Connect Through Postcards

If nothing else, the last few years have taught us that connection with others is vital for our mental health.

That is why the partnership between Australia Post and Beyond Blue is so perfect.

Australia Post has made an art of connecting people while Beyond Blue deals with mental health issues.

This month they have joined forces to deliver free mental health postcards to three million households around the country.

People can just walk into the local post office and pick up a free postcard.

Acting Postal Manager at Griffith Post Office, Alan Jenkin said mental health was such an important issue.

“It’s good to see Australia Post and Beyond Blue raising awareness of the little things you can do to keep well,” Mr Jenkin said.

“The postcards are such a simple idea, but writing a note to someone to let them know you’re thinking of them can have a really positive impact.

“I hope people in the Griffith community will drop into the Post Office to pick up one of the postcards to send on.”

The postcards were a huge success last year, with many people taking the opportunity to send one for the first time in years as a means of checking on loved ones during the pandemic and its lockdowns.

Beyond Blue’s Chief Community Officer, Patrice O’Brien said they were delighted to have worked with Australia Post on the initiative for the second year.

“Loneliness and lack of support can play a significant role in exacerbating mental health challenges,” Ms O’Brien said.

“When people send these postcards, they are showing that they are thinking of a friend or loved one and care about them.

“Making those connections is a powerful way to show they are not alone and in doing so support their mental health and wellbeing.”

Ms O’Brien said that their partnership with Australia Post helped carry their mental health messages to a larger audience.

“We know that millions of Australians are either struggling with their own mental health or know someone who is,” she said.

“Not everyone is able to immediately access the medical supports they need so finding alternative ways to provide information and support to these people is vital.”

Statistics tell us that wherever you live in Australia, whatever your circumstances, nearly half of us will experience a mental health condition in our life-time.

“While there is no longer the same stigma to reaching out as perhaps there one was, we still have a long way to go in addressing mental health in this country,” Ms O’Brien said.

“Simple steps, like those listed on Australia Post’s postcard mailout that will reach so many Australians, can make a big difference.

“These postcards were so well received last year, with many people using them to reconnect with family and friends.

“I hope people will get involved again this year, sending a message of hope and helping to make a difference to mental health.”

• Topics:

• Mental Health and Welbeing