Brighten Up this Mental Health Month with vibrant colours

This October has special significance to Hannah Moroney and Cheree Cosgriff, both dedicated Mental Health and Wellbeing professionals at Grampians Health, who are determined to help create conversations around the importance of positive mental health and wellbeing during Mental Health Month.  

Hannah, a Child and Young Persons Community Worker, along with Cheree, Coordinator for Families where a Parent has a Mental Illness Program, are encouraging individuals to don bright and vibrant attire on Wednesday 4 October as part of Brighten Up.  

In its third year, Brighten Up is an initiative of The Ballarat Mental Health Collective and is proudly supported by Grampians Health.  

“Brighten Up is designed to help foster conversations around mental health and overall well-being. Wearing bright colours will hopefully serve as a spark for engaging in conversations with those around you” said Hannah.  

“Brighten Up knows no geographical boundaries; you can engage from any location. You can get involved by wearing bright colours, organising your own gathering with loved ones or colleagues, or choosing to participate in an act of kindness. This could range from lending a hand, treating someone to a coffee, offering a kind word, or simply reaching out with a phone call. The Brighten Up actions are aimed to boost the mood for both the giver and receiver.”  

Conversations are essential for positive mental health, said Cheree. Brighten Up is hoping to provide people with the opportunity to have a meaningful conversation, helping them to connect, whilst assisting in reducing the stigma surrounding mental health.  

“In 2023, we are inviting all staff throughout Grampians Health to participate in Brighten Up. With approximately one in five Victorians experiencing mental illness annually, any conversations that can help raise awareness around positive mental health in a fun and friendly way are fundamental to facilitating change around mental health” said Mark Thornett, Director of Mental Health, Grampians Health.  

Hannah and Cheree both devote their time to The Ballarat Mental Health Collective, which consists of mental health professionals and individuals with direct experience in mental health. It acts as a forum to coordinate mental health promotion activities throughout the community.  

To find out more about Brighten Up and how you can be involved visit: https://www.facebook.com/BallaratMHCollective