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Bonding over a barbecue

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Having a yarn: Community members had a yarn about their mental health experiences during the Njernda mental health barbecue. Photo by Steve Huntley

Njernda invited community members to speak up about their struggles with mental health at their mental health barbecue on August 5.

Working Together For Health employee and barbecue organiser Chris Cooper said the aim of the day was to provide a casual yet safe space for people to have open conversations about their mental health.

He said the pandemic was an “isolating time” for everyone, which is why it’s imperative to have these discussions “in a face-to-face capacity.”

Healthcare professionals were on-site to not only present speeches, but to deliver tailored advice and guidance about where individuals should go when seeking mental health resources.

Connection and community: Leon Weekly, Darren Chatfield, William Chatfield and Chris Cooper. Photo by Steve Huntley
All about health: Working Together For Health employee, Chris Cooper delivered a speech about mental health during the pandemic. Photo by Steve Huntley
Speaking up about mental health: Mental health liaison officer from Bendigo Health, Allison Clark. Photo by Steve Huntley
Coming together for a good cause: Leon Weekly and William Chatfield. Photo by Steve Huntley
Support system: Working Together For Health employee Chris Cooper with mental health liaison officer from Bendigo Health, Allison Clark. Photo by Steve Huntley