Local MP Anoulack Chanthivong MP has encouraged people to continue the conversation around mental health after the success of his latest Community Health Forum on Body Image and Eating Disorders.

Around 70 people attended the Mental Health Matters forum at the Greg Percival Community Centre in Ingleburn on Thursday 21 June, which was facilitated by Mr Chanthivong in partnership with local mental health advocate Sandra McDonald and One Door Mental Health.

“One of the key messages to come out of the forum is that we need to keep talking about mental health,”
Mr Chanthivong said.

“As a society, we must also continue to break down any stigma so people feel comfortable when talking about their mental health and know the pathways to seek support and connect with local services, whether it be for a person with lived experience, their carers, friends or family.”

“I would like to thank everyone involved in making the forum a huge success, and also thank everyone who came along on the night to learn more about body image and eating disorders or share their own personal experiences.  

Mr Chanthivong has long advocated for greater mental health awareness and services. He hosted his first Mental Health Forum in 2017 on Young People and Anxiety in direct response to a genuine community need for information on this important public health issue and how to connect with local health services.

“I look forward to exploring other opportunities to create greater mental health awareness in our community because mental health matters,” Mr Chanthivong said.

For further information, contact Anoulack’s office on 9618 2077 or at [email protected]