A Townsville art, music and design space designed to offer mental health support to young people is now one step closer to completion.
The Banish the Black Dog charity bike ride committee donated $10,000 to Headspace to help with the construction of “Shedspace” – a community area for young people to work on art-based projects such as woodwork, music, painting, pottery, mechanical repairs and metalwork.
Headspace Townsville centre manager Kirsten Seymour said the project was an idea built off the men’s shed concept.
“It will provide diversionary activity where young people can come and learn new skills, participate in something they enjoy and contribute to the community,” Ms Seymour said.
The Banish the Black Dog committee also awarded $10,000 to Lifeline and $5000 to a Townsville schools-based program called Unleashing Personal Potential.
Committee member Robert Dorgelo said donating to different projects was just one of the ways the charity ride aimed to support mental health.
“We try to educate the riders and people associated with the ride, and the gentle exercise with friends participating together can also support good mental health,” Mr Dorgelo said.
Registrations for this year’s Banish the Black Dog charity bike ride on Saturday, May 26, are now open at banishtheblackdog.org.au.
All proceeds will go to Australian Rotary Health.
Originally published by The Townsville Bulletin, Reporter Clare Armstrong.
