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Support Is Always Within Reach Help Anywhere, Anytime Life doesn’t always run smoothly. At times, stress, worry, or difficult situations can feel overwhelming — and knowing where to turn for support can make a real difference. That’s the focus of this week’s Sticky Topics message, highlighting the Help Anywhere, Anytime  initiative from Deniliquin Mental Health Awareness Group (Deni MHAG) . The message is simple: support is available — anywhere, anytime . You don’t need to wa

Feeling pressure from school, friends, or family is normal - but sometimes it can get too heavy. If you’re feeling anxious, down, or lost, that doesn’t mean you’re weak; it means you’re human. Reaching out for help early makes a real difference. Young people often try to “handle it on their own,” but support is there for every step - whether it’s talking to someone you trust, chatting online, or learning simple ways to look after yourself.  Everyone needs help sometimes, and

The Deniliquin Mental Health Awareness Group (Deni MHAG) is launching a new community sticker campaign titled “Sticky Topics”, designed to encourage conversations about mental health, reduce stigma, and highlight practical ways people can support one another. The initiative will see eye-catching stickers placed on footpaths, walkways, and gathering places across Edward River Council.  Each sticker features a QR code that links directly to helpful information, local resources,

Everyone deserves to feel safe in their own home and relationships.If something doesn’t feel right - if you feel controlled, afraid, or silenced - it’s okay to reach out.You are not alone, and it’s not your fault. Family and domestic violence isn’t only physical. It can be emotional, psychological, financial, or sexual. Sometimes, it looks like love and care from the outside but feels like fear and confusion on the inside. Violence and control can happen to anyone - regardle

Life can sometimes feel heavy. Work pressures, family responsibilities, financial stress, or personal challenges can build up over time. Many people try to carry these burdens quietly, believing they should just push through. In our community, you don’t have to tough it out alone. The message form the Deniliquin Mental Health Awareness Group (Deni MHAG) is simple but powerful — talking about a problem can help lighten the load. Sometimes people think they need to be strong an

Deniliquin Mental Health Awareness Group ( Deni MHAG) continues to work towards their goal to get 20% of our Adult Population in Deni and surrounds trained as Mental Health First Aiders by the end of 2027. 2026 has seen 2 refresher courses delivered for those that have previously completed MHFA ( Mental Health First Aid) Training. We have also delivered both a Youth MHFA and a Standard MHFA Course. A need for a weekend MHFA course has been voiced, and as such we are taki

In Deniliquin, just like the rest of Australia, mental health challenges are real and common.   Around one in five local adults will experience mental illness this year. For young people aged 11 to 17, the numbers are even more confronting - almost two in five are dealing with high or very high levels of psychological distress.   Many of these struggles begin early. Half of all adult mental health conditions start before the age of 14.Many people, young and old, don’t know wh

You just need to be brave enough to start the conversation.

Big change starts with small, brave moments.

We all have times when things feel a bit off - when life doesn’t flow the way it usually does. You might feel restless, flat, or disconnected from the things that bring you joy. You might notice changes in yourself, or in someone close to you. Noticing these moments is a quiet act of courage. It’s how change begins. The earlier we notice when things are off, the easier it is to find our way back to balance. Paying attention is an act of care It’s easy to brush things aside or

The Deniliquin Mental Health Awareness Group (Deni MHAG) , in partnership with Channel 4 Change , is pleased to offer Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA)  training opportunities in February and March 2026 . These courses are fully funded thanks to Brenda Norman’s North Channel Swim , which raised close to $15,000 . These funds aim to support 50 more adults  to be trained by the end of 2026 . This training forms part of a wider, long-term community vision led by Deni MHAG —

At Deni MHAG, we’re not debating whether the changes are good or bad.   Our priority is providing information to understand how these changes may impact wellbeing, and how we can help young people navigate the transition safely and calmly; and seek supports when and if needed. The social media changes represent a major shift for young people — and for the adults who care for them. For some in our community, this transition may feel unsettling, confusing, or even distressing.

FOCUS ON WHAT MATTERS Christmas can be a wonderful time — but it can also bring pressure, expectations, and extra stress as we try to make everything perfect for the people we love. This year, we’re encouraging our community to slow down, stay present, and focus on the things we can   control. Here are the Five Ways to Wellbeing  to help you move through the festive season with a little more calm and joy. ⭐ Keep Learning – Hang a Shining Star Learning something new is a sim

After a distressing or a traumatic event, it is normal for people of all ages to experience strong or mixed emotions. These are normal reactions to an abnormal event. The recent fire at Deni High School has been distressing for many students parents, carers, teachers and the wider community. When something so unexpected and frightening happens, it’s normal for children and teens to feel unsettled, confused, scared, angry, or sad. Some may withdraw, others may become more e

Whilst the festive season brings families and friends together and for many this is joyous time, it is also a time that can be challenging, bringing feelings of heightened stress and feeling overwhelmed. For many it can also be a time of grief and loneliness. And sadly for some, it can be a time of conflict. Talking about your feelings can improve your mood and make it easier to cope when things feel too much. Whilst many services might not be available face-to-face during t

Everyone feels anxious sometimes.But when worry becomes constant, or your body feels stuck in alert mode, it can start to affect your sleep, focus, and sense of calm.You don’t have to live on edge - help and relief are possible. Anxiety isn’t a sign of weakness - it’s your body’s way of responding to stress or perceived danger. When that alarm system stays switched on for too long, it can leave you feeling tense, tired, or detached. Common experiences include: Racing thought

Jelena Dokic received a standing ovation for sharing her story of courage, honesty and healing.

Change doesn’t begin with knowing exactly what to do. It starts with one small, uncertain moment - the decision to move, even when you don’t have the map yet. Sometimes that first step is the hardest because it comes before you can see the way forward. But every journey out of struggle begins with that first act of courage. Bravery isn’t always loud.Sometimes it’s a whisper: I need help. Sometimes it’s opening a door, picking up the phone, or clicking a link. Being brave enou

Big change starts with small, brave moments.

What makes a strong community is being there for each other