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October Edition
October is here already, bringing with it blossoming trees and glorious sunlight of Spring.
Use the warmer weather and extra hours of daylight to your advantage by venturing outside to explore your neighbourhood and create some social connections!
That said, we know that many around Australia are suffering from the severe effects of the drought.
Our thoughts are with these communities and we hope you are ok. We also hope that you are receiving the support you need from your neighbours both near and far across Australia. And rain, we wish you lots of really good rain!
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Need some inspiration? We have plenty!
As the weather warms up and people head out from under the doona and the comfort of their cosy lounge rooms, it's the perfect time to suggest a Spring gathering in your street or neighbourhood!
Our good friends at Neighbourhood Connect Inc. have lots of ideas on how neighbours can connect, including simple neighbourhood events like coffee get-togethers, BBQs in a park, a litter clean-up, perhaps a progressive dinner or even a street bake-off. Take a look at their How To Guides.
Neighbourhood Connect is a national charity helping people across Australia create neighbourhood groups to create happier, safer and more connected communities.
Check them out and you can contact them on 0413 706 233 or e-mail at Hello@NeighbourhoodConnect.org.au and they will support you to bring your neighbours together in easy and fun ways.
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World Mental Health Day
World Mental Health Day, held annually on the 10th of October, is a day for global mental health education, awareness and advocacy.
The day seeks to encourage positive discourse on the topic of mental health, as 1 in 5 Australians are affected by mental illness. Due to pervasive negative stereotypes associated with mental ill health, many affected people don’t reach out or seek help when they need it.
No person should feel that they have to suffer in silence, remember that there is no shame in seeking help. There are many free resources available to people that need a helping hand, from Lifeline to Headspace, there's always someone to listen.
On World Mental Health Day you can hold or attend an event, or make a #MentalHealthPromise to support the cause.
Click here to visit the World Mental Health Day Website.
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The Importance of Pets
With the month of October comes Dogtober, the annual celebration of dogs! The goal of the month is to raise awareness and funds for Assistance Dogs Australia who train dogs to assist people living with a disability.
While the month itself is dedicated to acknowledging the importance of service dogs for physical therapy and emotional support, there is no reason we can’t give our beloved household animals an extra treat today for being the good listeners and loving companions they are.
Pets are a fixture of many Australian households. More than 1,300 people responded to the Relationships Australia online survey in May this year regarding opinions on pets.
The top reasons for owning a pet were cited as “it brings joy” (nearly half of respondents citing this reason) and improves mental well-being and reduces loneliness.
These results are in line with previous research on the topic that predominantly indicates that our pets are beneficial to our mental and physical well-being! (not that we needed an excuse, we already love them as family members).
Survey results are here.
Dogtober is here.
Learn about Assistance Dogs Australia here.
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Day For Older Persons
The first day of the month was an important day of observance, the International Day of the Older Persons.
On this day we acknowledge the age-related discrimination that older persons face, and work towards reducing ageing associated inequalities in our society.
We are reminded of the important role older people play as members of our communities and for the wealth of knowledge and experience, and diverse worldview they provide.
If you haven't already this month, let this serve as a reminder to connect with an older person in your life, whether a work colleague, a grandparent or parent, neighbour or an elderly friend. Many older people report high levels of social isolation, so it could be exactly what they need.
Note: If you are an older person, mark October 1st on your calendar each year as the perfect excuse to have someone else make you a cuppa! (October 1st is also World Coffee Day, so perhaps make your order a latte).
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Neighbour Day Every Day
We've heard from many eager readers over the last few months with inquiries about Neighbour Day 2020.
The great news is that the Neighbour Day website and free resources have been updated (including the theme for 2020) and we are open for online registrations. So you have stacks of time to plan for Neighbour Day 2020!
However, until then there are still plenty of opportunities to connect with your neighbours!
Check out our list of days for participation at the end of this edition if you are looking for a few good reasons to get together with those nearby.
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Days for Participation
October
Rosh Hashana 29 Sep -1 Oct
Navarati 29 Sep-8 Oct
World Coffee Day October 1
International Day of Older Persons October 1
World Mental Health Day October 10
World Homeless Day October 10
Mental Health Week October 5 -11
Halloween October 31st
Dogtober (month long celebration of dogs)
Community Safety Month
November
Remembrance Day November 11th
Perinatal Depression and Anxiety Week November 10 -16
National Psychology week November 11 -17
World Kindness Day November 13
World Children's Day November 20
International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women November 25
Movember (month long)
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Relationships Australia is the home of Neighbour Day
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