Get outside and try your hand at lawn bowls this Mental Health Month.
The Deniliquin RSL Bowling Club is hosting an open day on October 22, in partnership with Clear Lifestyle Support.
Clear Lifestyle Support owner Paul Clear, who specialises in mental health and disability support, wants to encourage people to try the sport to promote mental health, fun and fitness in the community.
‘‘Getting people out in the community again, feeling safe and COVID-safe of course,’’ he said.
‘‘Promoting mental health and being able to play a sport you might not have played before.’’
He said the campaign is part of the ‘Bowls Gr8 for Brains’ initiative.
The campaign focuses on suicide prevention and mental health, especially with former service people and paramedics, who have suffered trauma as a result of their jobs.
He said the sport can also be suitable for those who need disability support.
‘‘It’s not as strenuous, it’s quite relaxing.’’
‘‘Bowls has always been pushed as an elderly sport, but it’s starting to get some young juniors in now and this can introduce them.’’
Other activities and catering are also planned for the day.
‘‘Come have a cup of coffee, have a sausage; you don’t have to have a bowl, it’s just about incorporating people back into the community after COVID,’’ Mr Clear said.
He said for those who are struggling, the best thing to do is reach out to local support services, such as Kurrajong, Intereach, Deniliquin Specialist Community Mental Health Drug and Alcohol Service or others.
With the current COVID-19 restrictions, Mr Clear estimates the event could have a capacity of 100 people.
Anyone requiring crisis support can contact Accessline on 1800 800 944, Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14, BeyondBlue on 1300 224 636 or Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800. Information is also available at:www.denimentalhealth.org.au.