The panel members plan to talk about how to translate research into real outcomes for the community.
In doing so they will discuss the stigma surrounding mental health issues, how this is experienced in regional and rural areas of Australia, and what is and can be done to address the problem.
The talk coincides with R U OK? Day on Thursday, September 12. Guest speakers will include:
Shepparton Ethnic Council community development officer Abdullah Naveed, SANE Australia deputy chief executive Dr Michelle Blanchard, Beyond Blue chief executive Georgie Harman, Dardi Munwurro Strong Spirit Men's Behaviour and Healing Program, former AFL player and media commentator Alan Thorpe, Mental Illness Stigma Lab at the Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences director Dr Christopher Groot.
"Stigma is a key problem for Australians living with mental health issues,” Dr Groot said.
"We know that people living with mental illness experience discrimination across numerous areas of life. It’s also well established that people are often reluctant to seek help for personal signs of mental illness because of stigma.
"That’s just scratching the surface though — the experience of mental illness stigma and the issues contributing are complex and intersect with things like our age, culture, gender identity, sexuality, ethnicity and what part of Australia we live in.
"We are delighted that this event will take place on R U OK? Day.
"I think the core aim of the event — opening up discourse about mental illness stigma — builds meaningfully on the central R U OK? Day message — the idea that by talking openly we can better look after each other."
The free event is on Thursday, September 12 at 5.30pm at Westside Performing Arts Centre, Mooroopna.
To register visit https://stigmashepparton.eventbrite.com.au
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