in Balance “Accentuate the Positive ...
inBalance Mental Health Association of Central Australia Inc quarterly newsletter 18th e d Specia ition l doub edition le July - December 2008 What’s Inside: General Manager’s update From the editor Committee update Pathways update Subacute update Day to Day Living update Life Promotion update Training & Promotions update Administration update Consumer Forum update Reclink update NTMH Coalition update Headspace National mental health funding Mental Health Week Yoga relaxation Introducing CMHA MHCA Policy Forum TheMHS Conference 2008 Mental health promotion framework Margins to Mainstream conference People profiles Resources What’s on/conferences Mental health diary 2 4 5 6 8 10 14 18 20 22 24 26 28 32 33 36 37 38 39 45 52 57 58 59 60 Menta Health l Week Dinner “Accentuate the Positive ... Eliminate the negative” Accentuate the positive eliminate the negative. This is the powerful message from Music Director, Jonathon Welch, behind the inspiring success story of The Choir of Hard Knocks ... On 7 October, Jonathon Welch visited Alice Springs as key guest speaker for this year’s Mental Health Week dinner, and greatly inspired a dinner audience of over 140 people at the Crowne Plaza with some of his amazing story. Having close family members with a mental illness, Jonathon wanted to share his love of singing with others who were experiencing mental and emotional hardship. In turn, he has helped many people on the fringes to find and express their voice, leading The Choir of Hard Knocks to sing at the Sydney Opera House and produce a top-10 ARIA CD. “People need to care about people more. Sometimes we all just need a hug and the chance to have a go.” It is clear from Jonathon’s caring approach to life, that focusing on the positive can make a tremendous difference to people’s lives. (cont. page 34) A Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to All Christmas Dinner Wednesday, 17 December 2007 Everyone welcome!! RSVP to MHACA on 8950 4600 MHACA office will be closed public holidays + 2 January - and from 24-31 Dec. open 9am - 3pm Jonathon Welch, Founding Director of The Choir of Hard Knocks, guest speaker at this year’s Mental Health Week dinner inBalance is the quarterly newsletter of the Mental Health Association of Central Australia PO Box 2326, Alice Springs NT 0871 P - (08) 8950 4600 F - (08) 8953 5577 E - [email protected] www.mhaca.org.au the team General Manager - Claudia Manu-Preston Administrator - Sue Coombs Administration Assistant - Em Harrison Services Manager - Rangi Ponga LPP Manager - Laurencia Grant LPP Officer - Brian Kennedy LPP Officer (Tennant Creek) - Jay Green Pathways Officer - Joanne Ruby Pathways Officer - Felix Meyer Pathways Officer - Donna Ormsby P&R Officer - Danielle Noble P&R Officer - Bruce Macgregor P&R Officer - Christine Boocock D2DL Coordinator - Carmel Williams D2DL & Grow Project Officer Sean Broughton-Wright D2DL Officer - Lynne Kennedy Training & Promotions Officer - Rita Riedel committee Chairperson - Trish Van Dijk Deputy Chair - Mardijah Simpson Secretary - Maya Cifali Treasurer - Allen Cope Public Officer - Lee Ryall Org. Rep - Tracey Hatchard, MH Carers NT Org. Rep - Nigel Scrimshaw, Salvation Army Consumer Representatives - Darren Farr and Gwvynyth Cassiopeia-Roennfeldt General - Robbie Lloyd General - Katherine Venice committee meetings Are held on the 2nd Wednesday of each month. If you have any issues you would like to place on the agenda please contact your favourite committee member at least a week prior to each meeting. correspondence with editor [email protected] disclaimer: Contributions to inBalance do not necessarily reflect the views of MHACA. erratum inBalance may feature photos of deceased persons. MHACA apologises unreservedly to the family, friends and co-workers of the deceased for any unintentional distress that may occur as a result. general manager’s update HELLO and welcome to the 18th edition of our quarterly newsletter, inBalance. MHACA staff and committee recently completed our 2007-08 Annual Report, a process which has helped us to reflect on what we set out to do, what we have achieved and how we can improve. It has been a big year and our team has met the challenges with enthusiasm and steadfastness. AGM MHACA proudly celebrated a busy past year with a well-attended AGM on 5 November 2008. We are delighted to welcome onto our board several new passionate and skilled members, as well as welcome the return of many of our previous committee members for more details see page 21. Annual report Our 2007-08 Annual Report highlights the activities and outcomes of the past financial year. In summary, MHACA has provided services to 98 consumers across the organisation, with a 40% increase in the uptake of services compared to last year. This is attributed to a combination of an increase in need, an improved MHACA profile, our new premises and the introduction of the Day to Day Living in the Community Program (D2DL). Staff and the management committee have worked actively on the ongoing development of all MHACA programs with the aim of strengthening and consolidating existing services while undertaking key projects, including: • Evaluation of previous Strategic Plan 2003-2007: completed • Development of new Strategic Plan 2008 – 2011: completed • Housing and Support Model Project: progressed to consultation stage • Collective Workplace Agreement: final stages • Records database: postponed. The Annual Report can be viewed at www.mhaca.org.au/reports Claudia Manu-Preston, General Manager Staffing It is pleasing to be able to report that we are currently fully staffed a welcome place to be. See the Committee Update on page 5 for the latest staff ‘comings and goings.’ D2DL evaluation On 3 November, MHACA was part of a national evaluation of the D2DL Program which involved a sample of 25 D2DL programs around Australia. The evaluation included a site visit that involved consultations with key personnel, stakeholders and clients, as well as the collation and analysis of data. Feedback included overwhelming support from consumers who said the program was a valuable resource for them and who felt ‘a part of the process and program’ as opposed to others ‘doing it to them.’ Clients highlighted that they had gained self confidence from having a safe place to practice social and recreational skills through the drop-in centre and other activities on offer, in addition to having a greater sense of control over the support offered. Following the site visit a final evaluation report is being prepared, to be available early December. Information sharing In the past several months several staff have attending significant training and conference events, and on 12 November MHACA held an Information Sharing afternoon to share with the community some of the latest trends and research in mental health. Presentations were given by Claudia, Glenise and Gwvynyth who attended the 2008 TheMHS Conference (see page 39), and Rita who attended Mental Health Promotions training and the Margins to Mainstream Conference (see pages 45 and 52). Christmas Opening Hours MHACA will be open over the Christmas & New Year break 24 -31 December from 9am–3pm (excl. public holidays) & also closed on Friday, 2 January 2009 TheMHS Conference Claudia with guest speakers Glenise Alexander and Jonathon Welch at the 2008 Mental Health Week Dinner In September, a small delegate from MHACA attended The Mental Health Service Conference (THEMHS) 2008. It was a great learning opportunity and a presentation of the learning outcomes was presented to the community on 12 Novembersee page 39 to find out more. Mental Health Week 5-11 October Mental Health Week aims to raise awareness about mental health issues to increase mental health literacy and help reduce stigma in the community. In addition to our Annual Fun Run, the highlight for this year was “Dinner with Jonathon Welch.” For a full update see page 33. Housing & Support Model Project The MHACA contingent receiving a colourful welcome at the 2008 TheMHS conference in Auckland, New Zealand on 2-5 September - Gwvynyth, Danielle, Claudia and Glenise (see pages 39-41 for full report) Claudia, Glenise and Gwvynyth talking about the speech they gave at the TheMHS conference at MHACA’s Information Sharing session on 12 November We are Officially Launched! It was with much pleasure MHACA celebrated the official opening of our new premises on Wednesday, 10 December by the Minister for Children and Families, Malarndirri McCarthy. It’s been a year in the making but we have settled into our new home and are grateful for the more spacious and therapeutic environment available for both consumers and staff. Thank you to everyone who helped make this a festive day. This Project has moved into the consultation phase. Consumers, carers, service providers and other key stakeholders are being asked to provide information about their problems, experiences and ideas for improving housing and support for people in Alice Springs who are disadvantaged through psychiatric disability . Information is being gathered through questionnaires, focus groups and interviews. Over 350 questionnaires have been distributed through MHACA and other services. As part of this process, two Peer Support WorkersPip Williams & John Moffathave been employed to assist consumers who require support in completing their questionnaires. Consultant, Joyce Bowden, says that keen interest is being shown in the Project as she meets with various groups and individuals. It is clear that housing and support are hot issues that are troubling many people in Alice Springs at present. People are being very open and speaking passionately about the problems they are facing and the future they would like to see. Stay tuned for further updates in the next newsletter. “Thank you” to the Department of Local Government and Housing for $360,000 funding under the Community Housing Program to purchase two more 1-bedroom flats. The year ahead ... In the coming year MHACA will continue work on acquiring a records database, refining our training framework, and further developing both the consumer and indigenous employment strategies. MHACA will also advocate more broadly to influence the social determinants that greatly impact on the ability of people with a mental illness to maintain health and wellbeing, including; housing, transport, employment & training options and income. Thank you ... I would like to thank everyone who has made a contribution during the yearall the staff, volunteer committee members, consumers and other stakeholders. The sum of us is much greater than the individuals involved, and sincere thanks to the team for a wonderful year. I would like to wish you all a happy and safe Christmas season and I look forward to the coming year which will bring with it new challenges and rewards. Festive Wishes, Claudia Manu-Preston A penny for your thoughts ... ... from the editor IN COMPILING this bumper edition of inBalance, I am reminded of the all the good things people are doing around town, and in our Territory, and around the country. With many things in chaos around the globe (financially, environmentally and spiritually) it’s easy to become fearful and lose sight of the many good things that happen each daythe little things that make the biggest difference. Things that spring to mind include the new headspace team working incredibly hard to get the new youth service up and running; the Life Promotions teamand other dedicated teamsworking hard to help prevent and reduce suicide (definitely not a little thing but approached with great care to detail); Lynne passionately sharing her love of art, colour and healing in her Mandala Drawing sessions; Reclink providing ordinary yet wonderful sporting opportunities which greatly influence people’s wellbeing; and our vibrant friendly Em at front desk who makes everyone feel welcome no matter how her day is going. At MHACA’s Information Sharing afternoon on 12 November, Claudia talked about a keynote presentation she attended by Antony Sheehan at the 2008 TheMHS Conference (see page 40) which highlighted that the key to the future success of service provision is ‘personalisation’treating people as people. Taking the time to care about the personal things rather than hiding behind paperwork, policies or protocol. While we do need healthy transparent systems to ensure good practice and outcomes (otherwise things such as the global financial crash will occur) we also need to remember why we are working and who we are working on behalf. I’m very grateful to work at MHACA because we have a dedicated team of workers who do care. As Felix writes in his touching farewell story (see page 56), “They are good people: funny, friendly and kind.” I like hearing how caring our support staff are when they talk to their clients and the people that drop in day to day. They don’t rush or push. Even if they have a lot on, they intuitively know the importance of ‘tuning in’ to where people are at. (Mostly, they are down-to-earth and know how to have a good laugh!) I am reminded of something Helen Glover said in our training workshop earlier this year: Never work ahead of or above the people you work with. No matter how distraught or different the person is, keep checking in with them. Everyone is doing the best they can for where they are at. It is one of the core things I learn (but not readily practice!) over and over in delivering the Mental Health First Aid course. Step 2 of ALGEE’L’ is for ‘Listen nonjudgmentally.’ (To find out what the other letters stand for you’ll have to book into a course!see page 19 for the 2009 Mental Health First Aid dates.) Yet, listening non-judgmentally is one of the hardest things to do. We all filter Left: Singer Tanya Gordon inspiring students at St Philips in August with her story of courage and recovery from depression. Tanya’s feature track on her latest CD captures her key message ‘You’re braver than you think you are.’ Rita Riedel, Editor / Training and Promotions Officer the world through our personal experiences and preferences, and it can be challenging to unconditionally accept where others are at … but, it is where we have to start. Which brings me to the wonderful “Dinner with Jonathon Welch” we had during October’s Mental Health Week. As the cover titleand message behind Jonathon’s success storysays, by focusing on the positive and eliminating the negative we can make a big difference. By believing in the abilities and inherent goodness of the marginalised people who came to form The Choir of Hard Knocks, Jonathon has helped these people believe in themselves again. For some, the journey really was ‘from the gutter to the stars’a true giant leap of faith. When I attended the international Margins to Mainstream Conference in September (see page 52), the highlight for me was definitely hearing The Choir of Hard Knocks sing at the Closing Ceremony. No pretense: just pure heartfelt emotion and vulnerability. Their willingness to ‘do it differently’the courage, despite many odds, to ‘have a go.’ If we focus on the all the things that or negative, we may never leave wrong are our front door ... or we will keep perpetuating the cycle of negativity because that’s what we focus on. ‘Accentuate the positive’ doesn’t mean naïve wishful thinking, but means making wise, often hard, choices in the face of adversity. As the serenity prayer gently reminds us, focus on what we can change, not on what we can’t. We can’t undo the negative things that have happened in our world, but we can change our future and the way we feel by choosing to change what we focus on. Thanks Jonathon, for walking your talkfor believing in what can beand for inspiring many others to do the same. Warm regards, Rita ... Robbie Lloyd resentative General Rep committee upda te housing Hi everyone, I have spent the last decade working in mental health and disability support, focusing on self-help, peer support strategies, and specialising in community-based approaches to nurturing social and emotional wellbeing. Prior to this I had a long involvement in all levels of education, and in journalism, followed by lecturing in both fields at university. Working with Indigenous communities on partnerships for development has been another major focus over the past 15 yearsin Australia, India, New Zealand and Indonesia. Some of my current work includes being Pastoral Care and KidsMatter MH Program Coordinator at Living Waters Lutheran School in Alice Springs, a leading national pilot school in modelling preventive mental health strategies. On a more personal level, I am an active ally and supporter of my 28-year-old son William who lives with schizophrenia, which has given me intimate exposure to the challenges of dealing with ‘the system’ in mental health, and with finding appropriate ways to honour and empower people living with different consciousness. I look forward to helping make a difference at MHACA and bringing more people into this wonderful community of belonging. Robbie MHACA has been granted additional funds to acquire extra accommodation for our clients and we will be looking at how we can best manage our growing housing portfolio. We are very grateful for the recognition of Mardijah Simpson, Outgoing Chair the need for better housing for our clients and the trust that is placed in MHACA to make this a reality. It will be a big responsibility and possibly a growing one. mental health week A highlight of this year’s Mental Health Week was the gala dinner with guest speaker Jonathan Welch. Jonathan shared with us his experience of creating choirs and working with people with a range of social and emotional disabilities to form ‘The Choir of Hard Knocks,’ which has gone from strength to strength. I was very proud that evening when MHACA clients sang as part of the Reclink Choir to perform a song that Gwvynyth had composed. As highlighted at the National Regional Arts Conference, ‘Art at the Heart,’ also held here in October, creative expression and the joy it brings plays an important role in our day-to-day wellbeing. national arts & disability strategy A Discussion Paper has been circulated seeking input from people in the community, especially those with a disability and/or mental illness. Members of Arts Access Central Australia have made a submission highlighting the specific barriers to access and participation experienced in a remote town like Alice Springs. comings & goings Welcome to Jay Green, our new Mental Health Promotions Officer in Tennant Creek, and Sean Broughton-Wright, our new D2DL & GROW Project Officer. Also, welcome back to ‘Kermit’Christine Boocockwho has returned to work at MHACA once more, now as part of the Pathways team. Goodbye to Felix Meyer (Pathways) who has left to study full-time, and to Bianca Kelley (Subacute) who has also returned to studies. We wish them both every success. AGM Finally, following our Annual General Meeting on 5 November, a new committee has been voted in. After two years as Chairperson I decided not to nominate for this position again Mardijah presenting at the AGM on 5 November but am happy to continue serving as Deputy Chairperson. Thank you to everyone who has worked with me during this time: fellow committee members, staff and clients. I am confident that MHACA will continue to support people with mental health problems in an empowering, caring and creative way. X Mardijah Simpson Pathways Program Promoting Independent Living & Recovery-based Rehabilitation Pathways Officers: Joanne Ruby, Donna Ormsby, Christine Boocock Christine, Donna and Jo e t a d Offering choices ... The Pathways to Recovery Program offers rehabilitation and outreach services which provide recoveryfocused living-skills training and support. We assist people with mental health issues to set & achieve goals aimed at independent living and integration into the community. Activities ... Personal goal setting with regular 3-monthly reviews Basic living skills: cooking, budgeting, shopping, personal care Access to vocational education, training and employment activities Become a volunteer Social and recreational activities Regular groups & outings Counselling services Access to resources and other support services Information on mental health issues and a variety of topics A cuppa and a place to chat with others who understand For further info call: Joanne Ruby on 8950 4606 Christine Boocock on 8950 4607 or Donna Ormsby on 8950 4611 8.30am – 4.30pm Monday to Friday up What’s been happening… Once again we head into the Christmas season and reflect back on a challenging but rewarding six months in the Pathways Program. We attempt to support client needs on a one-to-one basis and appreciate feedback from consumers to achieve these outcomes. We have also continued to build up relationships with other organisations. In particular, we are grateful for the support the STEPS team has provided in helping consumers to gain and maintain work. They are an invaluable team and we look forward to further collaboration in the new year. Yoga-Relaxation Group… The Yoga-Relaxation group commenced again in October with a lot of interest from consumers. Run by Kalikamurti Suich, it has been held on Wednesday evenings with a steady number of attendees to each class. With many years of experience as a yoga teacher, Kalika brings a wealth of knowledge to her practice. So far we have learnt postures to help our bodies become more flexible and balanced, and learnt breathing practices designed to relieve anxiety and inner turmoil, decrease mental turbulencesuch as racing minds or negative thinkingand increase energy levels. For more details on the wonderful benefits see Kalika’s article on page 36. Training Workshops & Conferences ... In late July, all of the MHACA support team attended the Vicarious Trauma Workshop run by the Australian Childhood Association. The training was for workers within community support and other related fields to be aware of the risk of vicarious trauma. While MHACA provides employees with a good understanding of the risk involved in working closely in a one-on-one support role, the workshop reaffirmed the risks and provided an in-depth understanding of the facts. The training was of particular relevance to our new employees, and offered pivotal information on the high importance of support workers looking after their own health, both physical and emotional. In early August, Donna and Danielle attended a 2-day Narrative Therapy Workshop which explored narrative approaches to counselling and community work for children and adults who have experienced traumatic and difficult lives see Donna’s article on page 49. In early September, Jo attended the 5th World Conference on the Promotion of Mental Health: Margins to Mainstream in Melbourne. The conference was rich with stories of recovery, successful programs, new ideas and an opportunity to collaborate with other service providers and consumers about their experiences. For more details see article on page 52. Left: Rudi and Felix receiving their free raffle tickets from Trish Van Dyke at the finish line of the 