Medibank community fund and beyondblue partner for national grassroots depression and anxiety awareness campaign

Medibank Community Fund is proud to announce a partnership with beyondblue, which will see the two organisations work with local communities across Australia at a grassroots level, to raise awareness of mental health issues.

This partnership aligns with the Medibank Community Fund's vision that people of all ages will live longer in good health by being encouraged to eat well, be physically active and more connected with their communities. Rita Marigliani, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at Medibank, explains further:

"Mental health is a key component to general wellbeing and it is important that we empower people with the tools and ability to address mental health issues. Through this partnership, we hope to increase awareness of depression and anxiety, facilitate improved access to local health services and national telehealth support, and improve the capacity of individuals and their communities to take preventative action against and respond to anxiety and depression."

beyondblue CEO Kate Carnell AO says: "beyondblue's aim is to raise awareness of depression and anxiety, to reduce the associated stigma and ensure people have access to the information they need to take action to get help and support their recovery from mental health problems. We are delighted to partner with Medibank Community Fund, so we can continue to deliver this important message across Australia with the Fund's support."

Mental health is an issue close to the heart of Medibank and the organisation is already active in this area through its Medibank Health Solutions' arm. Since January 2013, Medibank Health Solutions has managed and delivered the beyondblue Support Service, a 24 hour telehealth service which connects callers with a trained mental health professional.

In May 2013, the two partnered for the launch of Medibank Health Solutions' ground-breaking report, "The case for Mental Health Reform in Australia: A Review of Expenditure and System Design", which called for radical reform of the mental health system.