LOTTEY WILLSHIRE
The Positive Mindset Creative Arts Festival will run for its third consecutive year in October, it has been announced.
Health and Ambulance Services Minister and Member for Woodridge, Cameron Dick officially announced the launch of the 2017 festival on Monday.
The festival, hosted by Metro South Health aims to raise awareness about mental health through creativity and performing arts.
The competition based festival will allow students to showcase their dance, drama, music, visual art, and media art skills.
Festival director and occupational therapist, Adam Lo has worked on the festival since its inception in 2015 and is excited to again provide students with a platform to address mental health.
“The festival is about promoting the message of good mental health and reducing the stigma and negative thoughts surrounding mental illness,” Mr Lo said.
“The three messages we aim to convey are all about creativity, connecting with those around you, and having a chat.”
Metro South Health have been visiting participating schools in the area for the audition process and to talk to students about what mental health means to them.
Minister Dick believes that educating children early on could help prevent mental illness in the future.
“Childhood and adolescence can be a difficult time, and we know that preventing the onset of mental health problems and early intervention can reduce the impact and severity of illness across a person’s lifetime,” Mr Dick said.
“Schools are invited to take part in this friendly competition designed to foster creative talent and transform the ways people talk about and deal with mental health.”
The Grand Final event will be held during Queensland Mental Health Week at the Logan Entertainment Centre on October 11.
If you or someone you know needs support you can phone 13 HEALTH or Lifeline on 13 11 14.