THE Federal Member for Leichhardt, Warren Entsch, will this week welcome the beyondblue bus to Cairns and Port Douglas as part of a National Roadshow raising awareness of mental illness.
“beyondblue is working hard to encourage all Australians to put the spotlight on mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety, and encourage those suffering to seek help,” said Mr Entsch.
“The statistics are high ? one?in?six of us will experience depression, and one?in?four of us will experience anxiety at some stage of our life.
“The biggest tragedy, though, is that over half of those who suffer from these mental health illnesses do it alone. We need to foster a community here in the Far North that encourages people to take the first step and ask for help.”
Mr Entsch welcomed the opportunity to attend the Roadshow’s launch in Canberra in
February with beyondblue Chairman and former Victorian Premier Jeff Kennett AC
(pictured).
The Leichhardt MP has been a passionate, long?time advocate for mental health services in the region, recently delivering on a $350,000 election commitment for a Cairns Clubhouse, an informal meeting place for people with mental health challenges.
The beyondblue bus arrives in Cairns on Friday 19 September and will hold a community barbecue from 1pm ? 3pm at Worklink’s Westcourt office (209 Lyons Street).
It will then attend the Palm Cove Night Markets from 5pm and, on Saturday, park at the Esplanade Market.
Port Douglas residents will have the opportunity to visit the beyondblue bus at the Port
Douglas Markets in Anzac Park on Sunday from 8am until 1pm. It will then travel south to Townsville and Mackay before ending its Queensland Roadshow in Brisbane on 18
November.
“Even if you don’t get a chance to visit the bus while it’s here, you can call the beyondblue team anytime on 1300 224 636,” said Mr Entsch.
“The first step is the hardest, but by opening up about how you feel and what you’re going through you’ll find there is help and support available.”