HAWKESBURY INDEPENDENT MAY 2015 | Page 12

cal lo fe li Joining hands with beyondblue Lions Australia are joining hands with beyondblue in the Hawkesbury to raise awareness and understanding about depression and anxiety Lions Australia has partnered with beyondblue to help people across Australia look after their mental health and tackle depression and anxiety. As part of the ‘Lions Australia Joining Hands with beyondblue’ campaign, the Lions Club in the Hawkesubry will hold a meeting, to which the public is invited, to help raise awareness about the symptoms of depression and anxiety. How to maintain good mental health, where to get support locally, and how to access free beyondblue resources will also be discussed at the meeting. Everyone in the Hawkesbury and surrounding areas is invited to attend this meeting to learn more about how to lower their risk of developing depression and anxiety, and how to support friends, family members and colleagues who may be experiencing them. beyondblue CEO Georgie Harman said: “This is just one of dozens of public Lions Clubs meetings to be held across Australia to provide local people with practical advice about depression and anxiety, as well as tips on how to stay mentally healthy. Today one in six Australians are living with depression, anxiety or both and this community partnership is a great way to reach people in need of information and support.” Lions Australia Executive Officer Rob Oerlemans said: “Lions Australia Joining Hands with beyondblue’ is a nation-wide campaign that draws upon beyondblue’s expertise and Lions Australia’s community links to ensure all Australians understand depression and anxiety. Our goal is for the community to know where to go to get help for themselves or someone else.” To contact the trained mental health counsellors at the beyondblue Support Service 24/7, phone 1300 22 4636 or go to www.beyondblue.org.au/ get-support for email or chat service (available 3pm untill midnight). Lions Make Things Happen Lions Australia are joining hands with beyondblue in the Hawkesbury Have you seen Leesa? By Greg Martin   Blue Mountains Local Area Command have concerns for the welfare of missing mum Leesa Hepi and are requesting public assistance in locating her.   The 38-year-old was last seen in the Katoomba area on Saturday April 25, wearing blue jeans and a striped jumper. The Police Duty Officer said that Leesa had made phone contact with he r family on that day but that there has been no communication since. Leesa is described as being medium build with blonde hair and blue eyes.   The photo of the mother of two girls has been shared all over Facebook and her father, Gordon Pendlebury, said the level of concern and love for his daughter from total strangers was a comfort at a very difficult time for the family.   “There has been absolutely no news since we heard from her that Saturday.  Not knowing where your child is, whatever their age, is the worst possible place to be in,” Mr Pendlebury said.  “Leesa idolises her two daughters and it is not the norm that she would go so long without communicating with them. It goes without saying they are deeply worried as well. I cannot imagine Leesa deliberately not speaking with them. “Please pray for her well-being.” “Come home Mum, we love you so much,” Leesa’s daughter Monique added. If you have any information about the whereabouts of Leesa, please phone Springwood Police on 4751 0299.   to raise awareness and understanding about depression and anxiety What: An open public meeting to help educate residents in and around the Hawkesbury. Time: 7pm for 7.30 start Date: 20th May, 2015 Location: North Richmond Panthers Beaumont Avenue North Richmond Speaker: beyondblue - Peter Donnell RSVP 18th May Diane 4587 8670 (business hours) or 0412 790 642 (AH) 12 ISSUE 60 // MAY 2015 Proudly australian! Save the mess in your home! PORTABLE POOPERS KEEP THE CROWD OUTSIDE.... Having a party or just a get-together? HIRE PORTABLE TOILETS! 9627 7133 • 0417 924 993 HAWKESBURY DISTRICT INDEPENDENT NEWS www.hdinews.com.au