MENTAL HELP…At the launch of the new collaboration were (L-R) Di Gill (RAHMHP Consultant), Tom Norris (Garema), Forbes Mayor Phyllis Miller, Claire Nicholson (Garema), Parkes Mayor Ken Keith, Ross Williams (Garema) and Marg Applebee (Central West Lachlan Landcare). (Photo: Jenny Kingham)
Following on from the worst drought, 2020 has so far thrown several other challenging curve balls at our community.
Community health has become a priority and an exciting new collaboration between Gotcha4Life, Landcare NSW, the Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP) and Surf Lifesaving NSW will bring new programs to the Parkes and Forbes Shires to build mental fitness.
The four organisations saw the opportunity to work together in regional, rural and coastal areas in NSW by delivering workshops and training focussed on the concept of ‘prevention through connection’.
The mayors of both Parkes and Forbes have expressed the support of their respective councils for the outlay of programs.
Marg Applebee, Coordinator for Central West Lachlan Landcare, and Di Gill, RAHMHP Consultant are pleased to be working with Gotcha4Life to help activate these programs in the Parkes and Forbes shires.
Gotcha4Life is a not-for-profit foundation dedicated to connecting corporate Australia, government, community and NFP to help prevent and reduce instances of poor mental health in Australia. “We are so excited to work alongside such powerful and purpose-driven organisations, who have local reach into communities across NSW, enabling us to build mental fitness with local relevance and sustainable impact,” said CEO Tim Hodgson.
Founder of Gotcha4Life and television and radio personality, Gus Worland said: “Our vision at Gotcha4Life is a world where people are open, honest and supportive in their relationships and comfortable to express themselves when they are not ok. We envisage a society in which everyone has a Gotcha4Life mate who they can open up to and rely on no matter what.”
“This collaboration will be vital to help engage people across NSW who are battling with the effects of drought, fire and COVID-19,” said Gus.
Dr Adrian Zammit, Chief Executive Officer at Landcare NSW said while his organisation’s mission was to continue to care for the land and environment, it was founded on a series of close-knit communities that needed support. “With over 70 local coordinators supported by their own local Landcare groups across NSW, we have the opportunity to assist with facilitation of this important program across the state.”
RAMHP Manager Tessa Caton said continuing to find new ways of building mental fitness and capacity in rural communities was absolutely essential after the challenges 2020 has brought.
“Whilst Surf Life Saving NSW isn’t an organisation that we rely on day to day in the country, they are an important link in this partnership and well-placed to provide practical support for initiatives and programs on the ground.”
The launch of Gotcha4Life in the Parkes and Forbes Shires on Zoom with Gus Worland will be on Wednesday, 23rd September at 7pm. Register via EventBrite, follow the links on Central West Lachlan Landcare’s website and social media sites. Invitations will also be sent to sporting clubs, schools and other organisations.