Goolgowi is rallying behind a community push for greater access to mental health facilities and services with a number of positive steps already taken.
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A much needed office space has been secured to be the home of vital future counselling services for Goolgowi residents among other successes for campaigners.
"At this stage the finer details still need to be finalised but basically the space will be renovated to be used for counselling sessions and any community needs," Marie Clarke, community member and campaigner for mental health facilities in Goolgowi said.
Providing access to counselling services for residents has been at the forefront of the push for more mental health support in Goolgowi after the community has experienced tragedy this year.
- Lifeline: 13 11 14
- Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636
- Griffith Suicide Prevention and Support Group: 1300 133 911
"What we are looking to set up once the space is available is to run whole-day, monthly sessions so it's worthwhile for counsellors to come out here for the day," Ms Clarke said.
"People in isolated communities face inequalities in regards to medical services because of living outside of cities. It's not always achievable for people to get to Sydney or Wagga or even Griffith can be difficult.
"So just having something available here is going to make a huge difference because people in crisis need access to help regardless of where they live."
Joel Thompson from the Manly Sea Eagles has also shown his support for the cause, coming out to speak to residents last Friday as part of his Mindset Project. Mr Thompson talked to the community about the signs and symptoms of mental health crisis and suicide warning signs.
A petition calling for the NSW government to provide in-patient mental health services for Griffith, Leeton, Deniliquin and Wentworth hospitals is also due to start circulating in November, along with a fundraiser and 'remembrance garden' in the pipeline towards the end of the year.
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