Mind, Doggy, Spirit Festival

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″ offset=”vc_col-lg-1/5 vc_col-md-1/5 vc_col-xs-1/5″][us_image image=”67173″ size=”thumbnail” align=”left” style=”circle” has_ratio=”1″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/12″ offset=”vc_col-lg-4/5 vc_col-md-4/5 vc_col-xs-4/5″][vc_column_text]By Bev Jordan[/vc_column_text][us_post_date][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

There will be stalls, an agility dog demonstration and so much more. The family-orientated Festival fosters creativity and inclusiveness, challenges stigma and promotes community connection and is run by the Mind Connections Foundation.

Held annually during October, which is Mental Health Month, the festival is focused on the sense of well-being pet dogs give. As well as an agility dog demonstration, there will be exercise-focused games, live music, arts and crafts and face painting plus mental health and wellbeing information stalls and more. Hills-based psychiatrist Dr Padmini Howpage, who founded the event in 2011 with her husband Daya, said the aim was to create awareness of mental health issues in the community.

She said the couple are humbled by the growth of the festival over the past ten years. “We hope community education directs people to seek help when needed. So we reduce suicide and domestic violence in the community.”

Hills Shire Mayor Peter Gangemi said he was looking forward to attending the Mind, Doggy and Spirit Festival with his dog, Luna.

“The Mind Doggy and Spirit Festival is so valuable as it promotes good mental health through an event that is fun for all. The Hills has a high rate of dog ownership, so it is the perfect platform to increase participation, learning and exercise. Good mental health is so important – it has limitless benefits and it is a cause I am passionate about. I am proud to support the Mind, Doggy and Spirit Festival that promotes good mental health in a fun way and helps reduce the stigma of mental illness.”

Dave Moreton Regional Manager of the GPT Group said: “Rouse Hill Town Centre is really proud to support the festival … it is pleasing to see an event focused around promoting positive mental health. “

The Mind, Doggy Spirit Festival will be on from 10am to 3pm on Sunday, October 9th at Rouse Hill Town Centre.

For more details visit www.pawsitivesteps.com.au. The event is being run by the Mind Connections Foundation. Dr Howpage thanked Rouse Hill Town Centre – GPT Group, and Max Fit gym for “the leadership, support, dedication and commitment they have shown” and to sponsors, The Hills Clinic, Kellyville, Agility Dogs NSW, and “many other contributors, stall holders and organisations.”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]