Free mental health expo in Wrens planned for May 11
In an effort to offer an open, inviting, low-pressure introduction to conversations about mental health needs, Shakia Fuller, owner and operator of Self Mental Health, is sponsoring her second annual Mental Health and Wellness Expo in Wrens Saturday, May 11.
The event will be open to the public from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the walking track located at 101 Griffin Street in Wrens and will feature a Question and Answer panel, live entertainment, food trucks, a bouncy house and more.
“The openness of the expo provides opportunities for individuals who may have some hesitancy or may have questions that they don’t know how to ask,” Fuller said. “You know there is often a stigma when we discuss mental health, however it’s a discussion we must continue to have. There are people in the community who have not taken that step to seek help but who desperately need it.”
Fuller envisions the expo as an open and inviting platform for dialogue and education. An event where people can connect with resources and support networks they might not otherwise have known are available.
"I want it to aid in breaking down stigmas surrounding mental health and empower individuals to take proactive steps in caring for their mental well-being,” Fuller said.
The Q&A panel will feature a nurse practitioner, a licensed psychologist as well as the Jefferson County Probate Judge Na’Quella Davis.
“We want to shine some light on mental health and get the conversation going. You don’t have to have a mental illness or diagnosis to be aware of what’s going on in your cognitive space and how it impacts your day-to-day life,” Fuller said. “Questions can be submitted anonymously and hopefully they can get some insight while also having a good time with their family and community.”
Fuller, who has been serving in the Wrens area as a licensed professional counselor for a little over a year, said that she hopes the community comes out with open minds, ready to experience something new.
“All are welcome,” Fuller said. “I encourage everyone to come out to this family-friendly event where they can entertain suggestions they could implement in their own lives.”
For more information contact info@selfmentalhealth.com
This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Free mental health expo in Wrens planned for May 11
