A LIVE production focusing on people's mental health journey through to their recovery will feature the stories of 12 people, who hope sharing their experiences will help promote mental health discussions in the community.
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Fiona Peel, who is producing the event, said she is excited with the response she has received, with council and community organisations coming on board, supporting the production.
Ms Peel said the production will have a cast of 12 as well as support performers and a guest artist, with deputy Mental Health Commissioner, Tim Heffernan, guest speaker on the night.
Following the performance there will also be a mental health expo, where people needing support can connect with local mental health networks.
This is my Brave will be held at BMEC October 20.
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This is My Brave Australia is a mental health community event, TIMBA: The Show which are live storytelling events, billed as #StorytellingSavesLives, where people from the local community tell authentic stories through storytelling, poetry, dance, song and even comedy about their lived experience of mental health issues.
Steve Semmens, one of the cast members, said he decided to get involved to support others.
Steve suffered depression most of his early life, but has been depression free for about 10 years.
He said he is telling his story in the hope others feel less isolated, and hopes overall it will help reduce suicide statistics in the region.
"For me I think the more I talk about it, the more other people might come forward (for support).
He said being part of the production has been fantastic and the the best part was meeting other members.
Samy Taylor shares a similar story. She started focusing on her mental health earlier this year, and said the production was the perfect time for her to talk openly about her mental health.
"I think talking about it might help someone else in the community," she said.
She said it was "inspiring" to hear the stories of other cast members.
While the show has received great support, Ms Peel said the production is still around $3,000 short of covering costs, and a Go Fund Me page has been set up on the This Is My Brave Australia Inc. page on Facebook, to help cover costs.
Tickets to the production can be purchased online from www.thisismybraveaustralia.com.au
