The Morrison Government has rolled out a COVID-19 mental health campaign How’s your head today? to urge people to prioritise their mental health, raise awareness about how to identify when something is wrong, and encourage people to seek help.
Dr Fiona Martin MP, Member for Reid, said that the campaign will be especially valuable to those from culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
“In a multicultural area like Reid, being from a culturally or linguistically diverse background is one of the biggest barriers to accessing mental health support,” Dr Martin said.
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“I am pleased that this campaign will be available in languages like Mandarin, Greek, Italian, Korean and Arabic so that this important mental health information is accessible to everyone in our community.”
“Having practised as a psychologist prior to entering Parliament, I’m proud to be a part of a Government that is committed to supporting the mental health of all Australians.”
The campaign will be provided in 15 languages across radio and print, including Greek.
COVID-19 has had a significant effect on the mental health and wellbeing of many people across the country. Lifeline and Beyond Blue are reporting a significant increase in the number of people seeking help.
Minister for Health, Greg Hunt, said, “Through this campaign, Australians are encouraged to make their mental health and wellbeing a priority. We want them to know support is available, when and where they need it.
“I encourage all Australians to seek help if experiencing mental ill-health. Talk to your GP, reach out to Beyond Blue or Lifeline, or visit the Headtohealth.gov.au,” Minister Hunt said.
The Morrison Government has allocated $10 million to support the How’s your head today? campaign. Since March 2020, the Government has made available more than $500 million in funding for direct supports to respond to the mental health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, with $10 million allocated to this national mental health communications campaign.
