Warrnambool-based mental health charity Let's Talk records song to encourage seeking help

Co-founder John Parkinson has enlisted friends Jodie Fleming and Matt Reeves to compose a mental health anthem.

"I'm a psychologist and Matt has lived with anxiety and depression and we wanted our message to normalise mental health," Dr Fleming said.

"Matt used his lived experiences to describe how someone might be feeling and I wrote what I want people to know."

Over two weeks the friends penned the lyrics and melody to Let's Talk and south-west musicians Louise Ryan, Jason Bull and Ellen Byrne brought the song to life.

With an upbeat melody and echoing vocals from the three artists, the catchy tune delivers the important message of reaching out for help and asking for support when experiencing mental health issues.

"I hope the song can let people know they aren't the only ones feeling what they're feeling," Dr Fleming said.

"It might lead to hope and that there is a way through when you ask for help."

Let's Talk is committed to changing the mental health stigmas existing in the south-west, a role even more relevant during this time of unprecedented uncertainty, stress and anxiety due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Freemasons Foundation has donated $50,000 to the charity to continue its work supporting the community and raising the awareness of mental health.

This donation will enable Let's Talk to move forward with a number of projects which each have a focus on linking with the community amid the coronavirus pandemic and beyond.

READ MORE:

Let's Talk hopes to work on a small towns project which has the support of the Mortlake community and Moyne Shire, and will hopefully extend to Colac. The aim of the project is to show sufferers that they are not alone and their town will support their mental health journey. Cathcart Transport Industries will assist with an awareness signage initiative and share mental health messages across the south-west. Let's Talk will support healthy minds during challenging times through videos for schools.

The charity also hopes to use the donation to begin a video and podcast series called Living My Best LIFE, develop its website and begin a media campaign.

Listen to the latest episode of our weekly episode The Booletin and Beyond:

Have you signed up to The Standard's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in the south-west.