An event designed to open up conversations and break the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide will be hosted at the home base for veterans this Saturday from 9am to 1pm.

The Oasis Townsville is inviting the community to cross paths with us and write or draw positive messages on the footpaths of the facility, keeping the conversations open and help break the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide.

The Oasis Townsville Chair, Lieutenant General John Caligari said the event was about building on the fantastic work of previous Chalk About Mental Health events held around Australia.

“Our primary purpose is to be a home base and single front door for veterans and their families to come in and identify the best possible services in Townsville to support their physical and mental wellbeing,” Caligari said.

“So, our challenge is to Townsville to drop in on Saturday, leave a message or a drawing. Take a photo and use our event hashtag and post for loved ones, veterans, family members and mates wherever they are, with your help our driveway joins theirs.”

“It is an important time of year to be spreading messages of hope, support and positivity and there is no better canvas than our purpose-built facility, that is completely focused on providing a safe place for our veteran community.

“We believe that providing a safe and welcoming place for people to come and connect with others is the foundation for improving mental health and wellbeing and that’s why we are supporting the Chalk about mental health event.”

The event is absolutely open to the public who are invited to write positive messages of hope and remembrance. The Oasis Townsville will have Standby Support After Suicide staff on hand at the event and there will be opportunities for visitors to learn more about The Oasis.

The Chalk About Mental Health event includes a sausage sizzle lunch – grab a brew at ‘Dirty Boots Café' in the morning. The Oasis is located at 1 Staging Camp Avenue, The Village - in Oonoonba

Like our Facebook event page and invite your friends. For our new unique location visit https://www.theoasistownsville.org.au/location-map

ENDS… Media contact: Michael Baker; 0417 900 545