Vigil to help mental health

By Casey Neill
HILLS’ advocates are urging others to join a candlelit vigil in Belgrave this weekend to support mental health.
Selby’s GetUp! group has organised the event at Belgrave town park from 6pm on 10 August to draw attention to the need for mental health care reform and improvement.
It’s part of a nation-wide action to raise awareness about mental health care issues. Dozens of other GetUp! members will hold their own vigils around the country.
Australian of the Year Professor Patrick McGorry will host one at notorious Sydney suicide site The Gap.
Selby GetUp! group member Karyn Peverill urged people across the hills to bring a candle or lantern to commemorate the lives of loved ones lost.
“This system is broken. People are dying,” she said.
“That’s why we’re having a candlelit vigil – to remember those who haven’t been supported and to support those who are suffering now.”
“Too many people are turned away from support services when they need them most.
“Having to go on a month-long waiting list for a private facility when a family member is suicidal just isn’t on.”
Ms Peverill said mental ill-health affected one in five Australians and was the leading cause of death for Australians aged under 44.
She said the Federal Government had cut $354.6 million from mental health programs over the past three years.
“Mental illness is like any other illness,” she said.
“The government has more funding for smokers’ illnesses than mental illness. Let’s raise the focus of this illness and remove the stigma.”