Extreme weather events such as the ongoing drought and the recent bushfires can cause significant stress and exacerbate existing mental health issues.
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In response, Australian Red Cross is bringing its free 'Mental Health Matters' course and webinar to Lithgow.
Anthony Cameron, Australian Red Cross trainer, said the course gave participants important tips on maintaining their own mental health and ideas on how to support friends and family.
"People across NSW are in the middle of a once in a generation drought and devastating bushfires which are impacting communities. It is important that we all support each other to keep our spirits up," he said.
"Ongoing hardship can be difficult, and these free Red Cross courses are about giving each of us extra skills to keep on top of our own mental health, and to know the signs when friends and family need a bit of extra support."
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Mental Health Matters is a four-hour free face-to-face workshop or a 90-minute online course, for those not able to attend the live events.
The program covers things like: how mental health affects everyone, personal resilience, recovery after a setback and recognising the signs to get the right support.
This activity has been funded by Wentworth Healthcare, provider of the Nepean Blue Mountains Primary Health Network, as part of the Australian Government's 'Empowering our Communities' initiative.
Lithgow's event will be held on December 9. To book visit the website at redcross.org,au/get-involved or call 1800 733 276.
Can't join in person? Join an online webinar Tuesday, December 3 from 7pm-8.30pm.
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