Eudlo: A music and arts event with “roving huggers” and a sweet local line up – including Day of Embers, Lydia Fairhall and Emma Beau – is set to highlight the profound link between mental health and the creative arts at Eudlo Hall on Saturday night.
With almost half of us experiencing a run in with anxiety, depression and other emotional battles in our lifetime, Mindfull Shift – More than Just a Gig, on October 7, will showcase creative mediums as powerful tools in overcoming mental health challenges, while also bringing the community together, reducing isolation, and breaking down associated stigmas.
Live music, visual art, a sensory calming space, and volunteers offering “on-demand” hugs, will highlight the event with attendees also able to engage with mental health professionals, artists, and community leaders who all advocate for mental well-being.
An event by MindfullAus, and sponsored by the Queensland Mental Health Commission, it recognises the need for community engagement in tackling mental health challenges, and takes a youthful, realistic and comfortable approach to talking about matters of the mind and suicide prevention.
Through these platforms for self-expression, creativity, and shared experiences, MindfullAus hopes to smash apart stigmas, while also providing a nurturing environment for open conversation.
Did you know that according to the Australian Bureau of statistics two in five Australians aged 16-85 years (43.7 per cent) have experienced a mental disorder at some time in our lives?
Covid-19 has had a big impact on young people in particular, with one study showing 80 per cent of young people reported their mental health had worsened due to the pandemic’s disruptions.
Event Coordinator Farina Murray said this was particularly concerning as early adulthood was the peak vulnerability period for mental ill-health, with 75 per cent of mental disorders emerging by age 25.
Ms Murray said with the rising cost of living and pandemic aftermath, people were feeling the pressure more than ever and this event would demonstrate the power of art and music as valuable tools to improving emotional well-being.
“It is crucial to address (mental health) openly and supportively,” she said.
“Music, art and storytelling also have a unique way of connecting us individually and collectively to the depth of human emotion and experience.”
MindfullAus CEO Matt Runnalls said his goal was to encourage a mindful shift in the way society approached mental health.
“Through the transformative power of art and music, we can build connections, reduce isolation, and empower individuals to embrace their unique experiences,” he said.
MindfullAus aims to foster that need for belonging and acceptance through community-based events like these.
Saturday night’s artistic showcase will also address problematic drug and alcohol use, promoting the creative arts as a healthier way forward in painting a brighter future for those in recovery.
With facilitations from compassionate “lived-experience” advocates and trained professionals this is sure to be a powerful night of community connection, healing and hope.
In partnership with disability support provider, Le Bon Care, this is a drug and alcohol free event, and open to people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.
Mindfull Shift – More than Just a Gig – with Day of Embers, Lydia Fairhall and Emma Beau – is on Saturday, October 7, at Eudlo Hall, Eudlo, Sunshine Coast.
Picture: Day of Embers (also story’s main illustration) will perform and interact with the audience on Saturday night in a bid to tackle mental health head-on.
More information and tickets: https://facebook.com/events/s/mindfull-shift-
sunshine-coast-/686157300056882/.
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