Australia Post and Beyond Blue have collaborated to launch a postcard initiative as part of their focus on mental health during lockdown.
Australia Post is keeping Australians connected by delivering more than 4 million specially designed prepaid post cards to rural and remote households across the country.
The new initiative carries on from the 2020 release of a stamp titled ‘When we connect, we feel better’ which also came in a pair and enabled the sender to use one stamp to post a letter to a loved one including the second stamp so the recipient could write back easily.
Australia Post Head of Community Nicky Tracey said the simple idea would have a positive impact on people’s mental health, particularly for those who are currently unable to visit friends and family.
“We know that when we connect, we feel better and sometimes a small message can be all it takes to make a big difference to someone you care about,” Ms Tracey said.
The postcards are divided into two sections with a part to keep, including helpful tips on how to maintain mental health, and a second part to write on and send to friends or loved ones in Australia at no cost.
Residents can collect their free postcards at participating Post Offices and from next week, regional letterboxes will begin to receive them.
Beyond Blue CEO Georgie Harman said the partnership with Australia Post helps to share important messages about mental health and aims to reach people continuing to deal with the impacts of bushfires, floods and droughts on top of the pandemic.
“This postcard campaign will help us reach into rural and remote areas, where social and geographic isolation, weather impacts and difficulty accessing services can present mental health challenges,” Ms Harman said.
“I really hope people will join in the spirit of this initiative, read the tips and send a card to a loved one. If we keep talking about mental health, we can smash the stigma and remove the barriers that hold people back from seeking support.”