Australia Post’s rollout of free, mental health-themed postcards continued this week, with most local post offices around Australia now stocking them in the lead up to Mental Health Month.
The blank, prepaid postcards, which also feature a tear-off section containing information on the importance of connection for mental health, have been delivered in partnership with Beyond Blue.
Rustan Cabato, Postal Manager at Geelong North Licensed Post Office, said local post offices were all about connecting their customers with those who were important to them, and the free postcards offer Australians the opportunity to check in on loved ones in a novel and personal way.
“We have many regular customers and others who just pop in occasionally; we really care about the local community and the part we play in it,” Mr Cabato said.
“I’m so pleased Australia Post is investing in mental health, and hope people will pick up one of the cards when they visit us and send it to someone they care about.”
Australia Post General Manager Community and Stakeholder Engagement Nicky Tracey said the postcards were well-received when first launched during lockdowns in 2021.
“We were thrilled with the response to this wellbeing initiative last year,” she said.
“It was great to hear stories of people writing postcards for the first time in years and also the joy of finding a surprise message from a loved one in their letter box.”
“This year, with many Australian households under cost-of-living and other pressures, this is a really simple way people can reach out to check in on loved ones or send messages of love and support.”
Beyond Blue Chief Executive Officer Georgie Harman said the partnership with Australia Post had been effective in raising community awareness of the importance of staying in touch with loved ones.
“Australia Post has delivered mental health information to more than 7 million households since our partnership began in 2020,” she said.
“This postcard campaign is another way to get people talking about mental health and supporting each other.”
