to our services is a great way to make a tangible impact your way.
Uniting delivers many vital mental health services within Victoria and Tasmania’s community including operating Lifelines in Ballarat and Prahran, headspace in Horsham, the Engagement Hub in St Kilda, the Hearing Voices program in Prahran and St Kilda and many more.
You can donate today to support our mental health programs
Just because your mental health is your own, doesn’t mean you have to manage it by yourself. If any of this content has been triggering for you, please reach out to:
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Respect: 1800 737 732
