Greg McManus, the organiser of a new mental health event in Lithgow, ‘Resilience Festival’ says preparation for the festival is proceeding positively.
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“It’s been interesting, a real journey,” he said.
“We have about 15 people doing stuff for the festival and then people we are talking to in the background as well.”
Mr McManus announced his intention to create a Lithgow-based music festival focussed on mental health in June after losing two of his friends to suicide last year.
“It’s me giving back to the community, and encouraging local involvement, providing an opportunity to reconnect with each other to do something we can take ownership of,” he said.
“Hopefully it will mean that people who need help get the help that they can while also dropping the stigma around mental health as well, so people feel comfortable talking about it.”
The organising group has announced the festival will take place on October 13.
“Its going to be at Tony Luchetti sports ground and we’ve got the whole thing.”
McManus said he has been liasing with multiple local health services to organise the event, as well as identify where profits from the festival can be directed to benefit the community in the long term.
“There is a lot of work going on in the community, there does seem to be a disconnection in people knowing where to get help. So we’re hoping to bridge that gap and point people in the right direction.
“But there is nowhere really to go to when you are at crisis point or even just before that. I think because we are on the border of two health services there is a gap. It’s hard.”
By starting the mental health conversation, Mr McManus hopes to attract more services and rescources to the area. He is also striving to have as many community members involved in the festival as possible.
“We went to the high school, just to let them know what they be doing to get involved whether its just turning up on the day or volunteering, or getting their band to play.”
Resilience will be running four lead up events to the festival to foster community participation including a battle of the bands, songwriting workshop and art competition.
“We’re also open to ideas – so if you have a good idea or something you think we should be doing, approach us about it,” Mr McManus said.
To get involved or share your ideas you can contact the Resilience 2018 team by emailing team@resilience2018.com
