GROW (a community-based organisation, which helps Australians with their recovery from mental ill-health) is holding its national Odd Socks Day on Friday 8 October, which aims to show support to people who are struggling with their mental health.
The Odd Socks Day campaign has been running annually since 2013, with each year seeing an increase in the number of people taking part, sharing Odd Socks Day content on social media, and donating to help stamp out the stigma and discrimination, which often surrounds mental health issues.
Reportedly, one in seven Australians will experience depression in their lifetime; one quarter of Australians will experience an anxiety condition, and one in eight is currently experiencing high or very high psychological distress.
“GROW Australia’s Odd Socks Day is an important opportunity to show people who are struggling with their mental health that they are not alone”, says David Butt, Grow National CEO.
“Its aim is to help start the conversation about mental ill-health and to reduce the stigma that surrounds mental health issues.
“Odd Socks Day provides a wonderful opportunity to participate and help to continue to build a caring and sharing community.
“We encourage you to get your family, friends and even your pets involved. Have some fun while you have a more serious conversation,” he says.
GROW is encouraging everyone to wear odd socks on Friday 8 October.
It’s a fun way to help raise awareness of mental health issues and help to stamp out the stigma around mental ill-health.
By wearing a pair of Odd Socks you’re on your way to starting the conversation about mental wellbeing and how everyone can have an odd day. Just post and tag your pic to #OSD2021 to be shared on facebook.com/oddsocksau
GROW will be hosting an Australia wide online event that will discuss it’s OK to be not OK, while showcasing the services of GROW. Register via Eventbrite: bit.ly/3CsHYx5
GROW has also launched this year a sock subscription service – Sock it to Stigma – has a custom designed pair for each month that contains wisdoms from the Grow Program and makes a great gift idea! Check it out upparel.com.au/grow-subscriptions/
Of course, donations are always welcomed, with all money assisting in the delivery of very special programs such as GET GROWING, an early intervention school support program for young people and GROWING RESILIENCE that is currently running eight weekly programs around the country, at no charge. Go to grow.org.au/oddsocksday
