DON’T stay silent when it comes to mental health.
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That was the message of a flash mob that had convened in Kings Parade on Tuesday.
Armed with drums, tins and loud voices, the group made a scene to promote World Mental Health Week.
- WATCH: Flash mob in Kings Parade
The idea to organise a drumming flash mob came from Bryan Billington, of Bathurst Community Mental Health, who wanted to draw attention to the problem of poor mental health.
“I do a drumming group three Fridays a month for the inpatients of the Panorama Clinic and also for community clients, and I just thought it was a good way of expressing ourselves and getting the word across for Mental Health Week and mental health awareness,” he said.
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While the idea started off small, eventually health professionals, non-government organisations, sporting clubs and businesses in the community wanted to get involved.
Mr Billington said it was important to talk about mental health issues, as they affect so many people.
“One-in-four people suffer from a mental health issue in a 12-month period, so it’s growing, and one-in-two in a lifetime,” he said.
“We really want to get the word out that there is support there for these people and [the flash mob] is a good example.”