More than 100 Greater Shepparton community members were invited to attend the session on Monday night, which aimed to help build a supportive mental health network within the region.
Smiling Mind is Australia’s top-rating mindfulness app. It aims to help make future generations happier and healthier through the practice of mindfulness and meditation.
The session explained what mindfulness is, the science behind the practice, how and when to use it and how to share mindfulness with others.
Smiling Mind chief executive Addie Wootten said it was vital that communities did everything they could to take a proactive approach to good mental health, just like they do with their physical health.
“Mindfulness is like gym for the mind; and just like exercise, it helps to keep us mentally fit, helping to support a healthy mind,” Dr Wootten said.
“Our workshops and app equip people with the tools and knowledge to form their own habits around mindfulness and experience these benefits."
The Murray PHN advisory council invited people who bring a rich source of knowledge, innovative ideas and existing local connections to their work and have the ability to pass the teachings on to other community members.
Murray PHN chief executive Matt Jones said the purpose of the event extended far beyond teaching individual skills.
“Attendees will be asked to leave the workshops thinking about how they can put the mindfulness philosophy into practice,” he said.
“The more we talk about mental health, the more we’ll break down the stigma and help people living with mental illness to feel less judged, more accepted, and confident to speak up and get help when it’s needed.”
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