The beyondblue bus will visit the MC² forecourt on Tuesday 24 March from 1.00 pm to 4.00 pm, as part of the organisation’s efforts to raise awareness about mental health.

The visit is part of the beyondblue National Roadshow, which started in February 2014 and has travelled more than 45,000 kilometres through every state and territory in Australia.

The afternoon of free activities at MC² will include a barbecue, Bollywood dancing, face painting, box sculpting, a planting activity and giant games such as Jenga, snakes and ladders, and chess.

Manningham residents will also have the opportunity to pick up free information about depression, anxiety and staying well, and talk to the beyondblue team and local services about what support is available.

Manningham’s Healthy City Plan 2013 – 2017 identified mental wellbeing as a priority, with statistics showing that 20 per cent of the population have had a mental disorder in the last 12 months.

Manningham Mayor, Cr Paul McLeish said Council is committed to enhancing the mental wellbeing of residents by encouraging social inclusion, participation, education and employment opportunities, and access to services.

“The beyondblue bus provides a relaxed and friendly setting for residents to chat and learn more about mental health, with a lot of free information on offer.”

In addition to beyondblue and Inner East Melbourne Medicare Local, the beyondblue bus is partnering with NEAMI National, Manningham Neighbourhood Houses, Whitehorse Manningham Libraries, Manningham Arts Centre, Manningham Community Health Service, Doncare, Australian Autism Association and more.

For more information, visit beyondblue or our Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan.