Supporting the Mental Health of Drought Affected Communities

Tamworth: A major impact of drought within communities is the effect it has on individual’s mental health and wellbeing, due to extreme and prolonged periods of stress and uncertainty.

Tackling the issue of mental health head-on, supporting her local community of Tamworth and surrounding region, Melissa Butler, Area Manager – western NSW, at IPAR and her team are spearheading a free mental health support and educational program to raise the topic of and safeguard the mental health of small businesses, families and individuals affected by drought.

IPAR partnered with the Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network (HNECC PHN) to raise an Empowering our Communities grant, funding the project and delivery of much-needed mental health education and a community support program to be delivered across 10 western NSW locations, including outreach areas.

These free sessions, comprising a formal presentation followed by informal drop-in centre, are scheduled at:

Dubbo
Monday 9 March, 12 noon
Dubbo Regional Council, Ground Floor Conference Room West, Cnr Church and Darling St, Dubbo

Nyngan
Tuesday 10 March, 9am
Nyngan Town Hall, 71 Cobar Street

Bourke
Wednesday 11 March, 9am
Bourke Shire Council, 29 Mitchell Street

Bingara
Monday 23 March, 9am
Bingara Council, 74 Maitland Street

Moree
Monday 23 March, 2pm till 5pm
Moree Family Support Service, 21 Auburn Street

Tamworth
Friday 17 April, 11:30am
Calrossy Anglican School, Brisbane Street

Coonabarabran
Monday 20 April, 10am
Coonabarabran Council, in the Gallery Room, Warrumbungle Shire Council

Inverell
Monday 4 May, 11am
Inverell Public Library, Campbell Street

Tenterfield
Tuesday 5 May, 9am
Tenterfield Bowling Club, Corner of Molesworth and Station Street

Dates and locations are to be confirmed for Gunnedah, so please check back here for further updates.

For further information, please contact Melissa Butler via mbutler@ipar.com.au or 0434 524 870.