student+report

**  Northcote Community Centre   ** **  Friday10th October 2008   ** One of the hurdles that people face with living with a mental illness is the stigma and shame that still to this day surrounds mental illness. I felt that having everyone cramped into the community centre was like let’s do a launch but let’s keep it hidden away. To erect a marque in the adjacent park would open up the issues of mental illness to all who walk through the park not just those inside the walls of the community centre. Breaking down of barriers Better planning of where stalls are to be placed before the event. A detailed map of where each stall will be would be a way to create a better flow through for the day. Take in to consideration how the stalls are placed. For example a mental health stand then TAFE/outreach stand with brochures on counselling and support for those studying at TAFE who have Mental Health Issues, Pine street Stand emphasing craft to assist with good mental health, maybe the students next year could make gratitude bookmarks and assist those that need help in finding five things that even on there darkest day they can be grateful for. A good diverse selection of speakers from many areas within the community was great. To have some speaker who lives with mental illness who could share their stories of overcoming some of the obstacle with support, participation in programs of some of the stall holders. Kind of like showing things full circle. Sausage sizzle appeals too many, but how about serving some healthy green salads and other food that is known to be good for assisting your mental health. BBQ could be outside and a long table could be set up in the community centre with healthy green salads, condiments and some fruit. For all leaders and workers on the day to wear something that identifies they as workers or supporters on the day i.e. scarf around neck, large badge and in my dreams corporate sponsored t-shirts.
 * REPORT ON MENTAL HEALTH WEEK LAUNCH  **
 * The Venue **
 * Organisation of stalls **
 * Speakers **
 * Food **
 * Miscellaneous **