Macquarie Fields MP Anoulack Chanthivong MP will host a Mental Health Matters monthly video series from July through to October on a range of mental health issues, featuring special guests and providing important information on access to local services.

The series follows on from Mr Chanthivong’s successful annual Community Mental Health Forums held in partnership with local mental health organisation, Beautiful Minds South-West Sydney.

“Given the ongoing uncertainty with COVID-19 restrictions, it was decided a video series for 2021 would be the best platform to continue the important conversation on mental health awareness. The lockdown has certainly reminded us all to look after our mental health and reach out to each other during this difficult time,” Mr Chanthivong said.

“The series will cover a range of mental health issues and feature discussions with experts in the sector to help connect people with information and local services.

“Mental health is an ongoing concern in our community and my series of videos will help to reduce the stigma often associated with mental ill health and provide avenues for support.

“I look forward to hosting this series in 2021 because Mental Health Matters,” Mr Chanthivong said. 

President of Beautiful Minds South-West Sydney, Cheryl Paradella, said now more than ever it was important to continue the conversation on mental health.

“The devastating impact of the bushfires, closely followed by the COVID-19 pandemic, has had an enormous impact on mental health in our community. Beautiful Minds South-West Sydney looks forward to partnering with Anoulack on his latest community health series to demonstrate that ‘Mental Health Matters’.

“I would like to thank Anoulack for his continued advocacy in this area to help increase mental health awareness and continue this important conversation in our community, which is needed now more than ever,” Ms Paradella said.  

The video series will be posted on Anoulack’s Facebook page on the last Friday of each month, July through to October.

Speakers and topics are as follows:

July:                            
Caring for someone with mental ill health
Cheryl Paradella
President, Beautiful Minds South-West Sydney

August:                      
Mental wellness during a pandemic and natural disasters
Associate Professor Jill Newby
Black Dog Institute

September:             
Self-harm generation: why they do it and what to do about it
Dr Paul Fung
Clinical Director Enhanced Services - Uniting

October:                   
Mental Health Matters – Let’s Keep Talking
Mr Ashley de Silva
ReachOut Australia CEO

For more information contact 9618 2077.