TAFE team make big splash for mental health

Friday, 8 March 2019

Taking part in Albury Wodonga’s annual Big Splash event, team members CEO Mark Dixon, Graham Hart, Justine Rofe and ex-staff member and great friend of TAFE, Kacey Chandler all banded together to battle the splashes on behalf of Wodonga TAFE.

The Big Splash is an annual community event that has been running since 2014. Born from the tragic death of a young Albury Tigers Water Polo Club member, 15 year old Mary Baker, the event is committed to ending the silence and stigma associated with mental health issues and suicide.

Now an ongoing annual event, it has become a major fundraiser for mental health in the Albury Wodonga region with focus on team work, bright fun colours and costumes, lots of laughter and having a great time around the water with friends and family.

Mental health is a significant issue that no community is immune from, all around Australia people are suffering in silence unaware of how to get help, or who to get help from. Breaking down the stigma of mental health issues which cause people to feel ashamed or alone, is critical to ending the tragedies that too often become of it.

As a key community leader, Wodonga TAFE is proud to participate in local events such as the Big Splash, to help build awareness and raise much needed funds in the battle to eliminate issues that affect our lives.

“The Big Splash was such a great event with a very inclusive atmosphere thanks to everyone involved,” CEO Mark Dixon says, “we really had such a fun time.”

“Events like this are great at helping people have the conversation about mental health, where in the past the topic has sometimes been avoided.”

“At Wodonga TAFE we really try to ensure that we immerse ourselves into our local community through good causes such as the Big Splash.  It’s a way to give back to our students, staff, colleagues and networks and help build a stronger and more healthy community.”

According to latest statistics released by Beyond Blue, it is estimated that more that 45% of Australians will experience a mental health issue in their lifetime. In any one year, around 1 million adults will have depression and over 2 million will suffer from anxiety. It is more important now than ever before that we combat these issues and get people the help and support they so need.

If you, or someone you know are suffering from mental health issues there are so many places you can turn to for assistance. Other than trusted friends, colleagues and family, see this list on Beyond Blue website for all the avenues you can access for help https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/national-help-lines-and-websites

or call Lifeline on 13 11 14

 

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