Council supporting push to make Townsville Australia’s first mentally healthy city
Date published: 31 December 2018
Townsville City Council is backing a program that hopes to the make Townsville Australia’s first mentally healthy city.
The Tropical Brain and Mind Foundation wants to build an inclusive, active and healthy community and ensure Townsville is Australia’s First Mentally Healthy City.
The Townsville Mentally Healthy City project wants to remove the stigma attached to depression, anxiety and other conditions and create a common and positive approach to mental wellness.
“The likely benefits include lowering the suicide rate, decreasing the burden on the health system and enhanced business productivity,” Acting Mayor Les Walker said.
“It will improve people’s experience of Townsville as a liveable and vibrant city and support the growth of a safe community.”
Council is supporting the program with $20,000 over two financial years and it’s providing office space and a council officer to work with Mentally Healthy City Steering Committee.
Cr Walker said the project focus includes a stepped-care model, which will work alongside other mental healthcare providers.
“The Foundation wants to make sure mental health is a high priority on the city’s agenda,” Cr Walker said.
“It’s supporting health care for children, adolescents and adults and wants to be a national leader in its field.”
The Townsville Mentally Healthy City project is a three-phase project that wants to implement mentally healthy outcomes in 2024 and beyond.
