A group of nine men and women from Dubbo, Wellington and Narromine, called famoUS – ‘Friends and Mentors Overcoming Universal Stigma’ have joined forces to shine a light on the issue and raise money for local mental health support services.

The brainchild of Wellington woman, Rach Rathbone, who has lived experience of bipolar disorder, the famoUS- Live to Shine movement will host the Hollywood inspired cocktail party to raise money on behalf of lifeline central west.

“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,” Ms Rathbone 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.”

The cocktail party promises to be a fabulous night with many silent auction items.

For more info visit www.123tix.com.au

Ms Rathbone said the team at famoUS were really grateful to Tanya Forster and the team at the Macquarie Health Collective for coming on board as sponsor and for supporting and helping them maximise funds raised for lifeline central west.

There will be music by Pete Riley and special guests will include Deputy Commissioner from the NSW Mental Health Commission, Fay Jackson.​

Executive Director for lifeline central west, Alex Ferguson said the money raised at the cocktail party will go directly to enhancing services in Dubbo.

“In early 2018, Lifeline Dubbo will move to a larger office allowing us to expand our crisis 13 11 14 call capacity and to significantly increase our training capacity in the western districts with a clear focus on Aboriginal communities,” Mr Ferguson said.