NeuRA has been blown away by the enthusiasm of Australians that ‘got their colour on’ in October to raise funds for mental health research.
Over 1,1150 people signed up to this year’s campaign and raised more than $119,000!
From wigs and streaks to entirely new hairdos, the effort people put in to generate support for NeuRA’s Colour Your Hair for Mental Health campaign has been nothing short of exceptional.
One of our top community fundraisers is Dee Henriss who works at St Vincent’s Hospital and knows first-hand how integral research is to health.
“I decided to take part because I feel that research is so important in order to find ways to treat mental illness. Without research we have nothing,” Ms Henriss said.
“I myself am being treated for a number of mental health issues and I know that without research, this would not have been possible,” she said.
With the help of her colleagues, family and friends, Dee managed to raise over $2,200 in funds as well as patient spirits and awareness of mental health in general.
“I’ve had so much fun with my blue ‘do. Staff and patients in the hospital stop and comment and ask about it, which opens the door to start the discussion,” Ms Henriss said.
Australia’s aged care service Royal Freemasons’ Benevolent Institution (RFBI) also signed up and encouraged their staff to participate and post their stories.
RFBI was the highest fundraising team with over $7,340 raised. They were supported by a wide array of people, including Olympian swimmer, Ian Thorpe, and Australia’s Minister for Home Affairs, the Hon Peter Dutton MP.
Funds raised through Colour Your Hair for Mental Health will help researchers to improve the knowledge surrounding mental illnesses, such as anxiety, depression, schizophrenia and bipolar.
“My sincere thanks go to everyone that coloured their hair in support of mental health research,” said NeuRA CEO, Professor Peter Schofield AO.
“Thanks to your bravery and generosity, NeuRA is better positioned to relieve the distress experienced by those that experience these disabling conditions and the people who treat them,” he said.
As part of the campaign, Professor Schofield dyed his hair lavender purple.
“I was expecting a more vibrant purple but I’m quite enjoying this softer hue! It’s a fantastic way to express the importance of what often remains an unspoken and stigmatised matter,” Professor Schofield said.
To get involved or learn more, visit: colouryourhair.com.au
