Mental health is always an important issue, but in 2020 it is even more so due to the year we have experienced. Lakelands Shopping Centre, owned by ISPT, in partnership with the City of Mandurah joined forces this week to raise awareness of the importance of mental health and the different groups and services available within the Lakelands community.
On Thursday 15 October, Lakelands Shopping Centre (located in the northernmost suburb of the city of Mandurah, Western Australia), hosted a Mental Health Week event in the Lakelands Town Square, which connected the community through local interests, play and engagement.
Mental stimulation classes such as Tai Chi, Yoga, Zumba and Meditation were available to the community as well as knitting circles, story time, art lessons plus a host of other craft activities. Local groups supporting Mental Health Awareness in the Lakelands community were also present, including the Mandurah Story Dogs, Lakelands Library & Community Centre, Play2Talk, Lakelands Lads, XYY Syndrome Association of Australia and the Lakelands Community Gardens. Healthy Hands fairies were also on-site on the day to promote hand sanitisation and social distancing.
Lakelands Shopping Centre Manager, Amanda Clarke, said the event connected the community and provided a space to generate awareness for mental health. “We are so proud to be part of such a supportive community in Lakelands; Mental Health is an increasingly important issue in our community and we believe we have a responsibility to showcase the services available to our customers,” she said.
In addition, during Mental Health Week, other local groups hosted displays in-centre, including Helping Minds, Carers WA and Neami. Our Salvo’s Stores tenant also held free art workshops in the Lakelands Town Square led by a local volunteer. Add to this the Mental Health Week selfie station where customers could win $100 for sharing their selfies, it’s fair to say Lakelands well and truly covered all bases to help reduce the stigma around mental health.
If you or someone you know needs urgent support, contact the Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.
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