The big blue bus rolls into Werribee to tackle stigma

Beyondblue’s big blue bus rolled into Werribee last Wednesday ready to tackle the stigma of depression and anxiety.

The bus stopped at Kelly Park as part of a 50,000-kilometre national roadshow, with team members Lucy Beardall, Muireann Heussaff and Liz Galinec putting on a mini-health expo for locals.

The event included information about depression and anxiety, local support services, live music and games.

South Western Melbourne Medicare Local chief executive Gaylene Coulton said a community survey identified mental health as one of the major issues affecting Wyndham and Hobsons Bay residents.

“Depression and anxiety are growing concerns in our area,” she said.

“The aim of these events is to reduce the stigma around mental health by fostering conversations, providing resources about issues many people in our community are facing, and letting them know where to go to seek help.”