Murrumbidgee Voices Win Awards For MPHN’s Connect, Your Way Campaign

As Mental Health Month draws to an end, Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network’s (MPHN) Connect, Your Way campaign has been recognised with two new award wins for its contribution to mental health awareness.

Last week, the campaign won the Purpose-Led Marketing Award at the 2024 Australian Marketing Institute (AMI) Marketing Excellence Awards and the NSW Public Health Association Communication Award.

The accolades follow an earlier win from the Mental Health Services Learning Network and being named a finalist in the Research Society’s Research Awards last year.

MPHN co-designed the Connect, Your Way campaign with more than 60 Murrumbidgee residents who shared their experiences of mental health challenges and accessing support.

MPHN CEO Stewart Gordon said this community input shaped the overall success and direction of the campaign.

“The authentic voices of people with lived and living experience were crucial in ensuring this campaign addressed real needs,” Mr Gordon said.

“The contributions of local people allowed our team to create a campaign that resonated deeply, not only with the Murrumbidgee community, but obviously with many people, given the campaign’s success.

“It highlights the importance of listening to and learning from people who have experienced mental health challenges when creating mental health resources.

“We’re deeply grateful for their input and proud to have developed such a valuable resource.”

MPHN Senior Manager Priority Populations Anita McRae said local focus group participants were open and generous in sharing their personal stories.

“Being vulnerable in front of people you’ve just met is a big ask for many of us, but everyone involved wanted to ensure others in similar situations would have access to the advice and support they needed, which was in some cases what they wished they’d been able to access themselves,” Ms McRae said.

“This campaign was created by locals for their own community, and I think that’s a big part of why it’s been so successful.”

The Connect, Your Way campaign featured local figures - Wiradjuri Elder Aunty Isabel Reid, Bruce Rollins, Owen Dufty, Holly Conroy and Stina Constantine, who shared their stories to encourage greater mental health awareness and connection within the region.

IMAGE: Young Wagga local Owen Dufty in the Connect Your Way campaign.

• Topics:

• Mental Health and Welbeing
• Health & Wellbeing
• Community Groups