Lifeline Central West’s services in Dubbo will benefit from the first fundraising event of a new group seeking to help “lift the stigma” associated with mental illness and suicide.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The NSW Mental Health Commission’s deputy commissioner Fay Jackson will be one of two special guests at the February fundraiser at Dubbo.
The new group comprises nine men and women from Dubbo, Wellington and Narromine.
They call themselves famoUS, an acronym for friends and mentors overcoming universal stigma. Brainchild of famoUs and its president is Wellington’s Rach Rathbone, who has lived experience of bipolar disorder.
“We are all committed to the cause and bringing about change because each member of the squad has their own story and experience with mental illness and the associated stigma,” she said.
“Coming from someone who has lived through some extreme ups and downs, I’m happy to say that I now live to shine and hope that others can find peace in their lives.
“We aim to raise awareness and money for a variety of local support services in the future and we are pleased that our first recipient will be Lifeline Central West.”
The fundraiser is set down for February 17 at Lazy River Estate from 6.30pm to midnight.
It is a Hollywood-inspired cocktail party with tickets costing $100 each. They are on sale at www.123tix.com.au.
The other special guest is National Rugby League star turned model and mental health advocate, Dan Conn.
Silent auctions will be conducted on the night and Peter Riley will perform. The cocktail party is being sponsored by Macquarie Health Collective in Brisbane Street, Dubbo.
“We are really grateful to Tanya Forster and the team at the Macquarie Health Collective for supporting us and helping us to maximise funds raised for Lifeline Central West.” Ms Rathbone said.
Lifeline Central West’s services in Dubbo will be relocated in early 2018 to expand both 13 11 14 crisis call capacity and the training of volunteers in responding to mental illness and domestic violence.
