UNITED MENTAL HEALTH DAY EVENT

Ms JENNY AITCHISON (Maitland—Minister for Regional Transport and Roads)—Congratulations to the Uniting Housing and Accommodation Support Initiative for hosting the first World Mental Health Day in Maitland Park last week. Over thirty service providers from across the Hunter came together to show what's available in our region for those experiencing poor mental health. There were stalls to access counselling, psychology, housing, carers, disability support services, legal aid and senior's services. The event was a collaboration between Uniting, the Department of Communities and Justice, Hume Housing, Wellways, Carrie's Place, Drive and One Door who all assisted in co-ordinating the event. Staff from Woolworths at Maitland, Green Hills, Cessnock, Aberglasslyn and Rutherford also ran a free barbecue for attendees. The day spoke specifically about anxiety. Anxiety affects everybody, it does not discriminate by age, gender or culture. The event focussed on bringing people together as a community to connect. A big thank you and congratulations to the Uniting team on running this successful event for the Maitland Community.