Heather Moore – Director & Founder Be Well OT

I’m originally from Scotland, and after moving to the glorious Sunnie Coast, I went to Uni to study Occupational Therapy (let me say that being at a Uni full of kangaroos was a wild experience as a Glaswegian…). I’ve worked for about 8 years now in lots of different mental health OT roles. Outside of work, give me an iced mocha and a book and I’m happy. I’m also predictably obsessed with my cat, Ispíní – which is Gaelic for “sausages” – there’s not even a rationale explanation for that one.

When I was working in public health, I found there was a lack of skilled and specific mental health providers – it grinds my gears to see clinicians “give it a go” when they lacked the proper training or experience – there wasn’t enough importance on the quality of care. So, “scram” I said as I went out on my own, and Be Well OT was born! All of our therapists are mental health OTs and we exclusively support mental health and neurodevelopmental diagnoses – not just because we like to be “know it all’s” but because quality healthcare matters!

We came up with the Gala Ball initiative as we’re all super passionate about normalising mental health, and we’re also super passionate about doing it in style… But in all seriousness, as a team of millennial health professionals, we’re comfortable in this space, so we want to lead by example and make it accessible for others to join the conversation.

We thought you might be able to get us an introduction to Chris Hemsworth?… and ALSO, we completely love the ethos and values of LIVIN. We’re so passionate about destigmatising and supporting suicide prevention. The LIVIN “it ain’t weak to speak” and “keepin it real” values are very similar to how we do things at Be Well OT -we stay true to ourselves and have a laugh (have you seen our chaotic reels?), but we make it a point to move the needle and do important work.

Having been in a number of front-line mental health jobs, I’ve unfortunately been in roles where people have taken their life, seen the generational trauma as a result of suicide, and how underfunded mental health services often are. I want to do my part in normalising mental health care as another essential tenant of holistic health care because it’s the only acceptable solution.

I can’t remember where I read it, but someone once said, “it ain’t weak to speak” – take that first step to speak out. To a hotline, to a GP, to MH Call, to Open Arms, to any of your health providers. Even anonymously if needed. And then we’ve got you from there. You don’t need to articulate yourself perfectly, you don’t need to have any answers. You don’t need to know what will happen, you don’t even need to have hope. Dedicated professionals and volunteers are there to listen, support, guide, assist and hold hope for you while you need it.

You can help by rounding up the troops and buying tickets to our ritzy gala! This is our first foray into fundraising for our passion, so every dollar means so much. And if you can’t attend: firstly, really? Come on man, we’ve lost sleep over this. Secondly, what would Chris Hemsworth say?.. If you can’t make it on the night, reach out to make a donation! Beyond the Gala ball, people can support our goals by having open conversations, check in on others, and call out stigma.

There are also several opportunities to get involved in the event. Whether through sponsoring or contributing to their silent auction. To know more, message and follow the team the Be Well OT team on Instagram @bewell_ot or call or email: 0452 614 419, [email protected]

For tickets and group bookings, head to https://bewellotxlivin.eventbrite.com.au

We hope to see you there!