Look After Your Mates Forum Longreach

The Central West Suicide Prevention Network and local partners invite you to the 2nd annual ‘Look After Your Mates’ forum on World Mental Health Day (October 10). This year’s focus is on depression, with presenters including:

• Matthew Johnstone – a passionate mental health and wellbeing advocate and internationally acclaimed speaker. Matthew has written, illustrated and photographed eight books, six of which have been local and international best sellers including ‘I Had a Black Dog’ and ‘Living with a Black Dog’. Matthew has delivered talks all over Australia and the world, including addressing 87 countries at the World Health Organisation in Geneva, speaking tours in Iceland and the UK, and a series of talks for Google in New York. Matthew is happiest when he is inspiring others to a live life fully with wellbeing, meaning and purpose.
• Cath Walker – a Senior Mental Health Clinician for RFDS, a Psychologist and previously, a Registered General Nurse. Cath has 30 years’ experience in the health sector, predominantly working with the specific challenges faced by individuals from rural and remote communities. Cath has extensive experience as a facilitator, raising awareness and discussing how to assist those with mental health conditions. She has previously worked with a number of organisations such as beyondblue in delivering community training programmes across rural Australia.
• Dr John Douyere – the Director of Clinical Training at Longreach Hospital and Medical Director at Queensland Rural Generalist Pathway. As a GP, John is often the first point of contact for a person experiencing depression, and provides a central part of holistic care.

As well as presenters speaking of their journey living with depression and coming out the other side, and discussing what communities can do to prevent suicide.
Followed by a panel of local service providers with a service overview and Q&A.

Please direct enquiries to Jamie Small on 07 4652 7951 or TRAIC_CWHHS@health.qld.gov.au.

This is a free event with morning tea provided.