Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network: supporting the Riverina's mental health

Nearly half of all Australians will experience a mental health issue during their lifetime, and those who don't will most likely know someone who does.

Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN) CEO Melissa Neal said Mental Health Month serves as a reminder that connecting with others is important; both for our own health and wellbeing as well as theirs.

MPHN is providing QPR training to individuals living in the Murrumbidgee and offering grants to drought affected communities for mental health and wellbeing activities.

QPR (Question Persuade Refer) is online suicide-prevention training offered free to individuals living in the Murrumbidgee.

In under an hour you can gain the skills to identify someone who is at risk, the confidence to talk to them and the knowledge to connect them with professional care.

"We encourage people to complete the QPR training and also for our communities to consider applying for one of our Murrumbidgee Community Grants," Melissa Neal said.

"We know the impacts of drought extend beyond farmers and their families in rural communities, and these grants have been designed to support the mental health and wellbeing of our communities.

"Grants could be for activities such as a community barbecue to connect people, regular exercise or yoga classes, or community education or workshops around managing stress or anxiety.

"It's always ok to ask for help.

"Talk to your family and friends and let them know how you're feeling.

"Check in with family and friends and ask if they are ok."

Complete the free QPR training on offer from MPHN to feel more confident to start a conversation with someone you think might be experiencing suicidal thoughts or communicating their distress through their words or actions.