At times like this, we should all stick together!

That is why Orange City Life – along with Rochelle Ashcroft of Ashcroft’s IGA – has recently launched our new campaign on keeping an eye out for each other called “Don’t Just Wonder – Reach Out”.

With a passionate interest in the issues surrounding mental health in the Orange area, local MP Phil Donato is also on board with calls for interested local businesses to also do their bit.

Local philanthropist Rochelle recently joined Orange City Life to encourage us to keep in touch with those most vulnerable in this most difficult time.

The initiative is part of our latest campaign for the Colour City by encouraging locals to make that extra effort to ensure that we’re all okay during the forced isolation of the lockdown and beyond.

Rochelle has also, as usual, put her money where her heart is, printing hundreds of the badges for her staff with an offer to provide more for other local businesses who want to get on board.

“It’s to promote the importance of maintaining our mental health during this time and we were keen to support it,” Rochelle said.

“We’ve ordered 200 badges and we’re happy to take them around for other businesses that want to get involved,” she added.

Ashcroft’s recently did their bit for local well-being with a free cake and sweets stall at their two Orange locations to lift local spirits.

Rochelle said she would love to see other local businesses in Orange call up and order some badges for the promotion.

“To live in this world, you need to be in this world and, with this, hopefully we can get a bit of competition going,” she added.

Mr Donato, who has made improved access to mental health services for regional and rural communities a keystone of his time in Parliament, also strongly supports the promotion.

“I think it’s a good idea,” Mr Donato said. “The promotion ‘Don’t Just Wonder – Reach Out’ is in the theme of ‘RU OK’ which encourages everyone to keep an eye out for each other,” Mr Donato said.

With increasing evidence that the continuing lockdowns to control the COVID-19 pandemic are causing serious and long-term mental health impacts on many of our most vulnerable – especially the young – now is the time to think of those around you, Mr Donato said.

The Shooters, Fishers and Farmers state member recently launched his own mental health guide on the varied services available in the Orange electorate that is being mailed to all voters in the district.

“Just like our ‘Mullets for Mental Health’ promotion in September, anything that promotes awareness of checking on people’s welfare and well-being is a good thing,” Mr Donato said.