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Raising Mental Health Awareness On The Daily Commute

09 October 2016

Cultural performances, art, busking, pop-up coffee carts and therapy dogs will feature at a number of Melbourne train stations to help raise awareness of mental health.

Parliamentary Secretary for Public Transport Ros Spence joined commuters today at Ringwood Station to announce the start of the Community Stations pilot project, which looks at how community events and health awareness activities can improve the wellbeing of commuters.

Launched today on World Mental Health Day, the project will see whether organised interactions at train stations can help to increase a sense of connectedness, and reduce feelings of isolation.

Public Transport Victoria is partnering with the TrackSAFE Foundation and University of Melbourne’s Centre for Mental Health to conduct the world leading research into mental health awareness activities at train stations.

Transport operators will partner with local councils and mental health organisations to deliver pop-up events at Dandenong, Ringwood, Sunshine and Melton stations.

Activities planned at the stations over the next six months include musical performances, food and coffee stands, arts and cultural events, therapy animals, and health promotions.

Researchers from the University of Melbourne’s Centre for Mental Health will ask customers at participating stations to undertake short voluntary surveys to support the research project.

The pilot project runs from October 2016 through to March 2017.

If you’d like to know more, please visit ptv.vic.gov.au/communitystations, or call 1800 800 007.

If you or someone you care about are seeking support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Quotes attributable to Parliamentary Secretary for Public Transport Ros Spence

“We’re making our train stations more inclusive and enjoyable places to go – bringing people together and encouraging more people to listen and support each other.”

“The Community Stations pilot project will roll out interactive pop-up activities at stations to improve awareness and understanding of mental health issues.”

Quote attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Shaun Leane

“Each of us has a different perspective when it comes to dealing with mental illness, and I’m pleased to launch this important project right here at Ringwood station on World Mental Health Day.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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