Rockingham group walk for Mental Health Week

Rockingham Peel Group Mental Health Service celebrated Mental Health Week with a Walk for Recovery last Wednesday to highlight the importance of unity and social connection in mental wellbeing.

Staff, consumers, carers, and volunteers walked from the mental health unit at Mimidi Park, around the Rockingham General Hospital campus before returning to listen to speakers share their own mental health struggles.

The Walk for Recovery, which began in 2011, aims to bring people together to reduce the stigma around mental health.

Peer Support Recovery Worker Derek Horlin, who coordinates a weekly community walking group, said the group aimed to address social isolation in the therapeutic environment of Rockingham foreshore.

“Being part of the walking group allows people to link in with the wider community and learn more about employment, education, social and allied health services and networks,” he said.

The Peel Community Mental Health team also held a stall at the Mental Health and Wellbeing Expo in Mandurah, educating the community about the range of services available to them.

Rockingham Peel Group Mental Health Service co-director Anthony Collier said Mental Health Week was a timely reminder of the important role that social and community connections play.

“Mental Health Week activities like these remind people of the importance of our mental wellbeing,” he said.

“The impact of mental illness is significant and it is one of the major health issues in our community.

“By working together and reducing stigma, positive difference is possible.”

The community walking group meets on Mondays at 10am at Churchill Park on the Rockingham Beach Foreshore.

All members of the community and dogs are welcome.