Frank Celenza, Andrew Winton and Eddie Pariseat are band Electrik Co Trio.
Camera IconFrank Celenza, Andrew Winton and Eddie Pariseat are band Electrik Co Trio. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Music for good mental health

Kate LeaverStirling Times

Winton, who will perform with his band Electrik Co Trio at Music to Open Your Mind Festival, said music had always been a form of therapy for him.

“It has been the longest and cheapest therapy I’ve ever had,” he said.

“Even as a teenager it was therapeutic – it is mentally stimulating, it gave me friends and peers and gave me a creative and viable voice even without me knowing it.

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“Staying connected to friends, family, services, and health professionals and even being involved in activities like creating music can provide a balance and richness to your life, even when life is difficult.

“This event is a great way to keep people talking about individual and communal mental health.”

Music to Open Your Mind is organised by the South Metropolitan Health Service (SMHS) and features mental health service providers from around Perth.

About 20 mental health services will also be at the festival, providing information about how to stay mentally healthy and how to access support services.

Winton will join former Baby Animals musicians Frank Celenza and Eddie Pariseat in the ElectriK Co Trio, a high-energy act combining southern rock, blues, soul and pop.

SMHS Psychiatrist Gordon Shymko said that in the 10 years the event had run, there had been significant cultural changes around the awareness of mental health issues.

“There has been quite a decline in stigma around mental health in this time and by educating people at events like this, people connect mental health with positive activities,” Dr Shymko said.

“Music is so important to many people – and it is good to recognise that music can help people stay mentally healthy.”