3km Mental Health Week Fun Run on Sunday, 5 October we made it! Christmas Dinner We are having a MHACA Christmas Dinner on Wednesday, 17 December @ The Golden Inn, 6.00-9.30pm Right: Gwvynyth and Sandi delighted to spend a memorable afternoon with Jonathon Welch at the Western Desert 'Purple House', singing with some of the women (for a full Mental Health Week update see pages 35-37) Activities & Outings While the Pathways team primarily work one-on-one with consumers, at times staff support other group activities organised by MHACA. In mid-August, Jo and Donna joined several consumers and other staff to attend a special triple-bill performance by the Australian Ballet at the Araluen Theatre. The dancers were a delight to watch, and a fantastic night was had by all. In Mental Health Week in early October, staff and a few consumers shared a special moment with Jonathon Welch, Director of The Choir of Hard Knocks, on his visit to the Western Desert ‘Purple House’ to sing with some of the women. Outings such as this are reminders of the inspiring role of the arts contributing to our sense of joy and wellbeing. Goings & Comings … We have sadly said farewell to a very skilled support worker, Felix Meyer. Not only has Felix been able to engage well with consumers and built some strong connections but he has also gained a vision for his future career through his experiences working at MHACA (see his farewell on page 56). We wish Felix all the best on his new pathway and hope to work with him again in the future. In turn, we are delighted to welcome back Christine Boocock to our program. Christine has been working with the Subacute team for the past several months and, following Felix’s leave, has now stepped across to the Pathways team. X Everyone is welcome!! Bookings essential! RSVP to Emily on 8950 4600 by Friday, 12 Dec. 2008 Cost: $20 & Opening Hours The MHACA office will be open over the Christmas break though our hours from 24-31 December will be 9am - 3pm (we are closed on public holidays + 2 January) Thank You! We would like to say a big “Thank You” to Dean Griffiths and other members from Apex who helped one of our consumers move house. Your efforts were sincerely appreciated. Keep up the great work! We would like to wish everyone a safe and happy Christmas Season Rudi, Kate and Ted appreciating the full benefit of the Wednesday evening Yoga-Relaxation class run by Kalikamurti at MHACA Welcome back Christine! Prevention & Recovery Program: “A Safe Way Forward” Prevention & Recovery Officers: Danielle Noble, Bruce Macgregor Bruce and Danielle Subacute care A way forward with identified supports that reduce the likelihood of admission when it may be best offered at home or in a residential environment A way forward that keeps you in touch with coping, understanding and meeting your needs during discharge from care Support offering ... To assist in keeping yourself and family strong through an uncertain time of change in your mental wellness To keep you in touch with those things that may need extra effort to achieve during this time of possible uncertainty To share clinical and non-clinical support options, which include identified community services What happens? A referral from CAMHS to MHACA will request shared mental health supports for when you are ready to be discharged ... or before a possible admission We will be guided by you and your family to meet your needs For further info call: Rangi Ponga on 8950 4602 Danielle Noble on 8950 4604 or Bruce Macgregor on 8950 4603 8.30am – 4.30pm Monday to Friday ate d p u Welcome Back We recently welcomed back Christine Boocock (Kermit) to MHACA to assist us on the P & R Program. Christine had left MHACA (and Alice) a year ago to stretch her wings in Adelaide, but the red dust was still in her veins … Following the departure of Felix from the Pathways Program, Christine has now moved into his full-time position. We’re very glad to have a local gal back in the ranks. Group Outings/Activities On 4 September, the first Reclink Memo Lawn Bowls Classic was held at the Memorial Club in Alice Springs. A number of agencies were invited to be involved and came along with a team of four. MHACA had two outstanding bowlers in Rudi and Ryan who both won trophies on the day. Rudi won his for the most improved bowler and Ryan for most consistent bowler. A BBQ and refreshments were provided. Also on a bright sunny day in September, a small group of us travelled out to Simpson’s Gap for a BBQ. Some of us went for a walk down to the gap and had a kick of football in the river. Others chatted around the picnic table and shelter and helped organise the meal. We had a bit of trouble getting the BBQ to stay alight with the wind, but eventually we ate. On the return trip we stopped at Anzac Hill and enjoyed the view while being serenaded by one of our happy crew! During October, Alice Springs hosted the Masters Games which gave the opportunity for a number of clients to watch and enjoy a number of sports. The two most popular sports were the baseball and hockey. The hot weather is here and swimming has started again on Fridays at the local town pool. Bruce and Danielle look forward to their “weekly therapy” and everyone else agrees that it’s a great way to unwind and exercise at the same time. Let us know if you’re interested! Respite Accommodation Currently the 2-bedroom flat is being used to assist in a person’s recovery after discharge from hospital, while being supported by their family. It’s great to have a space where family or carers can also stay short-term to provide a more stable environment. We would like to say thank you to the family for the donation of the rice cooker and dry mop, it will surely be appreciated by those who use the flat in the future! The Salvation Army Red Shield Hostel has completed its new kitchen and has proven to be a great success for both the staff and the consumers. The need of the subacute beds has remained busy over the last few months. They are being accessed more readily for Crisis Respite by the CAMHS On-Call Team when not used for Prevention and Recovery. Note: On-Call is the newly appointed title for the Crisis Assessment Team Thank you to Bruce for his dedication to supporting the hostel staff to ensure Prevention & Recovery residents are receiving adequate supports. Bruce is a familiar face at the Men’s Hostel and is happy to chat to anyone about what MHACA can offer to the residents there. 2008 TheMHS Conference A good day out was had in September on a lunchtime visit to Simpsons Gap for a BBQ Reduced Accommodation in Alice Springs As accommodation becomes more scarce and rentals are outside the range of affordability for many in the local region, MHACA acknowledges the limitations for consumers and the increasing numbers who find it difficult to gain accommodation. Although this program has an accommodation criteria, where clients are required to have identified or established accommodation before being accepted as a subacute referral, we have always accepted that many clients require respite alternatives until accommodation is identified and will assist people when possible to address this need. It is important to recognise as part of this that some clients have a history of difficulty in maintaining or sustaining their accommodation for various reasons. MHACA does attempt to support clients if possible; however, if clients have been evicted from a residency it does place the service in a difficult position to assist in supporting clients due to reduced housing credibility. Appreciating and respecting what humble accommodation one has is better than no accommodation at all. X At the beginning of September, I was lucky enough to attend The Mental Health Services (TheMHS) Conference in Auckland, New Zealand with Claudia and two consumer representatives from MHACA, Glenise and Gwvynyth. Personally, it impacted on me greatlyhearing people’s stories, talking to other staff in the field, learning about new ideas in terms of treating mental illness and the studies that have already been done, and just being amongst a group of people who are working towards better service delivery was inspiring and grounding at the same time. When our team presented at the conference, it was such an achievement and I was so proud of MHACA and the way we do things. Danielle (below with Gwvynyth) A big “Thanks” to the Alice Springs Youth Centre which offers a range of facilities and activities including a well-used weights room! Rudi accepting his trophy for ‘Most Consistent Bowler’ at the Reclink Lawn Bowls Classic ‘Day to Day Living in the Community’ Program Activities to Help Improve Quality of Life Day to Day Living Coordinator: Carmel Williams Carmel Williams What we offer The D2DL Program aims to help improve the quality of life for people experiencing severe and persistent mental illness by providing a range of day-to-day activities Come & join in ... Working with other organisations such as GROW, RecLink and the Salvation Army we offer A GROW Peer Support & Drop-In Centre – to drop in week days for a cuppa and a friendly chat Group activities each week such as cooking, singing, painting to have some fun & learn new skills ... or relearn old ones! Education & training to better understand and manage mental illness and mental health Support to set & achieve personal goals through taking part in activities available in the community Organised group outings one weekend a month to join in local community events Benefits ... Increased social interaction, learning or re-learning skills, setting and achieving personal goals, developing confidence and independence For further info call: Carmel Williams on 8950 4612 or Sean Broughton-Wright on 8950 4614 Monday to Friday 8.30am – 4.30pm 10 e t a d Welcome on board Sean ... We are pleased to report that Sean Broughton-Wright has been appointed as the newD2DL/Grow Project Officer and has made himself welcome at the Drop-In Centre and D2DL Program. Anyone who came to the AGM will know that his assistance with the Walk a Mile short film was absolutely invaluable, and we look forward to putting his talents to good use in the new version to be released at MHACA’s official opening on 10 December. You can read a bit more about Sean on the next page, and in his profile on page 57. up New New New!!! We have continued to experiment with a range of activitiesand always welcome new ideas! Some previous new activities have included ‘Look Good, Feel Good’ at the Salvation Army and, more recently, ‘Relaxation-Yoga with Kalika’ at MHACA on Wednesday evenings (see update on page 12). Some ongoing regular favourites include Mandala Drawing with Lynne on Tuesday afternoons, the Writing Group with Linda Wells on Thursday afternoons, and Healthy Living on Thursday mornings, recently coordinated by Pip Williams. A highlight in recent months has been a mini-bus trip to Trephina Gorge on Sunday 21 September for a BBQ lunch to see “Strings on the Rock’s”, an afternoon really enjoyed by all those who attended. Numbers attending activities have begun to consolidate as we become more consistent with reminders and assisted transport to out-of-hours activities. Our review of administration processes continues with many gains in filing and reporting. Keep GROWing The GROW Drop-In centre continues to be popular with consumers. Computers are well accessed for leisure and education purposes, and CD’s, DVD’s and Books are now all catalogued; “thank you” to the huge efforts of Nicole Kundert, who completed this task recently. Consumers are borrowing these books