Mental health support diaries now available

To mark the one-year anniversary of the 2019-20 bushfires, Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN) has released a 2021 diary, full of helpful information about mental health and wellbeing. The diary is free to people living in the Murrumbidgee region.

MPHN CEO Melissa Neal said the new diaries were supported by a number of local businesses and organisations, including several new supporters.

“We’re grateful to have the support of the Department of Primary Industries, the National Bushfire Recovery Agency, and Rural Aid this year,” Ms Neal said.

“I would like to thank all of our supporters for helping us deliver these diaries to those most in need.”

MPHN Bushfire Response Lead Maja Asmus said the diaries were a joint initiative of the Australian Government’s Empowering Our Communities program and the Supporting the Mental Health of Australians Affected by Bushfires measure.

“Through this funding, we’re rolling out a range of support initiatives to help people and communities to recover from the effects of the 2019-20 bushfires, and this diary is one strategy to help build local community capacity and to reduce stigma around mental health,” Ms Asmus said.

“Scattered throughout the diary are tips for managing stress, practicing self-care, how to identify if someone might need support, dos and don’ts of Christmas, when you should seek help for depression, and most importantly where to go to seek help.

“With the help of our supporters, people across the Murrumbidgee will be able to collect their diary from Ag ‘n’ Vet, IK Caldwell, and Hutcheon & Pearce shopfronts, as well as from Rabobank in Wagga Wagga and Griffith. Snowy Valleys Council, Greater Hume Shire Council and Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council will also distribute diaries.  

“People accessing services from Riverina and Murray Local Land Services, and the Rural Financial Counselling Service through the NSW Southern region are also able to collect a diary. Diaries will also be available from Farm Gate Workers and at events funded by our Bushfire Recovery Grants.”

Other supporters of the diaries include Delta Agribusiness, Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD), NSW Farmers, Ricegrowers’ Association of Australia, Riverina Joint Organisation, and Riverina and Murray Joint Organisation.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health emergency call the Murrumbidgee Accessline 1800 011 944, Mental Health Line 1800 011 511, Lifeline 13 11 14, or call 000. Or to access the Head to Health website visit www.headtohealth.org.au.