Today marks the start of Mental Health Awareness Week, and the city is gearing up for a free, open-air, family-friendly event at the waterfront this Friday.

This year's annual Breakthru event is aimed at promoting where to turn in times of need when it unfolds at the Edgewater Fan from 11am-2pm on World Mental Health Day this Friday.

Oncore Youth workers Kereama Taihia, Porina McLeod, Azaria Dickson, Paula Coker, Pat Cook and Jacinda George are looking forward to Friday's Breakthru event. Photo by Tracy Hardy.

Breakthru founder Porina McLeod says the fourth entertainment and food-filled gathering is all about making people aware of mental health agencies and what to do.

'The event is to promote awareness to people who know very little or nothing about mental health,” says Porina.

'This year we're targeting youth – in particular teenagers – and their families. Many young people with a mental illness experience discrimination, bullying and isolation from their family, whanau and peers.”

But Porina says Breakthru 2014 is for everyone – ensuring they know what to do if anyone they know needs mental health guidance.

She adds: 'If they, their uncle or their father or grandmother become unwell and need professional help, then it's about teaching them to deal with different situations.”

And the singer and bass player from Tauranga band Empress says the event will be larger than ever.

Entertainment includes Mana Farrell, Wikz Watarawi, NZ X-Factor's MC Royal.T with Jaded Rock, Arataki's DJ MIckel and Mount Dance Co.

There will be inspirational and thought-provoking guest speakers, have-a-go taekwondo, information stalls manned by mental health service organisations, shooting hoops, face painting, fun fishing, mini golf, giveaways and healthy food and drinks for sale.

'Guest speaker is Maketu's James Rakena Robinson,” says Porina, 'a motivational speaker and whanau support worker, working with today's youth in a variety of ways, with his important message about how to keep mentally healthy and stay open to learning.”

A live art demonstration by Mount Maunganui's BSW Warbrick, aka Space, will show people how to express their feelings in another way.

'If you find it hard to talk to people,” she adds, 'Space's demonstration will show that art is his form of expression.”

People can relax in a 35-square metre shaded chill-out zone made by Anna Crusis.

Porina also wants people to enter an Express Your Selfie competition on Breakthru's Facebook page.

'People just need to take a selfie, post it on the page with a word describing their mood, with #Breakthru2014.” The winner will receive a family accommodation and Rainbow Springs package.

Funds raised go to Te Manu Toroa's youth drop-in clinic Oncore, which assists youth with mental health and wellbeing after-hours, and will be used to improve their music therapy, art therapy and martial arts facilities.

Metal Health Awareness Week runs from October 6-12 and donations can be made online at: www.givealittle.co.nz/cause/BreakthruMentalHealth

To learn more, visit: www.facebook.com/BreakthruMentalHealth