This year Australian Rotary Health has created the fun idea of Hat Day to help raise money for mental health research in Australia.  Currently they are the largest non government contributor to mental health research in Australia but they can’t do that without your help!

1 in 5 Australians will experience some form of mental illness in their lives.  That’s a massive 20% of the population.  The World Health Organisation predicts that by 2020 mental illness will be the leading cause of disability in the developed world.  So we need to get in front of this now by helping to make sure that research has the funds to continue their great work.

Currently the government is cutting more and more funding to community mental health organistions.  It will be up to non government entities like Australian Rotary Health to help keep up the support for the mentally ill.  There is already massive gaps between crisis care and long term management, we can’t allow those gaps to widen.

Hat Day 2014 is a simple, fun way to help promote mental health and it’s need for funding.  All you have to do is wear a hat on Friday the 10th of October and donate!  It really is that simple.  Also 100% of the proceeds from Hat Day 2014 will go towards research to help those affected by a variety of mental illness.

How do I get involved in Hat Day 2014?

• Sign up here to register your Hat Day FUNdraiser on 10th of October 2014.
• Invite your friends, family or work colleagues to join in by wearing a hat.
• Donate!

I’ve created an online party if you want to join Hat Day 2014 without having to leave the comfort of your own home.  Make sure you tag me if you upload a picture to Instagram @misguidedmuser

You can also stay up to date with everything Hat Day 2014 on Facebook, Twitter.  If you take a picture of you with your hat then be sure to use the hashtag #hatday14 when you post it on social media.

Most importantly though…start the conversation about mental health with someone today!

If you or someone you know is in need of help, contact:

Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467 or Lifeline: 13 11 14