Art and craft as therapeutic mediums are central to a series of local workshops being held during national Mental Health Month.
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The workshops are called ‘Stories of Recovery - A Creative Journey’ and members of the Shoalhaven community of all ages and creative abilities are invited to participate.
People can explore what living with a mental health issue is and what going on a recovery journey means.
The workshops are being run by two local community-based mental health support organisations - Flourish Australia (formerly Richmond PRA) and Aftercare FACES (Family and Carer Education and Support).
Flourish Australia Manager Karina Lindsay hopes the workshops will be a success.
“Art is such a powerful medium for people to express themselves, promote a sense of hope and mix with other people, all of which are important when going on a mental health recovery journey,” she said.
“We have a qualified art therapist on hand to help participants get the most out of the workshops.
“The workshops are for those who have lived experience of a mental health issue but also for the community in general.
“One in four people have a lived experience of a mental health issue. It’s something that reaches into all corners of the community and the more we can do to raise awareness and understanding the better.
“Most people with a mental health issue can recover if they get the right help at the right time.”
The workshops will be held in Nowra Scout Hall (cnr Jervis St and Shaolhaven St) on Friday October 7 from 1.pm- to 3pm, Vincentia Community Hall on Wednesday October 5 from 1pm to 3pm and the Ulladulla Dunn and Lewis Centre on Thursday October 6 from 1pm to 3pm.
The workshops will conclude with an exhibition of participants’ works in Jelly Bean Park (Woolworths Carpark), Nowra on Thursday October 13 at the "Let’s talk about Mental Health Shoalhaven" event.
Anyone wishing to participate should book through Karina Lindsay at Flourish Australia (02) 9393 9535 or Maria Houben at Aftercare Family and Carer Education and Support program (02) 44 22 1547.