consistently and making good use of them. Now that the weather has become hot, people are appreciating spending some time in the Centre as the air-conditioning is very good. Staff have been regularly visiting the hospital on Friday afternoons to help promote GROW on the Wardand we are pleased to announce that a second GROW Group is now available on Monday evenings from 5.00-7.00pm. Evaluation The Program was recently evaluated by the Commonwealth Government and feedback from consumers was overwhelmingly positive. With your help, we can continue to make the Drop-In Centre a helpful, healing and safe place for people to move back into a full and rich life of their own choosing. The program generally is achieving well, with a few areas for improvement especially in the statistical record keeping. We hope that now we are fully staffed, this will resolve itself in the near future. Welcome to our new D2DL & GROW Officer Sean Broughton-Wright A top time was had at Trephina Gorge in September where we watched “Strings on the Rocks’ following a BBQ lunch RecLink Update Aside from the usual activities which continue to be well attended, RecLink has started a Cricket Competition between consumers and staff from various organisations. The MHACA Nutcrackers are proud to report that they won their recent match against DASA on Wednesday, 12 November. Outstanding efforts in bowling and fielding were displayed by all!!! We hope to see a trophy in the Drop-In Centre soon! Everyone is welcome to join in so give us a call to get your name down on the team. See page 24 for a more detailed RecLink update. December 2008 - January 2009 Calendar! Watch out for the next calendar where we’ll be including activities that clients have requested on their Christmas Surveys. We also have some great new activities for this period including some Play Writing workshops. Those writers or Thespians out there can dust off their talents and write and perform a play!!! Stay tuned for further details. Consumers will also have a chance to make their own greeting cards for family and friends! (cont. next page) ‘The pen is mightier than the sword!’ ... as some dedicated writers have been discovering at the Thursday afternoon Writing Group Hi there, I am the new GROW-D2DL Officer who has come on-board to assist Carmel and Lynne in staffing the drop-in Centre and facilitating the GROW program. So how did I arrive at MHACA and why am I interested in mental health? In my early twenties I suffered from extreme anxiety to the point where it caused me to give up my chosen profession of teaching. One of those tough self-reliant types I never sought help but somehow managed to struggle though and survive. If only I had had the help of people like those here at MHACA maybe I would still be out there teaching ... So I want to be here to help raise awareness and help support those who might be suffering like I did. How did I get here? I had been campaigning online about mental health abuse and met Tanya Gordon through this (a young woman who recovered from spiraling anxiety and depression who visited Alice Springs in late August). Shortly after speaking with her I decided, should the chance arise, that I would like to become involved in mental health service provision … and, as luck would have it, here I am. I have lived most of my life in Alice Springs and love the place. I am a secular humanist and love the great and varied team that MHACA brings together. Please come and say gidday if you see me around. Sean 11 Day to Day Living Program (cont.) Something different … ♦ Beadwork for Xmas Gifts or for sale at the Open day in December. This activity can be set up whenever it is convenient for consumers. ♦ Creative Canvas or Watercolour painting can be set up whenever a consumer has the urge to express themselves … Just ask Carmel, Sean or Lynne. Healthy Eating with Pip Yoga-Relaxation with Kalika ... A reminder that the second season of Relaxation with Kalika has begun and continues on Wednesday nights from 6.00-7.30pm. It is open to all and the feedback from participants is that it really makes a difference to their wellbeing, particularly some of the troubling emotional and muscular symptoms resulting from medication. Kalika’s CD is also available for purchase at a very cheap price of only $8.00 for consumers. Please ring Carmel, Sean or Lynne to secure your copy. Don’t forget that we can give assistance with transport if you have difficulty at that time of the evening. Pip is doing marvelously in the Thursday morning Cooking Sessions, making cheap, nutritious and simple meals. Support from consumers has been good but we always welcome extra helping hands ... so come along on a Thursday to see what’s cookin’! We are hoping to have a small booklet of these recipes plus simple Xmas cooking ideas available for sale in December at a small cost. Join init’s delicious!! X Pip doing a fantastic job with preparing food for special occasionsincluding tasty nibblies for our AGM 12 Above: Some familiar friendly faces at one of the Healthy Eating sessions in October Above: Asanta Sana choir performing at Trephnina Gorge as part of the ‘Strings on the Rock’s concert on Sunday, 21 September Right: A hearty BBQ lunch was enjoyed prior to the Trephina Gorge concert, a memorable afternoon for all who came Left: Consumers and staff being treated to a chicken and salad lunch on Melbourne Cup day My lagoons amidst with your golden ponds My shores awashed with your rainbow skies My flowers abloom with your heavenly breeze Encasing me with your scent Your shadow holds my hand Walking me through my garden of Eden John Moffat “Great acts are made up of small deeds.” Lao Tzu Above: The D2DL computer room is available for use throughout the daySteph and Rudi doing some serious ‘surfing in the desert’ ssions GROW Information Se t would like The Drop-In Centre provides a relaxed friendly space to hang outto be creative or just chill out or association tha If you have a group, club out tation to find out more ab to host a GROW presen on l free to ring Carmel the Program, please fee itable date. 8950 4612 to discuss a su 13 Life Promotion Program Addressing Suicide and Self-Harm in Central Australia LPP Manager: Laurencia Grant LPP Officer: Brian Kennedy LPP Manager - Laurencia Grant Who are we? The main focus of Life Promotion is to grapple with the problem of suicidal behaviour as it occurs in the Central Australia region. LPP workers are skilled in: running workshops delivering & developing training researching the issue of suicide networking & advocacy health promotion What we do ... meetings, forums, emails, workshops - making sure people have a chance to share what they know about how best to address suicidal beahviour in our region training, articles, books, audio providing information & training to the community to help increase the level of public skills & knowledge about how to respond in the face of suicidal thoughts or behaviour talks, events, posters increasing public awareness of what contributes to suicidal behaviour, what protects from it & what we can do when people are affected by it response group offering support to people affected by losses to suicides localised training packages combining study and community networking to tailor ‘health promotion’ materials and training packages so that they are relevant, useful and accessible to people in our region support & advocacy for policies & services that reduce factors that contribute to suicidal behaviour and/or increase factors that protect from suicidal behaviour For further info call: Laurencia Grant on 8950 4608 or Brian Kennedy on 8950 4609 14Monday to Friday 8.30am – 4.30pm ate d p u Mental Health Promotion Officer based in Tennant Creek Jeannette Greenor Jay for shorthas recently been appointed as the Tennant Creek based Mental Health Promotions Officer for MHACA. Jay’s role picks up where Coral Aston left off with Life Promotions, but has an added role to work with local organisations and members of the Barkly community to provide a promotion and training arm of MHACA. She has been busy meeting with local workers and finding out what is already happening in the Tennant Creek and surrounding communities regarding mental health and suicide prevention worksee her update on page 16. Jay will be helping to raise community awareness about mental health and suicide through activities during mental health week and other significant times during the year such as World Suicide Prevention Day, and is a qualified ASIST trainer. Brian and Laurencia travelled to Tennant Creek to help deliver an ASIST workshop in early December and to meet up with Anyinginyi staff and the Barkly mental health team. Jay is based with the “Stronger Families’ team” of Anyinginyi Congress in an attempt to ensure she has a supportive organisation to work within, and as an important partnership with MHACA. Please contact her in Tennant Creek on (08) 8962 1114 or 0488 567 577 or email [email protected] Ltyentye Apurte (Santa Teresa) Community Meeting In November, Brian and Laurencia attended a meeting at the Spirituality Centre as part of a group of people from agencies and organisations who offer services that focus on mental health or social and emotional wellbeing. We were invited to a discussion to consider how we do our work, how we might better collaborate and how we could more effectively respond to the concerns raised by community members. Issues raised by some of the Ltyentye Apurte men at a session in the morning highlighted the importance of meaningful activity such as: ♦useful local employment (orchard work, horse program, music teaching, building and maintenance, road work and rubbish collection); ♦training and education to occur in the evenings focused on issues such as alcohol and other drugs, sexual health, family relationships and mental health; ♦ways to overcome misunderstandings of documents written in English (especially matters related to court orders and legal matters); and ♦opportunities to get out of the community and travel out bush on weekends as a means to stay away from trouble and to connect with culture and country. The meeting was facilitated by Ilan Warchivker who is known to many in the community for his work on the Ltyentye Apurte health plan. We were grateful to be a part of the discussions and hope that it will lead to a better coordinated and more responsive mental health workforce for the Ltyentye Apurte community. World Suicide Prevention Day Ceremony Life Promotions attending a Community Meeting at Ltyentye Apurte (Santa Teresa) in November 2008 SAFE in Oz Training In October, the LPP team took on the lead role of organising a local workshop for the training organisation ‘SAFE in Oz’. ‘SAFE’ stands for “Self Abuse Finally Ends” and is a training program developed in Canada for those who work with people who self abuse. The 2-day workshop was held on 20-21 October and attracted 23 participants from a range of organisationssee page 43 for more details. On Wednesday, 10 September LPP organised a community ceremony in honour of World Suicide Prevention Day. A range of speakers contributed to the event, which was a moving tribute to all those who have died or been affected by suicide see story on page 17. Suicide Story Presentation In November, Brian, Laurencia and Kristy presented sections of Suicide Story to SEWB students at Batchelor through a request from Tahnia Edwards, and also to Aboriginal health students at Congress, including Raymond Campbell. We were able to gain feedback about the suicide awareness training resource and also to