Beloved blue Wiggle, Anthony Field is inviting everyone across Australia to join him in supporting Beyond Blue’s Big Blue Table initiative to help those impacted by anxiety and depression.
In his role as a Big Blue Table ambassador, Anthony is encouraging people to share a meal and start a conversation about mental health during Mental Health Month this October.
The legendary children’s entertainer is throwing his support behind the fundraising and stigma reducing campaign in which all monies raised goes to the Beyond Blue Support Service that provides free 24/7 counselling, advice and referrals. Up to 800 people contact the service every day.
People can get involved by visiting bigbluetable.com.au and registering to host a meal and create a safe environment where friends, family and colleagues can talk about mental health. Big Blue Table events can take place anywhere: at your home, in the workplace, in a park or sports club. Prepare a picnic, organise a morning tea or cook a roast for dinner.
Anthony Field who delighted audiences for more than 30 years as an original member of The Wiggles has spoken candidly about his own mental health struggles and dark times – battling depression, panic attacks and thoughts of self-harm, which began in adolescence.
“The excitable and exuberant persona that I showed outwardly during Wiggles’ shows and concerts was a stark contrast to the broken and sad person that I was truly feeling on the inside, behind-the-scenes,” he explained.
“Making the decision to open up to people I trusted about what I was going through was pivotal to me finding the support, treatment and tools that I needed to manage my mental health challenges and find relief.
“Maintaining good mental health is an ongoing process – it’s not a case of flicking a switch and you’re cured for life, which is why it’s important to keep checking in with yourself as well as reaching out for help when you need it.
“Nearly half of all people in Australia will experience a mental health condition during our lives, so it's important no one feels they have to deal with it alone.
“The Big Blue Table is great initiative to encourage people to make mental health an everyday topic that you speak about over a meal and help to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness.”
Big Blue Table participants who register early to be a host receive a free host kit containing all the information and decorations needed to create a culinary and fundraising success. Included in the host kit are conversation starters featuring fun ‘getting to know you' questions as well as mental wellbeing topics.
Beyond Blue CEO Georgie Harman said the organisation is delighted to have Anthony on board as a Big Blue Table ambassador and for his willingness to share his personal story to help break the stigma around speaking about mental health issues.
“Anthony’s story will be one that resonates with many people.
“Often people mask their mental health issues and continue to try to manage their life and responsibilities as best they can, hoping things will eventually improve.
“When we connect as people, checking in with each other and opening up about our mental health and wellbeing, we all do better. It’s important that people reach out, like Anthony did, but it’s also vital that we reach in to people who we may be worried about.
“Everyone experiences different levels of mental health at different stages in their life,” said Ms Harman.
“Every dollar raised from your Big Blue Table will go towards the Beyond Blue Support Service so counsellors can provide immediate advice, support and referrals 24/7 at no cost to users.
“Beyond Blue is always available if you’re seeking support for your own mental health or supporting someone who’s going through a tough time.”
Anthony joins fellow Big Blue Table ambassadors Shelley Craft, Dr Matt Agnew, Julie Goodwin and Nat’s What I Reckon to promote the initiative.
To find out more about the initiative and register to host your Big Blue Table event, visit bigbluetable.com.au.
Big Blue Table is proudly supported by Premier Partner Australia Post.
As an organisation that supports people from across Australia, Beyond Blue acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of Country and their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay respect to Elders past and present.
First Nations Peoples are advised that this website may include reference to and images of deceased persons.
Beyond Blue is committed to safe inclusive spaces, policies and services for people of LGBTIQ+ communities and their families.
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