Central Goldfields Shire Council, Media Release, 16 August 2021

Keeping Mentally Well, a set of mental health information resources being launched by the Central Goldfields Shire Council and Central Victorian Primary Care Partnership, is a timely response to one of the many pressing challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Keeping Mentally Well materials provide advice and guidance to people seeking information in a crisis or just curious to learn more.

They are designed to help people who have questions about families and friends or who are looking for insight into their own thoughts and feelings.

Stress, confusion and anger are commonplace as a result of the pandemic and, while many people may not experience any long-term concerns, COVID-19 has the potential to contribute to or exacerbate long-term mental illness including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and substance misuse.

With good early intervention and ongoing support most mental ill health situations are treatable or manageable. This requires good knowledge, information and care spread across the whole community.

With the Z-card, a fold out card, in a drawer, glove box, pocket or wallet; a personalised contact list on the side of the fridge; and an orange card tucked in a wallet where you can find it in a hurry, all referencing a comprehensive webpage through a QRcode, residents can find information that may help them or a friend in need.

The Z-card, contact list and orange cards will be circulated to a range of community groups and local organisations and services. The packs can be found in many places including:

• Council’s Customer Service at 22 Nolan Street, Maryborough
• Maryborough and Dunolly libraries, and
• Maryborough District Health Service

Central Goldfields Shire is a place where people can feel safe, trust each other, and feel connected to their community, Central Goldfields Shire Council’s General Manager Community Wellbeing Martin Collins said.

“We want everyone in our Shire to thrive and live a rich and healthy life, however, there are times when things don’t go to plan and people can struggle with their thinking, emotions, and behaviour. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic with the repeated lockdowns and enforced isolation has been a significant challenge for many,” he said.

“Mental health awareness is increasing across Australia and the stigma previously associated with mental ill health is decreasing. This is due to increasing education and discussion especially as more public figures share their experiences of ill health.”

For more information, visit www.centralgoldfields.vic.gov.au/mentalhealthresources

The project has been initiated by Central Goldfields Shire Council with assistance from the Central Victorian Primary Care Partnership and funding from the Victorian State Government’s Community Activation and Social Isolation CASI initiative.