For many, art is great therapy for just making people feel a little better or as a way of dealing with mental health issues and that’s why a ‘Long Table Weave’ workshop was set-up at the Wee Waa Mardi Gras.
The initiative was funded by the Empowering Rural Communities PHN Hunter New England and Central Coast and hosted by QOE Health to “harness the richness of the community through creating conversations and connections between community members”.
“Building a strong and supportive community environment is a critical factor in achieving and maintaining good mental health particularly during times when natural disasters like the current drought hit country folk hard,” said Sam Robb project manager QOE Health.
“There is no one recipe for this to occur with local solutions needed to fix local problems,” added Reenie Montgomery, QOE health director.
“But common themes emerge and, particularly while mental health services are languishing, governments and communities need to focus their energies and investments into the things that really make a difference in people’s lives.”
The Long Table Weave was a popular stall on Mardi Gras night with many attendees stopping by to have a chat and try their hand at weaving.
Recycled materials, natural grasses, leaves and other scrap materials such as ribbons and rope were used in the weave.
The QOE Heath and wellbeing team worked with the Wee Waa and District Chamber of Commerce as well as the CWA to organise the workshop and the team’s visit to the district.
QOE Health representatives also distributed free mental health resource kits and rain gauges.
“The rain gauge kits include information on services available to access when your wellbeing is a bit wobbly,” said Sam Robb, QOE Health project manager.
“It is wise to investigate what supports are available to help out with anxiety and depression when you are feeling well, it is much easier to identify pathways to support and wellbeing when you are feeling at your best rather then wait till yourself or someone else you know is struggling.”
