Media Release

Join community walk for a healthy mind

27 September 2007  

A group of health professionals from Craigieburn Health Service are inviting local residents to join them in a community walk around Craigieburn as part of Mental Health Week celebrations.

Craigieburn Health Service staff will lead the four kilometre walk on Tuesday 9 October to raise awareness of the benefits of exercise in not only maintaining good physical health but also good mental health.

Sponsored by Craigieburn Sports Club, Craigieburn Leisure Centre and Safeway, the group of 20 staff, which includes nurses, doctors and allied health staff, will gather at the main entrance of Craigieburn Health Service at 11.30am for the 12 noon start, which will finish back at the Health Service. Participants will receive free show bags containing a variety of healthy discount offers along with water and fruit.

Exercise has been shown to improve mental health, particularly in relieving the symptoms of depression and anxiety. It can help lift a gloomy mood, distract people from daily worries, improve energy levels and help people get a good night’s sleep.

“We thought the walk would be a good opportunity to remind the community of the benefits of exercise. Each individual will be walking with distinctive t-shirts that asks residents to ‘Follow me for good health’,” Cathy Lucci, NorthWestern Mental Health social worker said.

On Thursday 11 October, a second event will be held called Wellbeing Day. Local residents will be able to access physiotherapy, dietician and massage services free of charge at Craigieburn Health Service.

“Life can be very stressful and we wanted to provide an opportunity for residents to take a bit of time out to relax and maybe learn a few new things about diet and stress management. In this way we hope we can promote good mental health and teach people a few skills they can use throughout the year,” said Deb Carrin, NorthWestern Mental Health Shared Care manager.

Mental Health Week is from 7-13 October 2007. It aims to educate Victorians about how to look after their mental health and to engage people in a variety of community events.

Media contact: Katrina Coulson, 0419 878 925.