Oak Beach's Andrea Collisson has a vision. Actually she has three, and they're all designed to improve the mental health of Australians starting right here in Port Douglas.

Andrea has begun the journey which she hopes will make mental health treatment more accessible and compliment mainstream services.

"The project is set up in the knowledge that professional mental health services cannot supply sufficient help to meet the needs of communities and that not all members of the community can afford to access the healing services provided by the wellness industry," she said.

Still in its infancy, Andrea said she will require the assistance of Council and local business people to make the project a reality.

"Stage one is to establish a meditation and support centre in an existing vacant building in Port Douglas.

"Stage two is to construct a purpose built high quality public art pavilion to move into in one of Port Douglas's tranquil natural settings currently held by council.

"The last stage of this project is to encourage other communities around the country and support them in setting up similar projects so that people everywhere have easy access to mental health support and meditation services at a grass roots level."

Andrea says support groups and meditation can make a huge contribution to mental health and wellbeing at all levels of society.

"(There are people) who would benefit from basic relaxation and mindfulness skills to improve the quality of hectic daily lives, to those with specific problems who would benefit from being connected with and supported by people with similar concerns.

"It is the case that support groups for many issues, in any community throughout the country, are difficult to find when they do exist and are otherwise few and far between."

The centre will be established with the understanding that it would serve as an adjunct to professional health services, and, Andrea says, with potential promotional benefits of having these services under one roof, barriers to access are removed.

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"By running the centre on a pay by donations basis, the barriers are virtually completely demolished," she said.

"Everyone can then afford these sorts of services and everyone should have no trouble finding them.

"If people can share their problems, learn coping skills and feel supported, the best outcomes are possible for the enhancement of community mental health and wellbeing."

She said the project has the potential to reduce unemployment, reduce social violence and drug and alcohol abuse.

"It can be used to encourage greater engagement in all sorts of community activities from exercise to volunteering to participation in communal recreational activities because we would encourage people who are normally fearful to have a go, to try new things, live life well and healthily."

The road ahead is long, but Andrea is confident she has taken the first step in making the centre to come to fruition.

"I'm asking for community support as well as asking them to start participating. With that in mind i am starting a mindfulness meditation group and a depression support group."

Andrea said details of the group will be coming soon.

She is also inviting people interested in leading a support group, or leading a meditation group to join the working group.

"I'm seeking two or three keen people with administrative skills to take on key roles in the organisation we have to establish including treasurer and secretary, as well as someone to take on the role of doing the incorporating task itself.

"I'm also seeking a sponsor to provide a suitable venue in Port Douglas or Craiglie to establish the centre."

If you'd like to get involved feel free to contact Andrea Collisson on 4098 5358.

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