People gathered at the Queen Elizabeth Oval in Bendigo this week to celebrate the launch of Mental Health Matters to Us All.

The posters, postcards and flyers are designed to increase awareness of the prevalence and symptoms of mental illness, reduce stigma, and reassure people that, with the right support, recovery is possible.

The set of visual aids was created by Bendigo Loddon Primary Care Partnership's Mental A to Z Network, in partnership with 20 of the region’s health and community organisations.

Almost half of all Australian adults will experience a mental illness at some point in their lives, and 24 per cent of young people suffer from anxiety, substance use disorders, or other mental illnesses. 

MAZN member and Hope Assistance Local Tradies Australia co-founder Jeremy Forbes said most people have a mate or family member who have experienced mental illness.

“For many of us it’s hard to know how to support our loved ones and finding the right advice can be tricky if you don’t know where to start”, he said.

He hoped Mental Health Matters to Us All would encourage people to talk to their mates, colleagues and family members about mental health. 

“Services are available locally - with the right help and a good support network, people can recover to lead healthy, productive and satisfying lives,” Mr Forbes said. 

Representatives from organisations supporting Mental Health Matters to Us All attended the launch.

They included: Bendigo Loddon Primary Care Partnership, Aftercare, Anglicare Victoria, Bendigo Community Health Services, Bendigo & District Aboriginal Cooperative, Bendigo Health, CareConnect, City of Greater Bendigo, Compeer Program, HALT Australia, Headspace Bendigo, Heathcote Health, Inglewood & District Health Services, Marist College Bendigo, Mental Health First Aid, Mind Australia, SPAN Central Victoria, St John of God Hospital Bendigo, StandBy Response Service and Women’s Health Loddon Mallee