Mental health expo at Woy Woy

A free Mental Health Community Expo for Older People will be held during Seniors Week at Woy Woy Leagues Club.

It will run from 10.30am to 1pm on Wednesday, March 19.

This will be the first in a series of Mental Health Community Expos during 2003 hosted by Central Coast Rotary Clubs, Central Coast Health Division of Mental Health and the Association of Relatives and Friends of the Mentally Ill (ARAFMI) as part of a community awareness program.

"These Community Expos follow on from the hugely successful Gosford Forum in February 2002, which attracted over 500 people", said Mr Graham Black from Rotary.

"The first community expo is all about services available for older people, including Older Peoples Mental Health which is part of the Mental Health Service.

"We decided to hold this expo on the Peninsula because of the high aged population that live in this area.

Mr Black said: "The aim of the expos is to engage the community in a better understanding of mental health issues, services and wellness and to learn about the importance of getting help early."

The Mental Health Service is available through the Central Intake System, which can be contacted 24 hours a day, seven days a week on 4320 3500.

Central Intake staff include mental health professionals specially trained to assess each call.

"People who ring this number are assured of being linked with the most appropriate component of the Mental Health Service or provided with advice about other services, within Central Coast Health or the community, which may better meet their needs," said Mr Black.

He said: "People who come along to the Older Peoples Expo at Woy Woy will hear guest speakers from the Mental Health Service, the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT), Aged and Disability Support Services (ADSSI) and a geriatrician from Central Coast Health.

"During refreshments, there will be an opportunity to view a variety of displays from local services, organisations and groups."

Displays will be presented by Red Cross, home care services, Commonwealth Carelink Centre, nursing services, home catering services, Veterans' Affairs Network, Community Stroke Support Service and ARAFMI.

The Mental Health Community Expos are free and no bookings are required.

For more information about the Older Peoples Expo or to inquire about having a display, phone Jenice on 4372 7276 or email: jcraig@doh.health.nsw.gov.au.

Press release, February 17