carry out some interviews with the students about the issue. It’s always difficult for Aboriginal people to watch this as it brings up many sad stories for them, as most have lost members of their families to suicide. But they let us know that the resource is a good way to get the subject talked about and to give people skills in how to support one another. X ASIST Training As part of my role as Life Promotions Officer, I have become a qualified ASIST Trainer (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training). This week-long Laurencia and Kristy delivering suicide awareness training at a Women’s Health Workshop at Ampilatwatja SafeTALK @ St Philips On 25 November, Laurencia (at back with School Counsellor, Fiona Hadden), Kristy and Karen Revel delivered SafeTALK to about 75 year 10 students from St Philips, accompanied by Peter Bourke from Headspace. Safe TALK is a shortened 1/2-day alternative to the 2-day ASIST course. This was the first time that we have trained young people in suicide awareness skills and we appreciated St Philips’ commitment training was done late September at the Collaroy Convention Centre in Sydney’s North Beach area, set amidst a land of green fields and ocean blue (a far cry from my desert home in the Alice!). My training enables me to deliver the 2-day ASIST training in the community. The training was excellent and I delivered my first 2-day workshop on 11-12 November 2008 with Sherrilee Portlock from CAMHS. For more info contact Brian Kennedy on 8950 4609 or [email protected] 15 LPP Tennant Creek Mental Health Promotion Officer - Jay Green Based at Anyinginyi Stronger Families Ph: (08) 8963 2900 or 0448 657 577 Email [email protected] Hi! My name is Jeannette Green Jay for short. I hail from Germany originally but have grown up in Darwin. I have spent most of my life in the NT, living and working in Groote Eylandt, Gove, Daly River and Kakadu; however, I have also retuned to Germany a number of times as well as down south. After completing a Diploma in Marketing, I embarked on a series of adventures, working in wildlife sanctuaries with exotic animals to working out on the high seas for months at a time. After this, I undertook a Bachelor of Behavioural Science and worked for the YWCA of Darwin in Youth Diversion before commencing with MHACA at Tennant Creek. I look forward to working with the communities in the Barkly region, discovering what is being done around mental health and suicide prevention, and assisting in the facilitation of training and activities to help raise awareness and reduce the stigma associated with mental illness and suicide. Please contact me if you are working in Tennant Creek or drop in and say hello. I am based at Anyinginyi alongside the Stronger Families team. Jay (below left at the Women’s Day at the Barkley Homestead) New Mental Health Promotion Officer I commenced work in Tennant Creek on 29 September, based at the Stronger Families offices of Anyinginyi. In addition to helping coordinate and deliver training in Mental Health First Aid and ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) part of my role is to help disseminate information and raise awareness about mental health issues. In my first week, I made contact with some key mental health service providers and allied organisations with a view to inviting people onto the reference group that will respond to incidences of suicide to help provide a support role to the persons affected. Barkly Region Activities On 8 October, I was invited to attend the Open Day of the Women’s Shelter at Elliot (photo at right). A number of service providers attended on the day and it was a great facility which was welcomed by the community in Elliot. On 11 October, I attended the Women’s Day at the Barkly Homestead which had a great turnout of women from pastoral stations in the Barkly region and beyond (see photo below left). There were fantastic guest speakers covering topics from finance to women’s waterworks! It was a very informative and entertaining day with many women staying on to make the most of an event that is only held twice a year. Youth Mental Health Forum On 16-17 October, I attended a Youth Mental Health Forum in Darwin which attracted a wide range of attendees. The focus of the forum was to raise awareness of mental illness amongst young people in the Territory, promoting initiatives that would aid in identifying mental illness and resources aimed at prevention, intervention and creating better treatment and service outcome (such as Reach Out and Headspace). Back in Alice … Then I flew back to Alice Springs to attend the SAFE in Oz training on self harming with Laurencia and Brian on 20-21 October. This was about an area that I have had little exposure to in the past, however, the information will be valuable in the future, should I encounter somebody who self harms. In Alice I also attended my first staff meeting at MHACA where I had the opportunity to introduce myself to other staff. In the interim, I have continued networking with service providers in Tennant Creek, arranging facilities and promoting the 2-day ASIST course that Laurencia and Brian delivered here on 4-5 December. X For further information or any queries please contact me during office hours on 0448 657 577 or email [email protected] 16 World Suicide Prevention Day 2008 Carmel Williams: I have two poems for you. The first is about gathering strength through adversity (below), and the second is about going deeper, surrending to life. All I can honestly tell you, is that life is precious. and it takes time and perseverance to know this in the depths of your heart. Never give up! Never, ever give up. The Lemon Tree There was a lemon tree my father planted unwisely, in a sea of couch He did things like that If it’s tough enough it’ll live! I’d sneak out at night to keep those grass fingers from gripping its throat It’d put rose petals on its feet make the fairies dance around it polish the leaves - persistently Still it curled its green leather pretended not to care I sung it as though I were Arrernte I sung it like it belonged and the grass did not Two years it lived whistling that old failure to thrive tune In the final spring it gave one porcelain flower which swelled into A green fruit that died before it could grow fat and yellow My father pulled it up like a twig threw it into the incinerator I found that lemon hard and indestructible in the ashes the next day So I saved it for this poem and all the others Carmel Williams On Wednesday, 10 September Life Promotions organised a community ceremony in Alice Springs in honour of World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD). The purpose of WSPD is to raise awareness of this critical yet often misunderstood problem in society. It is hoped that events such as this will create less silence about the issue and raise people’s awareness as a result. While suicide may never be eliminated entirely, through effective, coordinated and comprehensive suicide initiatives around the world, the burden on individuals and society can be greatly reduced. It is through events like WSPD and other initiatives, that we can break down the taboos and stigmas associated with openly confronting this problem. This year’s event was held at the Mosaic Memorial Site behind the Senior Citizens Centre and followed a format similar to the previous year. A simple ceremony built around gentle music, inspiring testimonies from those affected by suicideeither personally or through loss of a loved oneand information sharing by speakers. Carmel Williams shared two touching poems one of which is printed hereand Felix Meyer gave a moving speech about his brother Monte (and has kindly given permission for us to reprint his story (see page 42). The healing aspect of the ceremony was especially enhanced by the use of a traditional smoking ceremony and the laying of symbolic flowers on the beautiful ceramic mosaic. Thank you to all the MHACA staff who helped organise and make this event possible, and thank you to all those attended in support of this important day. X Brian Kennedy, LPP Musician Christopher Broklebank Brian and Padma lay flowers Above: People were invited to lay a flower on the Mosaic Memorial Left: People viewing stories on what keeps people strong 17 Training & Promotions Training & Promotions Officer: Rita Riedel - phone 8950 4613 ate d p u An Awkward Fit - A Mother’s Story ... In late July, we promoted a free community forum with guest speaker, Helen Maczkowiack, attended by around 20 people. Author of An Awkward Fit, Helen spoke of her son’s struggles with depression and then how she coped following his suicidesee page 55 for more details. Mental health promotions training On 8-9 September, I attended a 2-day workshop Promoting Mental Health & Wellbeing in Melbourne, followed by the 3-day 5th World Conference on the Promotion of Mental Health: Margins to Mainstream. Run by VicHealth, the workshop covered some of the latest trends and research in mental health promotion, and ‘set the scene’ for the conference. Both were jam-packed with good information. For more details on both see page 45 (workshop) and page 52 (conference). Mental Health Week A range of events was organised for this year, with the highlight being Dinner with Jonathon Welchthe Founding Director of The Choir of Hard Knocks. Promotions also included radio interviews: with ABC, 8HA and the Murray Stewart Fitness Show. For a summary of activities see page 33. General promotion General promotional work has included: u preparing two more vertical display banners, one for taking to stalls and the other for Jay in Tennant Creek u preparing a logo for the Consumer Forum group u updating our MHACA postcard u preparing consumer story posters for Claudia to take to the 2008 TheMHS conference u preparing powerpoints on the Promoting Mental Health & Wellbeing workshop and Margins to Mainstream conference for MHACA’s Information Sharing session on 12 November u updating our MHACA and GROW powerpoints u updating the website on new programs and staff u monthly MHACA calendars u doing our annual membership drive mailout and u designing some new front-of-building signs for MHACA and GROW. In November, I visted the Congress Youth Outreach Team to talk about MHACA services. The team are from left: Greg Donald, Mark Gepp, Katy Walker and Bianka Schulz-Allan (and not in the photo, Irshad Auckburally). Right: Rita and Jo catch up with Steve Fisher in Melbourne at the Margins to Mainstream Conference in September 18 Headspace trainers and participants at the SEE Young People workshop Headspace training As a consortium partner, MHACA has helped to organise and promote the first round of training workshops for Headspace. This has included three 1-day Train the Trainer workshops: u CAN DO for Young People, Families and Carers on 21 August – CAN DO aims to strengthen, support and network key stakeholders who deliver services to young people and their families and carers in local areas, to improve the capacity to effectively respond to the complexities of co-existing mental health and substance use u SEE (Screening and Engaging Early) Young People on 22 August – SEE YP focused on effective communication skills to build rapport and perform health risk screens as well as to assess the need for intervention and to provide basic health advice u Working with Families and Significant Others on 20 November – to provide practitioners with effective strategies and tools with which to communicate, engage and support families and significant others in their