All smiles at Palm Island’s Mahie Club

Starting your day off with a balanced breakfast can benefit your physical and mental wellbeing and for the last six months, consumers at Palm Island’s Mental Health Hub have been doing exactly that.

The Mahie (pronounced Miyee, meaning food) club has been a hit with consumers since first being introduced late last year, after increased interest in selectability’s group programs.

The program now runs three days a week and encourages consumers to get hands-on in the kitchen and prepare nutritious meals - all while enjoying a cuppa and a yarn.

selectability regional coordinator for Palm Island, Janine Wyles said consumers have been really enjoying coming to the Mahie Club.

“The program is making a big difference to the wellbeing of our consumers,” said Janine.

They get to have a nourishing breakfast and catch up with each other for yarns in a relaxing, safe, and supportive space.

“It provides a good opportunity for individuals to develop skills in preparing food for themselves.

“We also provide transport to and from the breakfast club which is a big hit for consumers who live a fair distance from the mental health hub.

 “The benefit of programs like this one is the increase in social connection and self-confidence through a shared motive, which, in this case, can be something simple like cooking breakfast.

“All of our consumers love the program, which has grown into such a welcoming space.”

The Mahie Club runs from Tuesday - Thursday every week and provides a nourishing continental breakfast of cereals fresh fruit, juices, toast and spreads and tea/coffee, each day along with a hot breakfast of bacon, eggs and baked beans on Wednesdays.