The BiPolar Bears will perform at CQU Rockhampton for Mental Health Week.Central Queensland University in conjunction with the Rockhampton Mental Health Promotion committee will present the band BiPolar Bears on the Rockhampton campus to celebrate Mental Health Week and the end of the university term on Friday October 5.

The event will be staged on the Library Lawns from 2 to 4pm, where there will also be a sausage sizzle and a masseuse for staff and students.

BiPolar Bears is an esteemed, Melbourne-based, 7-piece band which is an advocate for the combination of music and mental health. With a repertoire of original songs and covers, the BiPolar Bears have performed regularly since the band formed in 1991 at a wide range of events.

CQU's Healthy Universities Program Coordinator, Shuron Billman said findings from numerous studies suggest that the use of creative outlets, such as music and performing/visual arts, are effective interventions in reducing symptoms commonly associated with depression, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and general anxieties.

"One of the myths or public misconceptions about people who have mental illness is that they lack the ability or simply do not have the same interests as everyone else. This is simply not true," explained Ms Billman.

"The Bipolar Bear performance will demonstrate to the public their creativity, insightfulness and intelligence and ultimately reject stigmatizing myths."

BiPolar Bears will also perform at The Mad Hatters Tea Parte' - the event which officially launches Mental Health Week 2007. This will be held on Saturday October 6 from 6.30pm at the Fitzroy All Sports (Old Rowing Club) venue.

Other Mental Health Week events include a mental health first aid workshop, information displays, Beyond Blue workshop (depression), ‘Healing the Spirit' event and a barbecue for carers and consumers.

For more information contact Shuron Billman on (07) 4930 9115.