The Penola Wellness Group hosted its UnStuck Mental Health Awareness Evening at the Brands Laira cellar door last week, receiving great community support with 100 people in attendance.

The evening provided valuable information and resources regarding mental health and aimed to raise awareness, start conversations and reduce the stigma of mental health.

Journalist, event host and former 7 News presenter Jessica Adamson was the MC for the evening.

Guest speakers included Penola Wellness Group inaugural member Anne-Marie Williams, ex-AFL player and media personality Graham Cornes, recently retired SANFL player Zane Kirkwood, Mental Health Commissioner and inaugural Executive Director of Breakthrough Foundation John Mannion and Clinical Psychologist Dr Flip Oberholzer.

Ms Williams shared her personal story about her late husband’s mental health and the impact mental health can have on families and Mr Cornes talked about expectation, perception and accountability and his personal experience with mental health.

Mr Kirkwood shared his journey with anxiety and how mental health is nothing to be ashamed of.

Mr Mannion spoke about Breakthrough Foundation, driving change in mental health and the importance of listening to others and Dr Flip discussed mental health identification factors, prevention and early warning signs and provided take-home points for everyone.

“We decided we’re at a stage that people need answers to questions,” Ms Williams said.

“We just want to make a difference, lift the stigma and create awareness.”

Penola Wellness Group member Karen Cahir said the group received continuous feedback from the community for these evenings to focus on mental health.

“The most important thing is just starting the conversation,” Ms Cahir said.

“Getting people talking, getting people focused on mental health, getting people comfortable with mental health.”

UnStuck was sponsored by Casella Wines who own Brands Laira.