Patrick Flynn, a ‘happy helper’ for the event, said it was a great way for people to try something new. 

“It was pleasing to see people who attend Embrace Meetups stepping out of their comfort zone to work on their social skills by interacting with people from other community groups and cultural backgrounds,” he said. 

“I would also like to mention how good it was for people from different mental health organisations such as Headspace, LikeMind and Wellways being there.

“Unity is all about working together with respect, love and compassion, not just with mental health but life in general.” 

Mr Flynn hopes to see this become an annual event. 

Mr Flynn also thanked South Wagga Warriors Football Club, Unity FC, Potowa Buddhist Group, Yezidi Wagga Wagga, The Uniting Church Wagga Wagga Congregation, Hayley K Photography, Tailfeather Face & Body Art, Wagga Fruit Supply, Aldi Supermarkets, Tiff’s Cakes and Slices, The Rural Lung Unit Wagga Wagga and The Rock SES Unit for giving their time and energy into making this event such a positive experience.

“Thanks also to Mitch and Prue for leading the walk, Christy Lee and Rosie for helping with the barbeque, Collin for assisting with the insurance for this event and my friend Samantha who founded Embrace Mental Health,” he said. 

The next Embrace Mental Health Meetup is 2pm on the 4th of November at Cache Store of Food, 214 Baylis Street Wagga. Participation is free and anyone living with any form of mental illness is encouraged to attend.

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