The Village Green was painted blue on Friday for the annual Northam Mental Health Week event, Turn Up In Blue Day.
The event was organised by the Wheatbelt Mental Health Manager’s Forum which consists of representatives from local agencies who work with people with mental health issues across the wheatbelt.
The organisations that took part included the Wheatbelt Aboriginal Health Service, Holyoake, Wheatbelt Mental Health Service, Avivo, Mental Health Fellowship of WA, Keedac, WA Primary Health Alliance, Avon Youth, Share and Care and the Central Wheatbelt Primary Health Service.
The event highlighted the importance of openly conversing about mental health within a community and providing options to people who need assistance.
Attendees were encouraged to dress in blue for the occasion, and did not disappoint.
Blue hats made specifically for the event were handed out, blue cupcakes were given as quiz prizes and bunches of blue balloons scattered the park.
Interactive program DRUMBEAT was at the event, which uses drums and rhythm to help individuals understand their emotions in a fun way.
If you or someone you know is at risk you can contact the numbers listed below for free.
Lifeline on 13 11 14, beyondblue on 1300 22 4636, the Mental Health Emergency Response on 1300 555 788 (Metro) or 1800 676 822 (Peel) or RuralLink on 1800 522 002.
Carla Hildebrandt
Journalist at the Mandurah Mail
Journalist at the Mandurah Mail
