Today I had a unique opportunity, it was my first beyondblue speaking engagement where I was speaking in a GYM! I was invited speak at ‘The Big Issue’ Women’s Street Soccer in the North Melbourne Community Centre. The Women’s Street Soccer is a program run through ‘The Big Issue’. The Big Issue magazine came to Australia in 1993 and is based largely on the UK’s successful Big Issue street magazine. It is run to help address Australia’s increasing homeless population. According to thebigissue.org.au the first magazine was launched in Australia on the steps of Melbourne’s Flinders Street Station on June 16, 1996.

Today I met some of The Big Issue vendors at The Big Issue Women’s Street Soccer Program, this group plays soccer and simply ‘talk’ to one another for 2 hours every Thursday. Women who come along face a variety of challenges such as homelessness and mental illness and ranging from 19 – 68 years old. They were keen to learn about Anxiety and Depression and using beyondblue resources I was able to provide them this information. We spoke about many things, in particular how to help others. As we know 1 in 3 people suffer Anxiety or Depression (or both) in Australia alone and one of the best ways to accelerate your recovery is through talking about it, being patient and resilient and not being afraid to ask for help.

Overall it was an enlightening talk, I got to hear from these brave women and hear about their stories. I got to learn more about what they do to get through the tough times. I was also very honoured to receive a bunch of flowers before we took a ‘funny’ photo!

Oh and one other thing I learnt was that I’m just not good at soccer!

Sincerely yours,

Fatimah Abbouchi Del Cid