Neda Rahmani from O’ziriguidum Samba School entertains the crowd at the ERMHA and MIDDWAY Community Festival and Walk for Mental Health.
By Ed Merrison
A THOUSAND marchers got on the go to stop the stigma surrounding mental health and beat a path to greater understanding.
The ERMHA and MIDDWAY Community Festival and Walk for Mental Health kicked off at 11am at Dandenong Park yesterday (Wednesday).
Comedian Peter Rowsthorn, swimmer Tammy Van Wisse and author Jo Buchanan helped walkers get into the festive spirit as they made their way through the heart of the city to the vibrant festival atmosphere at the Dandenong Market site.
The day featured live music, food and fun, as well as a serious message in speeches by guests such as Parliamentary Secretary for Health Daniel Andrews.
Walk organiser Deirdre Byrne said the event, expected to wind up about 3pm, was a real success.
“I’m a bit relieved,” she said. “The walk was packed and the day is just perfect.”
Eastern Regions Mental Health Association (ERMHA) and Mental Illness Doesn’t Discriminate – What About You? (MIDDWAY) are local organisations providing support services for mentally ill people and their families.
They are also campaigning, with help from Star, to Stop the Stigma surrounding mental illness in a bid to win greater State and Federal Government funding for mental health services.
