Community fair to tackle mental health and wellbeing

THE first-ever Thrive mental health and wellbeing community fair is taking place in Sydney’s Taylor Square, with a number of LGBTI community organisations teaming up to raise awareness of high levels of anxiety and depression in the community.

Coordinated by ACON, the fair will connect people with service providers in Sydney offering practical support for LGBTI people experiencing anxiety and depression.

ACON’s Marcus Pastorelli told the Star Observer Thrive came out of Beyondblue’s desire to engage the LGBTI community around anxiety and depression.

The fair comes off the back of Beyondblue’s LGBTI-targeted awareness campaign Take Action Before the Blue Takes Over, which saw the mental health organisation fund a wide-ranging advertising campaign throughout Midsumma and Mardi Gras.

Pastorelli explained the afternoon will be a mix of awareness-raising and practical support.

“Thrive is really a mix of things, we want to raise awareness through the presentations and workshops on offer as well as give space for organisations and services as well as community groups that can offer practical and meaningful support,” he said.

The fair will include a whole program of activities, including guest speakers, demonstrations and meditations. There will also be stalls representing a wide range of community organisations.

“Thrive will feature some great workshops and presentations from people like Barry Taylor from the LGBTI Health Alliance and music for the afternoon will be provided by Sandi Hotrod, a much loved local DJ,” Pastorelli said.

“Geoff Jowett from Body Trim will be running some cooking presentations with healthy recipes and talking about food and mood.”

Thrive will take place at Taylor Square on Saturday, March 29 from 2–6pm.