Beyond Blue is encouraging people to share a meal with family and friends and check in on their mental health as part of their new initiative, the Big Blue Table.
The initiative kicks off from 1 – 8 October, to coincide with the first week of Mental Health Month to raise valuable funds for the Beyond Blue Support Service.
Beyond Blue: Big Blue Table
Beyond Blue Lead Clinical Adviser Dr Grant Blashki says, “Talking to people is one of the most powerful tools we have to raise awareness and every conversation can make a difference.”
“Forty-five per cent of people in Australia have experienced mental health conditions in their lifetime. However, many don’t seek support and we need your help to make a change.”
Why Beyond Blue started the Big Blue Table initiative?
The fundraising challenge was created as a direct response to the eighteen per cent increase in support service contacts that Beyond Blue registered in 2021.
“Stigma about mental health conditions often prevent people from seeking support. The Big Blue Table initiative encourages people to talk openly about their mental health, reducing stigma in the process,” says. Dr Blashki.
How to get involved in the Big Blue Table
Whether it is a lunch at the office, hosting a picnic in the park with some friends or inviting family over for a barbecue dinner, each Big Blue Table can lead to important conversations.
Starting a conversation around mental health can be challenging, so hosts will be provided with conversation starters.
Hosting a Big Blue Table event is easy – register online at bigbluetable.com.au, receive a free host kit, invite your guests, and fight the stigma in a relaxed environment, while raising much needed funds for the Beyond Blue Support Service.
To find out more about the initiative and register to host your Big Blue Table event visit bigbluetable.com.au.
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
