Pearls Place chairperson Louise Maud is calling on the community to band together in support of people experiencing a mental illness.
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Along with around 30 other Sapphire Coast residents, Ms Maud participated in a two day Mental Health first aid course last week where she was surprised at the reported prevalence of mental illnesses in the Bega Valley and the lack of support for those in need.
“We need to remove the stigma surrounding mental health issues and people need to know how to recognise someone who may be struggling with a mental illness and how we can respond to them,” she said.
Whilst people often know about common physical health problems, ignorance of mental health is prevalent. First aid courses are widespread, but most of these do not address helping with mental health problems.
In an attempt to fill this gap, Pearls Place organised the Mental Health First Aid training course in Pambula on Thursday and Friday, August 18-19, and their volunteers, Lumen Christi teachers, Richmond PRA and St Vincent de Paul and Garden of Eden volunteers.
Pearls Place volunteer Gail Eivers has attended a similar course before but said there is always more to learn.
“I really think everyone in the world should be doing this course,” Ms Eivers said. “It makes you really think before you speak, it teaches you to be non-judgemental and gives simple steps to help those in need.”
Rural Adversity Mental Health program coordinator Jennie Keioskie said the course is particularly important because statistics show that only around 25 per cent of people experiencing a mental illness seek professional help.
“People are much more likely to talk to a family member, friend or community member so people need to be prepared with how to deal with this,” Ms Keioskie said.
“Everyone has a responsibility to talk about mental health, it is the only way we can reduce the stigma and create a community of support.”
Since last week, Ms Keioskie has already been asked to run more Mental Health first aid training sessions in the Bega Valley.