To mark this year’s Mental Health Month, CityNews speaks with some local businesses and organisations who are passionate about improving mental health.

Celebrated in October each year, Mental Health Month encourages people to think about the importance of mental health in their everyday lives.

The month is about understanding how to boost mental wellbeing, looking out for each other and focusing on relationships.

Over coming weeks, businesses and organisations throughout ACT and NSW will host events to inspire people to think more about their own mental health and the mental health of those around them.

The month also encompasses World Mental Health Day on October 10, an opportunity to reduce the stigma and discrimination associated with mental health conditions, and promote positive mental health and wellbeing.

Standing in support with unpaid carers

Carers ACT provides support and advocacy for those engaged as unpaid carers for someone with a disability, a medical condition – terminal or chronic illness – has a mental health illness, or is frail, or receiving palliative care, says Lisa Kelly, CEO.

Alongside Mental Health Month, Carers Week will begin on October 13, says Lisa, and it is important those doing unpaid care work are recognised.

“We know carers are often invisible and the work they do is invisible, but the impact of their work is significant,” she says.

“Oftentimes unpaid carers are time poor and they don’t have the spare time to voice their concerns.

“We can assist them with a range of services including information, service support, social groups and respite options for those who are frail and aged.”

Lisa says Carers ACT is a multi-faceted space for carers to receive support, and encourages people to get in touch, even if they don’t feel they urgently need the support right away.

She says even just signing up the newsletter to receive information about changes that impact unpaid carers is important.

“We’re the partner for carers,” says Lisa, “and it is important to invest in your own wellbeing.”

Carers ACT, 2/80 Beaurepaire Crescent, Holt. Call 6296 9900 or visit carersact.org.au

Natasha helps women fix their money relationship

Women With Cents was started in 2016 by money coach Natasha Janssens, initially, she says, as a financial education platform.

“After years of running workshops and online courses for women, I published my first book ‘Wonder Woman’s Guide to Money’ in 2019,” she says.

“I quickly realised that women needed more than just financial education. They needed support with navigating financial anxiety, indecision, and the pressures of societal expectations.”

Natasha says research has found that personal finances are the leading cause of stress in Australia, and that women in particular have a lack of confidence when making financial decisions.

“There are so many factors that affect a woman’s relationship with money. Childhood trauma, social conditioning, gender pay gap, these all play a part.

“I grew up in war-torn Yugoslavia, and came to Australia by myself at 18. I know all too well the impact that childhood trauma can have on our financial decisions as adults.

“Arguments over money are also the leading predictor in divorce and relationship breakdown.

“Couples often respond to financial stress in very different ways, making it harder to communicate effectively.

“People don’t talk about their financial challenges because they fear judgement and we often carry a lot of shame – regardless of our income.

“So, now I work with women and couples to support them to transform their relationship with money and get on the same page.”

Women With Cents. Visit womenwithcents.com.au

Equine therapy for holistic wellbeing

Highlands Centre for Healing offers retreats and workshops in nature for those seeking to reduce anxiety, recalibrate their nervous systems and “step forward into a more balanced life,” says owner Soo Woods.

The centre focuses on holistic wellbeing through a variety of natural and alternative therapies, with their point of difference being working alongside therapy horses, says Soo.

Horses can help people in numerous ways, and Soo says that even people who are afraid of horses will soon feel relaxed around them.

“They help to co-regulate our nervous system and find calm,” she says.

“And they teach people how to be mindful and to live in the present.”

Soo says every retreat and workshop is different, but at their core, they all create a safe space for people to find mental wellness and recover from trauma.

There are numerous half, one-day and multi-day events available, and details can be found on their website.

There is also accommodation available, situated on 43 hectares that back on to a state forest, providing the perfect opportunity for people to return to nature, says Soo.

Highlands Centre for Healing, 674 Nowra Road, Moss Vale. Call 0411 623479 or visit highlandscentreforhealing.com.au