Aboriginal Events – Making the circle bigger

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“Let’s Talk About It,” prompts us all to reflect on our mental health and overall wellbeing, irrespective of whether we’ve personally encountered mental illness.
By talking about mental health, we can break down stigma and help people feel more comfortable about seeking support. This theme also highlights the importance of early intervention when your mental health is not going well.

Mental Health Month raises awareness about mental health, reduces stigma, and encourages people to prioritise their mental health as much as their physical health. It is important to acknowledge that seeking help for mental health issues is a sign of strength, not weakness. By promoting this theme, we can help create a more understanding and supportive environment for those living with mental health issues.

Everyone has ‘mental health’, just as we all have ‘physical health’. And like our physical health, there are times when our mental health is better than others.
Stay informed, but be aware of your limits
Ask yourself, “how much information and disturbing world news am I currently taking in? And how does it make me feel?”

If it’s having a negative effect on how you feel, try to:
take a break from the news
mute or turn off news notifications on your smartphone
mute or unfollow social media accounts that are reporting on it
or limit your news intake to once a day

The importance of community support and education

Overdose prevention is never an individual effort – it takes a village. Family members, friends, neighbours, colleagues and community members all have a role to play in supporting those at risk. If you suspect that someone is struggling with substance use, approach the situation with empathy and without judgment. This creates an environment where the individual feels supported rather than stigmatised, increasing the likelihood that they will seek help.

At Marrin Weejali, we provide drug and alcohol misuse programs in a culturally sensitive setting, offering the support individuals need. Our services include counselling, group therapy, and help with accessing detox and rehabilitation services. Engaging early with these resources can break the cycle of addiction and prevent tragic, unnecessary losses.

For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, the impact of overdose is intensified by social and historical factors like dispossession, cultural loss and intergenerational trauma. Marrin Weejali is run by our people for our people, and we are dedicated to addressing this crisis with an inclusive approach that respects traditional practices in collaboration with community elders.
The role of education
Education is a powerful tool in the fight against overdose. By raising awareness about the risks associated with drug use and the signs of trouble, communities are better equipped to prevent such incidents.

Join us on Friday 7th June between 10am – 1pm Marrin Weejali in partnership with Tafe are hosting a very important Liver Health Day event.

There will be a BBQ lunch, lucky door prizes and other giveaways.
Education and testing will be available on the day

Did you know to keep your liver healthy, you should:
Avoid toxins, such as chemicals, smoking and illegal drugs.
Follow healthcare professionals’ instructions about medications, especially warnings against mixing medications and alcohol.
Maintain a healthy weight, including eating a nutritious diet and exercising regularly.
Stay up to date on your shots and wash your hands often.
Do not share needles, razors, toothbrushes or any other personal items, which can spread viruses.

Get screened if you have liver disease risk factors.

ADDICTIONS AWARENESS DAY EVENT

Addiction Awareness Week is a time to improve understanding, reduce prejudice, and tackle the stigma surrounding addiction.

This year’s theme is ‘Everybody Knows Somebody’ and we are calling on our followers, advocates and champions to support this year’s campaign by debunking some of the myths about addiction.

Would you like to REVERSE your Diabetes

Ray Kelly with Curtis Ruhnau & Marrin Weejali are assisting local Indigenous community members and health staff in reversing diabetes.

Guided discussions & localised strategies have successfully changed and saved many lives.
The program includes:
Weekly meal plans and healthy recipes
Weekly check-ins for support and progress
A self-paced light exercise program

Mental Health Awareness Week allows people to feel comfortable enough to start  discussions and ultimately begin the process of breaking down the negative stigma that is unfortunately still attached to mental health.

The stereotypes and stigma surrounding mental health stop people from speaking up and letting others know if they are struggling.

During Mental Health Week 2023, we encourage everyone to take the time to check in on their mental health and well-being. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out for help.

“Healing takes time, and asking for help is a courageous step.” – Mariska Hargitay

“The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths.” – Elisabeth Kübler-Ross

International Overdose Awareness Day

International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) is the world’s largest annual campaign to end overdose, remember without stigma those who have died from overdose, and acknowledge the grief of the family and friends left behind.

From 10am-2pm, come and connect with other service providers at Marrin Weejali.

See our flyer for more information.

Overdose Awareness Day on 31 August every year, is the world’s largest annual campaign to end overdose, remember those who have died, and acknowledge the grief of the family and friends left behind.

The campaign spreads the message about the tragedy of drug overdose death, and that drug overdose is preventable.

The goals of International Overdose Awareness Day are:

• To provide an opportunity for people to publicly mourn loved ones.
• To send a strong message to people who use drugs and people in recovery that they are valued.
• To inform people around the world about the risk of drug overdose.
• To provide basic information on the range of support services that are available.
• To prevent and reduce drug-related harm by supporting evidence-based practice.