Happy minds, happy lives at the Positive Wellness Recovery CentreIn light of World Mental Health Day observed earlier this month, the Positive Wellness Recovery Centre in Kalkallo recently hosted a celebratory and informative event featuring a series of fun, engaging, and entertaining activities.Celebrated annually on October 10, the awareness day seeks to address a new …
Happy minds, happy lives at the Positive Wellness Recovery Centre
In light of World Mental Health Day observed earlier this month, the Positive Wellness Recovery Centre in Kalkallo recently hosted a celebratory and informative event featuring a series of fun, engaging, and entertaining activities.
Celebrated annually on October 10, the awareness day seeks to address a new mental health topic each year, with this year’s theme ‘Mental health at work,’ highlighting the importance of creating a safe, happy, and healthy working environment for all.
At the Cameron Street event, African drumming, dancing, VR-meditation, and a panel discussion on natural disaster preparedness provided attendees with a range of activities and topics to dive into, bringing many a compassionate, well-knowing head nod and equally as many a smile to new and familiar faces.
Positive Wellness Recovery Centre Managing Director Francis Acquah, who has consulted on several trans-cultural projects, addressed attendees on the day by welcoming all to further engage with the foundation.
“We want an open-door policy,” he said.
“We want people to come here to look after their wellness, not just their illness. From feeling lonely at home to coming and participating in activities … drumming and dancing for your life. We’re going to have art therapy … so we open these doors for a range of things.
“But we also do things to prepare the community … floods or fires. So we’re here today … we’ve had Rescue Victoria, we’ve had the SES, Ambulance Victoria. We have a project funded by the State Government called Project Sunrise for drug and alcohol [abuse], so we thank you for your presence.”
Member for McEwen Rob Mitchell was also in attendance on the day, presenting an honest and empathetic speech to avid listeners.
“Talking about mental wellness is the key,” he said.
“When we talk about a mental illness, it puts the negative connotation on it, and what we’ve got to do is take that stigma away … and make sure we talk about it in a positive manner.
“We do lots of things like R U OK? Day … but it’s not those one days we need to do it. We need to focus every single day.
“A day like today is so important because it brings everyone together and [is] a great opportunity.
“But the underlying message is that it’s up to each and every one of us to make sure that we do talk about wellness … you’ve got to make sure you talk.
“We should say ‘Hey, things are not travelling the best, I want to talk to someone.’
“As my father always said, we have one mouth and two ears, so let’s listen twice as much as we talk.”
To learn more about the Positive Wellness Recovery Centre, visit www.pwrc.com.au.
