Staff at Centacare Armidale were into the spirit early last week for Odd Socks Day, a fun chance to switch socks will help those out there put up their hand for help.

“It’s important to reduce stigma and make mental health a topic of conversation,” senior psychologist Rhonda Partridge said. 

“We all have bad days but it is crucial to know there is support there and you can get help - it’s strength to do so.”

RichmondPRA is also gearing up for a big month, with the organisation hosting a New England forum on its Partners in Recovery program.

Partners in Recovery is an Australia-wide program founded in July 2013. 

The program is a referral service for people suffering ill mental health. After being referred by medical staff, a patient is then put in contact with a support facilitator who will place the person in contact with the best service for them.

Senior Cluster manager Jim Booth said the scheme has had enormous success across the Armidale region.

“New England has a referral rate of 75 per cent compared to 65 per cent  in other places,” he said.

Mr Booth said while a major focus of the forum will be how the program will work once the National Disability Scheme is rolled out, it will also be about discussing how to better help mental health recovery.

“Janet Marr the former national mental health commissioner will be speaking,” he said.

“She will be giving some excellent feedback and points on how Partners in Recovery is working.”

Mr Booth said he encouraged anyone interested such as family members of those with mental  illness and university students to attend. 

He said he hoped the event will shed extra light. “That’s all part of reducing the stigma,” Mr Booth said.

“Most people know mental health is important but they don’t know why.”

The Armidale Partners in Recovery Forum will be held on Wednesday, October 28 from 10am to 5pm at Armidale City Bowling Club, admission is free. Register for the event at nepir.richmondpra.org.au/