The Community Services Expo, organised by Campaspe Shire Council with community support, will be held at Kyabram Memorial Gardens on Thursday October 10.
Timed to coincide with World Mental Health Day, the expo will offer practical, reliable resources for individuals navigating mental health challenges.
Lifeline, a round-the-clock helpline for people in emotional crisis, received nearly 59,000 calls from Victorians in just the first three months of 2024.
In the same time period, Kids Helpline - a mental health organisation for kids, teens and young adults - reported 5842 contacts were made in Victoria.
Campaspe Shire Council acting chief executive Michael Sharp said the expo would help destigmatise the topic in the community and provide individuals with outlets for assistance.
"Across Australia, mental health affects a significant portion of our population and unfortunately, the stigma attached to mental health conditions sometimes prevents many people from seeking the help they need,“ he said.
“Events like this are crucial in providing a safe space to engage in these conversations, support one another, and access vital resources.”
With sponsorship by the Community Bank Kyabram & District, attendees can expect to see stalls from local businesses, health providers and community groups from across the shire.
Other supporters include the Loddon Mallee Public Health Unit, Kyabram P-12 College, Aldara Yenara Aboriginal Corporation, Kyabram District Health Service, Headspace Echuca, Anglicare Victoria, Greater Bendigo-Loddon-Campaspe Mental Health & Wellbeing local, Njernda Aboriginal Corporation and Echuca Community Mental Health.
Attendees can enjoy hands-on arts and crafts activities with the Aldara Yenara Aboriginal Corporation, as well as a friendly community barbecue run by local volunteers.
The event will run from 11am to 2pm in the Kyabram Memorial Gardens with no bookings required.
More information can be found on the Campaspe Shire Council website.
If you or someone you know needs assistance or is at risk please contact: Lifeline on 131 114 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.
