Ideas for connecting further-??BB next stage

[Mares73]

Hi Christopher

I appreciate the great work BB do and the limited resources you have. Taking that into consideration I'd still like to ask whether there is any remote possibility that BB could arrange some form of informal one day event in each state this year. I am asking for you to consider this because I have been quite amazed at the amount of members who experience social isolation generally & don't have ongoing support-yet these same people have commented that they would "love" to or would "definitely attend" such an event. Members are indicating that they have strong connections with other members & would really like the opportunity to meet each other in person. They would feel safe & comfortable doing so as they feel they know the members pretty well & also because it would be a safe environment given Beyond Blues high public profile. It depends on resources-there could be statewide education & information session days with open sessions for members that wanted to meet to do so. There could be information for carers & hopefully improve the understanding of depression & anxiety in the community. Potentially there could also be speakers. I just feel its such a lost opportunity if people who are isolated & stigmatised don't get this opportunity to meet & feel comfortable with others who they may relate to. And I think for the broader community in general this could be a great opportunity. What do you think? Mary

[Chris_B]

Hi Mary,

beyondblue is launching a national roadshow this year which will travel all over Australia - 22,000km in 18 months - in a big blue bus.  Over 200 events will be held as part of this roadshow, and we are looking for people to get in touch with us who may be interested in helping to organise events in their area.  There'll be more information about the roadshow coming out next month.

In the meantime, if you'd like to get in touch with us about events in your area for the roadshow, drop a line to our team at OnTheRoad@beyondblue.org.au    

[Jo3]

Hi Chris,

I would love to help wherever possible.  Do I just email the roadshow team?

Jo

[Chris_B]

Yes please do, they have a PDF leaflet which they can send you with more information.  This is a really big initiative and creating links between people and their communities is a major aim of the roadshow - to forge connections that will thrive and endure after the roadshow has left town.

[Jo3]

Thanks Chris,

I have just sent an email.

Jo

[Scott_Depression]

Awesome question Jo - I'd love to be involved too - will e-mail the project team & hope i can help!