Emma Pritchard
It all starts with a question.
Are you ok?
Inspired by their passion to break the stigma surrounding mental health, Clarence Valley residents Avery Brown, Bianca Bright, and Coffs/Clarence Police District Chief Inspector Jo Reid united to share their private and professional stories and experiences with an appreciative audience during a special fundraising dinner, held at the Clocktower Hotel in Grafton on September 10.
Organised by Maddy Brown, who was motivated to orchestrate a local event following R U OK Day on September 8, the evening aimed at encouraging people to stay connected with one another, to recognise when others may be experiencing difficult situations, to engage with them in meaningful conversations, and most importantly, to ask if they’re ok.
“We need to break down barriers surrounding the taboo subject which is mental health and suicide awareness, and let people know that it’s ok to reach out and ask for help, and for others to ask those really important questions and provide support when it’s needed,” Miss Brown said.
“Unfortunately, there is also a lot of misconception surrounding mental illness.
“There is this stigma that people afflicted by mental illness are crazy, and we want to work together as a community to change that outlook, educate others, raise awareness and promote change.
“Eight people die by suicide in Australia each day, and it’s estimated that another 30 will attempt to take their own life.
“It’s up to all of us to help make a difference, and we can start by asking, are you ok?”
Mr Brown said as a community, mental health is everyone’s business.
“I’ve been involved in the community for 40 odd years as a volunteer, and as a community we are all responsible for each other,” he said.
“Every day we need to make sure everyone is ok.”
Fellow guest speakers Ms Bright and Chief Inspector Reid spoke of promoting mental health services in rural areas and the relationship between police work and mental health issues respectively.
Chief Inspector Reid addressed the importance of ensuring police have the necessary tools available to look after their mental health in what she described as a demanding and challenging job, and their response to incidents surrounding mental health in the community.
As she thanked the guest speakers, attendees and local businesses for donating raffle prizes on the night, Miss Brown said she hopes the fundraising dinner will become an annual event.