Mayor of Camden, Cr Vince Ferreri, has taken the plunge (literally!) to help encourage Camden residents to prioritise their mental health and connect with others this Mental Health Month.
Joining Fred from Talk2MeBro at Julia Reserve, Cr Ferreri braved his first ever cold plunge while chatting about the importance of connection and the free mental health and wellbeing activities taking place across Camden throughout October.
Cr Ferreri said the cold plunge was one way for him to step out of his comfort zone to encourage residents to connect with others and prioritise their mental wellbeing.
"I was told a cold plunge is good for your mental health and I was also told it would be freezing - they were right on both counts!" he said.
"While I'm not sure I'll be rushing back into the cold plunge anytime soon, it was a great opportunity to spend some time with Fred from Talk2MeBro and talk about the importance of looking after our mental health and staying connected.
"This year's Mental Health Month theme, 'A Little Connection Goes a Long Way', is a great reminder that even simple moments of connection can make a real difference to our wellbeing.
"Whether it's going for a walk, grabbing a coffee, meeting someone new or simply having a chat, these everyday connections can help us feel supported and remind us that we're not alone.
"I encourage Camden residents to get involved in the Mental Health Month activities, meet new people and take some time to look after their mental health and wellbeing."
Held each October in NSW, Mental Health Month is an opportunity for individuals, communities and organisations to come together to promote mental health and wellbeing, encourage open conversations and create opportunities for people to connect and support one another.
This year, Council has partnered with Talk2MeBro to deliver a jam-packed program of Community Catch Ups and Walk and Talks, including:
- Youth Community Catch Up: Wednesday 30 September, 3-4.30pm, Julia Reserve Community Centre;
- Community Walk and Talk: Fridays 2, 16 and 30 October, 6-8am, Camden Town Farm;
- Community Catch Up: Saturday 3 October, 8-10am, Julia Reserve Community Centre;
- Women's Community Catch Up: Saturday 10 October, 8-10am, Julia Reserve Community Centre; and
- Men's Community Catch Up: Saturday 24 October, 8-10am, Julia Reserve Community Centre.
For more information on Mental Health Month, including the events included in this year's program, visit camden.nsw.gov.au/community/mental-health-support-services/support/diversity-and-inclusion/mental-health