understanding of and management of the young person’s problems. Now that headspace are fully staffed the Training Coordinator role will be taken on by Judith Taylor. Initially developed for GPs the workshops are relevant to all service providers who work with young people at risk and will be rolled out in 2009. Mental Health First Aid Why Mental Health First Aid? Tanya Gordon speaking on overcoming depression at the Town Council on 27 August 2008 Dancing in the Dark There are many reasons why people need mental health first aid training: Firstly, mental health problems are common, On 25-29 August, young singer Tanya Gordon visited Alice Springs to give a free Community Talk and visit local high-schools to talk about her journey living with and overcoming depression (also accompanied by Peter Bourke from headspace), a very fruitful trip organised by Teen Challenge. I attended Tanya’s visit to St Philips and her Talk on 27 August to provide follow-up information on MHACA’s services and resources. Tanya is an inspiring speaker who struck an instant chord with her audiences, particularly the high-school students. As Donna’s article on Narrative Therapy highlights (page 49) there is deep value in sharing our stories, not only making us stronger but also helping and inspiring others. especially depression, anxiety and misuse of Addendum: The feature track on Tanya’s latest CD is the feature song on the recently released Salvation Army DVD ‘Braver, Stronger, Wiser’ aimed at beating depression in rural Australia (see Resources on page 58). seeking professional help when necessary. alcohol and other drugs. One in five Australian adults will suffer from some form of common Course Dates 2009 17-18 February mental health problems in any given year, 17-18 March therefore it is highly likely throughout the course 21-22 April of any person’s life they will either develop or 18-19 May come into contact with someone who does have a mental health problem. Secondly, people often feel embarrassed 23-24 June 21-22 July and reluctant to seek help due to the stigma 18-19 August attached to mental health problems. One of the 22-23 September aims of MHFA training is to reduce this stigma via educating people and providing them with a greater awareness about mental illness, 20-21 October 17-18 November how to recognize signs and symptoms, how to provide initial help and how to go about For enquires or bookings contact Rita Riedel on 8950 4613 or email [email protected] Reports In addition to compiling our Jan-June 08 Service Report, 2007-2008 Annual Report and 2008 Matt Deer Camp report, our new Strategic Plan 2008-2011 was also formatted, all of which are available for viewing on our website. X Co-facilitator Yarran Cavalier (centre) with MHFA participants in September 2008 from: Centralian Snr Secondary College, DEEWR, Congress SEWB and Remote Health AOD, Life Without Barriers, CARHS Remote Health Tennant, Centacare, MHACA, Drug & Alcohol, DEET Student Services and ADSCA 19 Administration Administrator: Sue Coombs - phone 8950 4610 Administration Assistant: Emily Harrison - phone 8950 4600 e t a d up THE last half of the year has simply flown by, and I now feel almost settled across the variety of tasks that are inherent in my position. There have been many exciting events throughout the past months ... and some challenging ones too! Building update In spite of ongoing efforts (waiting on Change of Building Usage approval) we are still no closer to getting the rear area of the building landscaped and shadedwhich is still impacting on storage, and we have had to rent an off-site unit for this purpose. In the interim, we are having landscaping and paving done at the rear side of the building to provide some shaded area for everyone. This area will include a water feature, and it is intended that there will be small plaques either fixed to this or to the seating to commemorate consumers who have passed on. Picture rails have been installed in our large functions/board room and the Drop-In centre to enable us to display artwork created by consumers. On a more practical note, we have installed a continuous hot-water urn in the kitchen, and have also installed hand-towel dispensers to the staff toilet and the kitchen. Workplace Agreement The final draft of this was approved by the Committee in October and was then presented to staff for their comments. This has only just been received back and staff suggestions will be discussed at the December Committee meeting. on board to Sean Broughton-Wright. We also have had one resignation a sad farewell to Felixwhich we filled by promoting a part-time staff member to a full-time positioncongratulations to Christine Boocock. For the first time for many months we now have a full complement of staff, hooray! Finance Many thanks to Deloitte’s for completing this year’s annual financial audit. This was all finalised on time and we presented the audited accounts and Annual Report at the AGM held on 5 November 2008. Housing Program Motor Vehicles We were very excited to receive a second-hand Toyota Prius hybrid car under the Community Benefit Gift Scheme, and this has been a hit with all staff who have driven it. We need to trade one of the Toyota Camry’s in, and it has been decided that if we are able to obtain another Prius at a reasonable cost we will do so, as the vehicle has enough interior room to be able to be used for consumer transport requirements. We have also purchased an additional secondhand Toyota Landcruiser for the Life Promotions Program, with the Hilux being transferred to the Life Promotions Program in Tennant Creek. Staffing The Mental Health Promotion Officer at Tennant Creek has been filled, with Jay Green commencing in September. We also filled the position of D2DL-GROW Officer in Octoberwelcome Left: Sue counting votes at our November AGM 20 Sue & Em proudly displaying our new u-beaut hot-water urn in the kitchen giving us boiling water on tap Right: Em at reception making everyone feel welcome We were delighted to be granted a further $360,000 from the NT Dept of Local Government and Housing under the Community Housing Program to purchase another two 1-bedroom units for the MHACA portfolio. We have contracted for the purchase of one unit and are currently viewing a number of others with a view to purchase. X MHACA AGM 5 November 2008 MHACA proudly celebrated a busy past year with a well-attended AGM on 5 November 2008. Approximately 40 people attended, demonstrating an ongoing commitment from the community and inspiring us all to ‘keep striving’. The creative presentations show-cased in pictures much of what we’ve set out to achieve, a tribute to the hard work of all the staff and committee members. It was particularly encouraging to see strong interest for the committee elections, and we are delighted to welcome on board several new dedicated skilled members, as well as welcome the return of many of the previous members of the committee. All the formal requirements of the meeting went smoothly, with Alderman Meredith Campbell acting as Returning Officerthank you Meredith. The majority of members from the outgoing committee were re-nominated and appointed unopposed. Their ongoing commitment to MHACA, dedicated voluntary time and wide-ranging skills are greatly appreciated. We welcome a new Treasurer and two new General Members ... Returning Officer, Meredith Campbell, with Claudia and Dale Wakefield (AS Women’s Shelter) New Chairperson Trish Van Dijk giving a short speech on her interest in supporting MHACA New committee members for 2008-2009 are u Chairperson - Trish Van Dijk u Deputy Chair - Mardijah Simpson u Secretary - Maya Cifali u Treasurer - Allen Cope u Public Officer - Lee Ryall u Organisational Rep - Tracey Hatchard, Em, Danielle and Glenise all smiles at the AGM presentations ... You rock gals! MHACA members getting ready for creative staff presentations followed by some hearty competition for committee elections Olga Radke, Kay Viney, Jenny Hartung and Jill Deer enjoying a catch-up at the AGM MH Carers NT u Organisational Rep - Nigel Scrimshaw, Salvation Army u Consumer Representative - Darren Farr u Consumer Representative Gwvynyth Cassiopeia-Roennfeldt u General - Katherine Venice u General - Robbie Lloyd Long-term committee member, Maya Cifali, with our auditor, Bill McAinsh New committee members Allen Cope, Katherine Venice and Robbie Lloyd ready for a dynamic year ahead A big thank you to all the staff & committee for their work over the past year. 21 e t a pd u Consumer Action ... Consumer Get-Togethers Consumers meet twice a month: at an evening Consumer Forum and a day-time Consumer Action Group (CAG). We have our evening Consumer Forum on the fourth Tuesday of the month and have shared fish and chips and pizza for the last two meetings. We have been consistently getting new members and the crowd has been between 9 to 12 people in attendance. It’s great to see! The last two CAGsheld on the second Tuesday of every month at lunch timehave been held at the Todd Tavern and Watertank Café, and were attended by 16 and 8 people respectively. Consumer Code of Conduct Above: Glenise speaking at the MHACA Information Sharing Session on 12 November about the presentation she gave with Claudia and At the Consumer Forum we have reviewed the ‘Consumer Code of Gwvynyth at the 2008 TheMHS Conference in New Zealand Conduct’ so that it can be made into a poster-board to be hung up at the Drop-In Centre. The Code of Conductsee next pageoutlines the general expectations of behaviour held by the Consumer Forum of all consumers when attending MHACA, the Drop-In Centre and D2DL activities. This document will be given to new consumers at MHACA when they meet with staff so that they know what will be expected of them. The Code of Conduct On Wednesday, 17 December has been reviewed and endorsed by the MHACA Committee. 