Reducing the stigma of mental illness one coffee at a time
Sonya Oliver Scoble believes we need to treat mental health issues and sufferers with the same compassion, support and dignity as we would any other potentially terminal illness.
Sonya, with her husband Barry started MAD Cow Coffee Mackay as a legacy to their son Aiden who lost his battle with Mixed Anxiety and Depression (MAD) and a tribute to a great bunch of Mad Cow friends and family who supported and continue to support them through the hard times.
Sonya said Aiden was quite the coffee buff; not only was he very particular about the quality of his brew and the types of roast and beans but would open up and chat over coffee.
βOur legacy to him is to continue to tell his story over coffee and raise awareness for the issue of suicide in regional areas, provide an ear for those who have a story of their own, assist with providing links to local services, be a voice for those who are suffering or have an untold story and continue to work towards reducing the stigma associated with mental illness,β Sonya said.
MAD Cow Coffee is a mobile coffee van servicing the Mackay region, which great coffee and a-range of other hot and cold beverages.
They also organizes and run Light the Night, a moment in time each year that family, friends and loved ones, come together to remember those that they have lost to suicide.
Sonya very quietly seeks to make our community a better place and to lend a helping hand and a friendly ear without ever seeking recognition or accolades.
Thank you Sonya for all that you do our community and those who need it the most.