The APM Communities team from Northam participated in the annual Turn Up In Blue (TUIB) day on 12 October 2023 in Bernard Park in Northam as part of Mental Health Week.
Now in its 7th Year, TUIB is a multi-agency collaborative community event organised by Holyoake that is completely free, providing individuals with an opportunity to connect with local service providers in a fun and safe environment.
TUIB aims to address mental health issues by empowering everyone to act and create lasting change.
This was the second year that APM Communities has taken part in this popular community event, providing a Chillout Zone amongst the 30 interactive stalls of local service providers and community organisations. More than 800 people attended the 2023 event.
In addition to providing the Chillout Zone, APM Communities team leader Mykala Nelson was a part of the event working group who met several times in the lead up to the event day.
"TUIB is a fabulous event as the community gets together to support and highlight the importance of mental health. All surrounding school students are bussed in, in waves to be educated on youth suicides which unfortunately is high in regional areas," Mykala said.
"The more we can educate and make the services known in our area and make youth aware of what’s available to them the better chance they have in seeking the supports they need."
"During the event we had a visit from the Shire President Chris Antonio and I had a lengthy discussion about APM Communities and how we are supporting the community in access and inclusion. The Shire agreed that this is a much-needed service in the town, as people of all ages utilised the space," she added.