Mental health awareness was in the spotlight at key mental health event ‘UnSTUCK’ at the Penola Sports Club last week.
The event was organised by the Penola Wellness Group with more than 100 people attending.
The evening helped raise awareness of mental health and aimed to reduce the stigma, along with spreading the important message that “you are enough”.
Local guest speakers Matthew Berkefeld, Ebonie Moulton and Kyra Sykes captured the audience’s attention by sharing their raw and real personal stories about their experiences with mental health and how they got ‘unstuck.’
Shane Anderson was the emcee for the evening and also shared his challenges with mental health.
Penola Wellness Group member Karen Cahir held a resilience session with some great take-home information and Danielle Tranter held a relaxing and uplifting breathing and meditation session, along with sharing her personal mental health story.
Penola Wellness Group member Anne-Marie Williams said it was a great local event and everyone was pleased with how the night went.
“The speakers were so brave and so raw and honest,” she said.
“I thought they were all just so fantastic.”
Mrs Williams said they received lots of positive feedback from attendees and mental health was still a subject people want to learn more about. All attendees received a take-home bag containing valuable information and resources regarding mental health.
The Penola Football Club served up lasagne, butter chicken and dessert.
Mrs Williams said organisers were extremely thankful to Casella Wines, who own Brands Laira Wines in Coonawarra, for sponsoring the event and young local Sophie McDonald for designing the event poster.
Guest speaker and mental health advocate Kyra Sykes said it was important to be able to have this type of conversation in a regional space such as Penola.
“It’s really progressive and awesome to see so many people actually take their time and listen to someone like myself who’s in the community, or one of the other speakers,” Kyra said.
“On behalf of members of the LGBTQI+ community and those who are not even aware of being in that community as of yet, we thank you.”
Mrs Williams said the group was eager to host its next mental health night with sporting and media identities and a health professional.
People are advised to book tickets early due to catering numbers and to avoid missing out.
The event will be held at Brands Cellar Door on November 24.