6.00-9.00pm at The Golden Inn, 9 Undoolya Rd, Alice Springs. Staff, carers, consumers and Actions that have been taken as a result family are all invited - cost $20 of the Consumer Forum ... Please RSVP to Em on 8950 4600 to RSVP by 10 December Christmas Dinner Consumer Representatives Consumer representatives have been nominated: 1) to represent D2DL to allied services and reference groups 2) to work on a Policy for ‘Supervision and Safety of Children Attending MHACA’ 3) to give a presentation at the 2008 TheMHS conference in New Zealand, and 4) to do a speech and song at the Mental Health Week Dinner with Jonathon Welch and MHACA AGM. Long Camp A sub-committee is working on the idea of a camp to Darwin in March next year, for a week to a fortnight long. All consumers are most welcome to join the groupplease ask Gwvynyth for details. Drop In & Drop Offs The Consumer Forum has requested approval for MHACA to provide a drop-off service for clients who attend the Drop-In and D2DL program, especially in times of extreme weather. It is envisaged MHACA will be able to provide a daily drop-off time at 3.30pm from the premises directly home for those who require a lift. This will be trialled in December as the weather becomes hotter. It will just require people to register their names at the front desk prior to 3.00pm so we know the size of vehicle we require. Left: Kate and Gwvynyth (right), accompanied by David and Lily Roennfeldt, were invited to sing at the opening of the MHACA AGM on 5 November 22 Code of Conduct for Consumers Integrity - Consumers and staff working together to further MHACA’s aims. To not strive for personal gain or private outcomes. To try to reach consensus on issues that are being discussed. Honesty - To disclose interest where consumers may have financial or personal gains, and withdraw from meetings if there is potential conflict between their own interest, colleagues and MHACA’s interest. Confidentiality - To respect the privacy of others. To not talk about consumer business with other members of the community and to not disclose any information which is private to consumers. Impartiality - To provide unbiased input within a designated task. To represent the broader consumer views and not just their own. Respectful Behaviour - To treat others with courtesy and respect. Incidents of harassment, sexual harassment, and aggressive or verbal abuse towards other consumers and staff will not be condoned or tolerated. Tolerance – To accept others regardless of gender, culture or religious background. Discrimination of any form is in direct opposition to the Code of Conduct. Complaints/Feedback - Is appreciated and acted upon to upgrade the performance of MHACA services. An advocate is available upon request. This Code of Conduct will be incorporated in the MHACA Policy and Guidelines Manual and is endorsed by the MHACA Committee. Consumer Agenda Aside from the regular D2DL & Grow calendar, consumers have taken part in an interesting agenda with attendances at the Mental Health Week Dinner, Trephina Gorge Choir afternoon (with lunch),Yoga-Relaxation Sessions on Wednesday evenings, and the 2008 TheMHS Conference in Auckland, NZ. In addition to all the above, the Consumer Forum aims to provide a place to contribute dynamic ideas to add to our D2DL calendar. Due to the holiday season the December Consumer Forum will be not be on. X To find out more on the Consumer Forum we are on the web at www.mhaca.org.au and click on the Consumer Action page link Gwvynyth Cassiopeia~Roennfeldt, MHACA Consumer Representative I Am Me I am who I am, but not who I want to be I am what I am, and what I am is me I am not you, nor who you think I am There is a lot more to me, but I am still who I am You see me as a patient, client or consumer But I am not any of these, I am simply just me I wish I could show you, all that is inside me But some is secret, and some is yet to be I wish you could see me, beyond all the labels Beyond all the illness, the toils & troubles One day you just might, you never know If I stop trying to hide it, but instead let it all show Maybe then you will see all I that I can be All that is in there, all that is me I don’t need your sympathy, I don’t need to be fixed I just need you to see me, and allow me to be me So my request to you then, is for you to see me as a real person, and simply just me My question is then, will you see me as such will you see I’m not fragile, and won’t break if you touch Sandi 2008 23 Reclink Update CAAAPU-DASA Tigers-Winners of the Inaugural Goodwill Cup Reclink in Alice Springs has been off the Richter scale (excuse my excitement!) in the last few months with a ton of big events and plenty of regular activities. Major Reclink events in Alice Springs recently have been the Reclink Memo Lawn Bowls Classic, Reclink Football Grand Final Day, Reclink Goodwill Dinner and the start of the Inaugural Reclink Super 8s Cricket. Regular Reclink activities have included 10-pin Bowling, Indoor Rock-climbing, Social Tennis, 2 Movie days, 8-Ball and the Golf Driving Range and swimming at the Town Pool. It has been encouraging to see people trying out new things and having the courage to have a go at things they normally wouldn’t get the chance to do. Reclink Lawn Bowls Classic The Reclink Lawn Bowls Classic was held at the Memo Club on 4 September 2008. It was bowls and a BBQ to kick off the Goodwill Tour by the Salvation Army Hawks Reclink AFL team and some of the Board Members from Reclink Melbourne. Local Alice Springs Reclink agencies and other members of the Alice Springs Community were invited down to join in on the evening and get a real experience of what Reclink is all about. Teams of four were mixed of locals and Melbournians to encourage people getting to know someone new and share the fun. There was lots of fun and some entertaining bowls played. A special mention to two of the guys from MHACA’s D2DL program: Ryanwho took out the ‘Bowler of the Day Trophy, and Rudy who got the trophy for ‘Most Consistent’. Champion effort fellas! All that practice at Memo Bowls Club on Tuesday afternoons paid off! Reclink Grand Final Day The 2008 Grand Final day was held on a warm afternoon at Traeger Park. The A-grade fixture was a rematch of the 2007 final between the Cottages AllStars and Amoonguna Eagles. The match was played with extraordinary skill and raw speed. Cottages raced out to a huge lead at half-time. Amoonguna came back strongly and nearly pulled off an amazing comeback, however the final siren beat them and Cottages claimed their first Reclink Title. The Inaugural Reclink Goodwill Cup was played out between the CAAAPU-DASA Tigers and the visiting Salvation Army Hawks from Left: Winning recipients at the Reclink Lawn Bowls Classic 24 Right: Mary giving Glenise some fine pointers The Reclink Melbourne league. In what was a physical contest, the two sides’ contrasting playing styles made the game an exciting display. The CAAAPU-DASA Tigers saved their best performance of the season for the Cup and held off a brave Hawks side. The cup stays in the Alice, the Tigers winning by four goals. The B-Grade final was won by the MZ Bulldogs who took a combined Reclink side. Here’s what being part of the competition meant to some of the CAAAPU-DASA Tigers players: E - “We all enjoyed ourselves, especially me that had family members present at the Grand Final; it produced overwhelming feelings of dignity and pride that had been missing for a long time.” JS - “Reclink Footy has shown me that I can have fun without drugs and alcohol, and when I leave this program I have the confidence to keep active and encourage my kids to be healthy and active too.” Thank You Alice Springs! The Reclink model is one that requires a network of member agencies to work together to provide opportunities for people to rebuild their lives. I would like to take this opportunity while I can to thank some people who have been extremely supportive of me in coordinating Reclink in Alice Springs: u First of all, my partner Anna who has been incredible in what has been a hectic few months u Mary Meldrum from the Memo Bowls Club u Kate Egan and Robert from AFLCA u Bruce Macgregor from MHACA for running the 8-Ball at the AS Youth Centre u Lisa Anderson form Life Without Barriers who has coordinated two Movie days u Jody Kopp from Aranda House who has been full of enthusiasm and ideas u Mayor Damien Ryan who opened the Reclink Lawn Bowls Classic and presented Trophies at Reclink Football Grand Final Day u Colin Hutchieson from NAB bank and Dave Douglass Tyre City for their generous donations u Jonathon Pilbrow from NTCOSS with whom I share an office and have someone to bounce ideas off u Carmel Williams and the MHACA staff who put up with me dropping in all the time to promote what’s happening at Reclink u And to all the Reclink agencies and their staff who have made the effort to get their participants to the Reclink events – you, the member agencies, are essentially Reclink … so thank you for your continued support of the Reclink network in Alice Springs . I can feel Reclink having a major influence on the community of Alice Springs and am excited at seeing and hearing more positive experiences from those that get involved. X If anyone has any good stories from Reclink events or would like to know more about Reclink please feel free to contact me on 0401 735 813 or email [email protected]. MHACA consumers with Sean (right) appreciating the range of activities on offer by Reclink Stories ... Reclink aims is to rebuild lives through sport and the arts. I was lucky enough to receive some letters from some people attending a drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation centre who attend Reclink activities. I will share two with you ... This from a man in his 20s “When I first came to DASA I didn’t know anything about Reclink and the services they provided. I give a big thank you to Sean and Reclink for allowing me to play for the CAAAPU-DASA Tigers (Reclink AFL Team) even though I had not played one single game of footy before. I had plenty of support from my friends at DASA who said ‘it’s not about winning, it’s about having fun’. The first game was tough on me but I gave it all I had. The next game was the Goodwill Cup against the Salvo Hawks from Melbourne and I was really looking forward to this match. I just had to go out and buy myself a pair of footy boots. In the third quarter of the game I had a head clash with my opponent; I also had a major stitch and a bad thigh that was taped up. I felt I couldn’t continue so I went to the bench. The fourth quarter started and there was no one to take my place as they were injured also, so I went back out and played the rest of the game. After the match I received the trophy for ‘Most Courageous Player’. That showed me if I put my mind to it I can do anything. So thank you to Reclink and the guys I played with and against. Hopefully I can return the help and encouragement I received and show people how fun we can have if we just get out there and have a go”. J This sent in by a woman ... “This short note is to thank Reclink for the opportunities in rec activities offered to us. My first day at the centre I was greeted by an enthusiastic, highly spirited group of young men who had won a big football game. [The Reclink Football Grand Final]. They had a big gold trophy and medals around their necks; it seemed the air was alive with enthusiasm and joy. Working through drug and alcohol addiction is one of the hardest challenges many of us here face on a daily basis. We have robbed ourselves of the simple joys in life. Thanks to organisations such as DASA and Reclink we are able to see the big picture and enjoy living without substance abuse. For me, the 10-Pin Bowling and having a go at tennis has been great fun.Through trying these activities my self-esteem grows and so does my courage to give new things a go.” L. Community Xmas Party 2008 Alice Springs Community Xmas Party is on 18 December at the Town Pool from 4.00-7.00pm. All Reclink Agencies welcome, just say ‘pool party’ at the gate for free entry 25 NT Mental updat e Health Coalition Phil Dempster, Project Officer Membership The membership of the Coalition has grown to 28 full members and is still rising. This is an exciting time for us all as we become much more representative of the sector with a greater number of people at the table come meeting times. Should you have an interest in the future of mental health in Australia and be interested in becoming a member of the Coalition please email [email protected] for information. Mental Health Promotion Mental Health Week has again come and gone and what a week it was! For those who attended the dinners in Darwin and Alice Springs you will know exactly what I am talking about!! What a delightful man Jonathon Welch turned out to be ... not only were the dinners themselves a huge hit because of his wonderfully professional attitude and quirky sense of fun, but the other activities that he agreed to do in The NT Mental Health Coalition is the peak body for mental health representing non-government organisations that provide services to people with mental health needs. It operates as a sub-committee of NTCOSS and holds a seat on the Mental Health Council of