Fantastic turnout at Women in Print Sydney breakfast

Man Anchor’s Steve Gamble and Life Foundations’ Liz Whyte discussed the topic of Mental Health and Wellbeing to a full house at the Women in Print breakfast in Olympic Park, Sydney today. 

The event was the second in the nationwide series – Brisbane’s event was held yesterday with Adelaide and Perth events to be held next week, followed by the Melbourne event, which is scheduled for 25 May (but sold out).

The breakfast series explores:

• Mental health in Australia

• What Is Mental Heath?

• The flow of Mental Health

• Stress, Distress and Crisis

• Maladaptive & Adaptive coping strategies

• Positive & Negative thought process, and

• Self Care

Man Anchor, which was started in 2017, has grown into a movement that supports both male and female mental wellbeing through education and awareness.

“I am motivated to facilitate training in the mental health and counselling field because of my own personal experience with suicide bereavement and trauma,” said Steve to the audience of over 120 women.  “I believe that education about mental health, suicide, self-harm and counselling skills enable people to develop the life skills and understanding that can support them to have meaningful conversations with their family, friends and colleagues and thereby reduce stigma, provide support and save lives.”

Steve went on to acknowledge those in the room that have lived through mental illness, have supported a friend, family member and/or work colleague through their jouneys, and those who have been touched by suicide.

“One in five Australians aged 16 to 86 will be diagnosed with common mental illness - that's 20 percent of Australians,’” he said, explaining how frightening it can be to live with mental illness and not know who to turn to. “But becoming aware of the statistics will help people that are suffering with mental illness to know that they are not alone.”

Liz, who discussed coping mechanisms and highlighted the importance of practising adaptive strategies such as exercise, time out, mediations and setting boundaries when overwhelmed, confirmed that  “It is a as sign of strength to ask for help.”

Bright Print Group co-director Debbie Burgess and Women in Print NSW patron for 2021 was compere for the day, and provided information on changes to the Women in Print body, confirming the partnership with The Real Media Collective who has stepped into the fold, offering secretariat support and management.

To purchase tickets for the Adelaide and Perth events, go to:

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/women-in-print-breakfast-series-tickets-144548553615?aff=ebdsoporgprofile