Nearly three years on from the Covid outbreak, many of us are continuing to feel its wide-ranging effects, particularly when it comes to our wellbeing. 

A study by Headspace reported that 74 per cent of participants experienced a decline in mental health since 2020. This, when combined with the fact that 45 per cent of Australians will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime, has led to increasing concern about the ‘silent pandemic’.

Australians are being urged to take a step back and prioritise mental wellbeing. While it may be tempting to put off ‘me time’ until the end of the year, it’s important to make space for your mental health, as well as those around you.

This October, Beyond Blue invites you to ‘cook up meaningful conversation’; to share a meal with friends, family and colleagues by hosting or attending a ‘Big Blue Table’ event.

What is the Big Blue Table?

To kick off Mental Health Month, Big Blue Table runs from 1st – 8th October. The initiative aims to fight the stigma of mental health by creating a safe space to open up, while raising funds for Beyond Blue.  

This fundraiser was created after Beyond Blue saw an 18 per cent increase in the amount of support service contacts in 2021. Last year, 318,901 people contacted the service and 71 per cent of users reported feeling better afterwards.

Founded in 2000, Beyond Blue is Australia’s most well-known and visited mental health organisation, focused on supporting people affected by anxiety, depression and suicide. 

Beyond Blue has provided around 13 million Australians per year with key information to understand their brain chemistry and emotions.

IMPACT’s seat at the table

As with any workplace, the uncertainty and strains of the past three years have been duly felt by the IMPACT fam. And as a tight-knit team, we recognise the value of events like Big Blue Table to create a safe space for honest chats. 

This year, we’re taking part in the Big Blue Table fundraiser to raise awareness for mental health while raising funds for the crucial work of Beyond Blue.

To kick-start these conversations at Big Blue Table, Beyond Blue has also developed conversational coasters to ensure we go beyond small talk and start meaningful conversations about mental health.

How can you get involved?

If you’d like to fundraise for mental health, take the opportunity to host your own Big Blue Table this early October! Simply register today to access your fundraising dashboard, and invite your nearest and dearest.

According to Think Mental Health, eating well, spending time with family and friends, and talking openly about your feelings are key to good mental health. So, the act of hosting or attending an event is a great boost to your brain!

Alternatively, you can donate to IMPACT’s event, available here.