Effervescent TV presenter Shelley Craft recently shared her exciting new collaboration with Beyond Blue. As the newest ambassador for the Big Blue Table campaign, Shelley is eagerly encouraging Australians to come together this October, share a meal, and spark meaningful conversations about mental health.
Recognised as a beloved face on Australian television for over 20 years, particularly through her work on 17 seasons of The Block, Shelley is passionate about her role in reducing the stigma associated with depression and anxiety.
“To be a part of an initiative like Big Blue Table for the first time this year – which is such a lovely, open, relaxed way to address mental health and to do it over a meal with friends – was amazing. And such a great concept for Beyond Blue to come up with,” says Shelley.
“It’s almost like an invitation to say, if you’ve got something you want to discuss, let’s sit down and have a chat about it. But there’s no pressure,” adds Shelley. “Because, often, people looking to have that conversation actually find it really difficult to find that door to open with family or friends. So here it is: Like a warm hug. And if you don’t feel like talking, perhaps just hearing other friends and family open up about what’s worrying them or their concerns or their issues might make you feel a little bit more included along the way,” says Shelley.
By joining the Big Blue Table initiative, Shelley aims to support Beyond Blue’s mission of providing essential mental health services. Beyond Blue’s Support Service offers free, around-the-clock assistance to over 300,000 individuals annually.
Getting involved with the Big Blue Table is simple and impactful. Head over to bigbluetable.com.au to register as a host and create a nurturing space where friends, family, and colleagues can freely discuss mental health. Whether you host your event at home, in the workplace, at a park, or a sports club, the emphasis is on creating a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere.
To make hosting even more accessible, those who sign up early will receive a complimentary host kit. This kit is brimming with resources, from informative content to delightful decorations, ensuring your event is both a culinary and fundraising triumph. It also includes engaging conversation starters that range from fun ‘getting to know you’ questions to discussions about mental well-being.
During our chat, Shelley also shared insights into the latest season of The Block, gave us a peek into her family life, and discussed her personal renovation projects. Her involvement with both Beyond Blue and The Block is a testament to her dedication to making a positive impact, both on-screen and off.
“We’re in the thick of The Block at the moment. It is all shot, the renovations are complete, but we won’t go to auction with the houses until November,” reveals Shelley.
“And, as we’ve seen, in years gone by, the 20 seasons or so the show’s been on, it can be a rollercoaster in the property market and auctions. It’s also very intense when we are filming and there’s this whole sort of new wave of emotions of (contestants) seeing themselves on the telly. Thankfully they are surrounded by their loved ones when that happens. But, I do encourage the entire public just to be kind to each other, not just our block contestants.”
Join Shelley Craft and be part of the Big Blue Table this October. Together, let’s create conversations that matter and support mental health in our communities.
Take a listen to Shelley talk about Beyond Blue, The Block and her own renovations below:
