Comedians, singers, dancers and other performers will take to the stage this Friday night (October 26)  to highlight the importance of mental health.

This year, TAFE NSW Nowra Community Services students joined with the Shoalhaven Mental Health Fellowship to help organise the event to gain valuable work experience.

Certificate IV in Community Services student Russell Shepherd said the skills he learned working with the on Crack Up had boosted his employability and his understanding of the scale of mental health issues.

According to the Mental Health Association of NSW almost half of all Australians will experience some form of mental illness during their life.

This coupled with an ageing population in the region is expected to drive employment growth in the health and community services sector.

“As I build a career in this industry it is very likely I would be involved in some sort of community, awareness or fundraising event in the future,” Mr Shepherd said.

“Helping to organise Crack Up as part of my TAFE NSW work placement means I will always have these practical skills and experience to call on.”

Shoalhaven Mental Health Fellowship committee member Ann Frankham said Crack Up was about raising awareness around mental health.

“It’s a way of bringing community from all walks of life together to either perform of enjoy the performance,” she said.

“The main objectives of Crack Up this year are two-fold. One is to raise money for hampers that will be given to people with a mental health issue who will be alone at Christmas. Secondly, we aim to raise awareness of people who have a lived experience with mental health.

“That includes people who have a mental health issue and people who are caring for someone with a mental illness.”

Crack UP will be held at the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre, entry is by gold coin donation.

Doors open at 6pm.

To explore course options in Community Services and other health services visit www.tafensw.edu.au or phone 131 601.