Australia (MHCA), the national peak body for mental health. The Coalition is a member of Community Mental Health Australia which is a national alliance of state and territory peak bodies. Darwin and Alice were something to enjoy as well. I attended his talk at the ‘Purple House’ in Alice Springs (see also page 35) and to see the way he engaged with people who are truly disadvantaged was an experience I will never forget. It took a little while for some of the members to trust him but once he started a little sing along he had all their attention. They even sang him a little song of their own before he left which brought a tear to Jonathon’s eye (which is his trademark!) but also brought a tear to my eye as it was such a powerful moment. We also had some other wonderful speakers at our dinners and I would like to thank them all for their very valuable contributions to the evenings. The week was a success all round with all the activities well attended and people generally seemed to know a little more about what we are trying to achieve by the end of it. Thank you to everyone who once again contributed so much in getting the week to happen. Mental Health Respite This project goes under the very large heading of “Building Capacity in Community Mental Health Family Support and Carer Respite Project” and is funded by the Australian Government under the National Respite Development Fundsee update next page. The project was launched in May this year and Project Coordinator, Kristi Stinson, did the initial consultation. Kristi has moved on and we now have a new Project Coordinator, Janine Sims, who has taken the reins. In November, Janine completed a round of forums with interested parties in Alice Springs and Darwin, with the help of National Project Coordinator, Christine Barry Please contact [email protected] for any further information. Lastly, I would like to thank everyone for the support you have shown the Coalition this year. I hope you all have a very good Christmas break and a wonderful start to the New Year. See you next year! Phil Dempster Left: Jonathon Welch in Darwin with Wendy Norton (NTCOSS), Phil Dempster and Helen Johnson Project Officer, NT Mental Health Coalition, NTCOSS, PO Box 1128, Nightcliff NT 0814 p: (08) 8948 2665 f: (08) 8948 4590 e: [email protected] w: www.ntcoss.org.au Left: Jonathon in Alice Springs inspiring women at the Western Desert ‘Purple House’ during Mental Health Week 26 NT-CAG Building Capacity in Community Mental Health Family Support & Carer Respite Project - Update The Building Capacity in Community Mental Health Family Support and Carer Respite Project is part of national reform process in the area of mental health family support and carer services and is funded by the Australian Government under the Mental Health Respite Program. The project aims to facilitate the establishment of localised community partnerships that will apply for funding from the National Respite Development Fund to deliver innovative and sustainable services after consulting with relevant services, carers and consumers regarding current need in the respite sector. Another and equally important outcome of the project is nurturing a well trained community mental health family support and respite workforce and feeding back information regarding sector needs to government. With the support of MHACA, Alice Springs service providers came together on 12 November to analysis the strength and gaps in local Mental Health family support and carer respite services. It is hoped that at the next meeting, set for early December, service providers will commit to a local community partnership and start to work together to apply for funding for new and innovative respite programs for Alice Springs and remote communities from the National Respite Development Fund. If you have any queries or would like to be involved please contact Project Coordinator, Janine Sims on (08) 8948 2665 or email [email protected] Northern Territory Community Advisory Group on Mental Health Providing an ongoing mechanism for consumer & carer input into mental health policy decision making process NT-CAG was formed in 1992. The Group acts as a Ministerial Advisory Committee to provide strategic advice on the planning, delivery and evaluation of mental health services in the NT. In line with the mental health reforms under the National Mental Health Strategy, NT-CAG provides an ongoing mechanism for consumer and carer input into mental health policy decision making process, particularly in relation to the implementation of the National Mental Health Plan (currently 2003–2008) and in accordance with the Mental Health Statement of Rights and Responsibilities endorsed by Health Ministers in March 1991. NT-CAG is made up of 9 community memberseither consumers of mental health services or primary carers, and there are currently members from Darwin, Tennant Creek and Alice Springs. This year the focus of NT-CAG has been to improve communication with community-based organisations. NT-CAG Members have met with groups such as Carers NT, Mental Health Carers NT, NTCOSS and TEAM health. At the September meeting in Alice Springs, a visit was made to MHACA, and Barbara Weis and Peter Bourke from headspace Central Australia gave a presentation about their program to members. A consumer and carer from NT-CAG are members of the National Mental Health Consumer and Carer Forum. This forum holds two face-to-face meetings and two teleconferences per year. As part of ongoing representation and advocacy on consumer and carer issues the group provides advice on specific national mental health initiatives and makes submissions on relevant national issue such as Senate Inquiries. X For more information, contact Doreen Dyer, Chairperson 0412 423 483 or email [email protected] For information call 1800 18 SANE (7263) or email [email protected] www.sane.org 27 Welcome to headspace! 28 We’re open! Are you aged between 12 – 25? Then headspace could be the place for you! headspace is where young people can go to get help. We have doctors, health workers, psychologists, nurses and counsellors to help you cope and get support with physical health, mental health, stress, anxiety, depression, sexual health, and drug and alcohol issues. We can also help you find the right person to talk to about further study, getting a job or doing a course. Although it is sometimes hard to talk about these things, whatever happens in headspace stays in headspace! We are a FREE and CONFIDENTIAL service dedicated to being youth friendly and youth-relevant. Please call for an appointment or feel free to drop into our site at 5/5 Hartley St (in the old Office National Building facing Wills Tce – next to CASA), or ring 8958 4544 to find out more. You can come in by yourself, or bring someone with you for support. We can also provide you with general information if you would just like to find out more about certain issues. Opening times: Mon & Tue 8.30am – 4.30pm Wed 10.00am – 6.00pm Thurs & Fri 8.30am – 4.30pm Our Doctors services are available at the following times Monday: 1.30pm – 5.00pm Thurs: 1.30pm – 5.00pm For more info and session times visit our website www.headspace.org.au/centralaustralia “Follow the three R’s: Respect for self. Respect for others. Responsibility for all your actions.” Anon Taylor (Training & Intake & Assessment). We are sad to see Barbara Weis moving on as managershe has done a tireless and exceptional job getting headspace operational and she will be sadly missed. Good fortune has prevailed, however, and we are very fortunate to welcome Michael Cody as the new managerwhat a team!! We’re also waiting on an Aboriginal Mental Health Worker to fill-out the new crew. Youth Advisory Group The new Headspace team - Michael, Ash, Jennifer, Judith and Peter We’re ready to rock! headspace Central Australia is now open! by Community Liaison Officer, Peter Bourke headspace Central Australia (hCA) is open!!! After a great deal of preparation and community excitement, hCA opened its doors on 10 November 2008. “We’re ready to rock!” says Community Liaison Officer, Peter Bourke. The hCA one-stop shop model is an holistic approach to creating a youth-friendly environment where a whole range of services that impact on our lives are availableand free! We have doctors, sexual reproductive health services, generic and alcohol & other drug (AOD) specific counselling, an Aboriginal mental health worker, Centrelink information, ASYASSemergency relief/ accommodation support, and we’re looking to establish further links in the vocation and education training sector. headspace is an initiative and service that really makes sense. We know that early intervention works, and we know that mental and substance abuse disorders are the most serious health problems affecting young people todayso much so that nationally one in four will experience one or both in any one year. Statistics show that depression is set to become the second biggest burden of disease and death worldwide by 2020 (currently it’s 4th), and that these issues are not experienced in isolation from most other aspects of our lives. In fact, you can’t have good health without good mental health. The new team hCA would like to welcome on board Jennifer Croaker (Clinic Coordinator), Ash Whelan (Intake & Assessment) and Judith From the very beginning we are ensuring that young people play an active role in shaping the delivery and look of hCA services. We have had a huge response from local young people to the Youth Advisory Group which will assist us in ‘getting it right & relevant.’ YAG will also help us to explore the issues of mental health and mental illness in the community and develop activities and forums that are youth-developed and youth-runwhich will hopefully ensure it’s cool! I’m really excited about this dynamic crew! Training Thank you to MHACA who helped to organise three headspace Train the Trainer workshops in recent months (see Rita’s update page 18). Now that we are fully staffed, the Training Coordinator roll will be taken on by Judith Taylor. We look forward to rolling out the training to the community in 2009 which is relevant to all those who work with young people at risk. Walk right in ... Young people, their families and carers can walk in anytime for help with mental health, alcohol and other drug issues or can make an appointment on - 8958 4544 While times for accessing services are still being finalised young people can see a doctor Tuesday and Thursday afternoons and counsellor on Wednesday afternoons. Check out the headspace website for session times & lots of great resources www.headspace.org. aucentralaustralia For any further enquiries or just to share some great ideas please feel free to call Peter Bourke – Community Liaison Officer on 8958 4542 or 0488 579 582 or email [email protected] 29 Left: Charlie, Cliff and Peter reading some of the poems and stories on display at the World Suicide Prevention Day Ceremony on 10 September Right: Bianca,Clayton and Leo catching up on the back patio Hubert strumming the guitar Gwvynyth, Judith and David on a singing visit to Hetty Perkins in October Kate and Danielle checking out some of the latest resources in the Drop-In library Always some action at MHACA Rita and Peter with Tanya Gordon on her fruitful visit to Alice Springs to speak on depression Bruce, Em, Brian, Donna and Felix having at Felix’s farewell ... We’ll miss ya Felix Mental Health Week Dinner with Jonathon Welch - 7 October Right: Jonathon at the end of the night with some of his fans Below: Jonathan and Christine Pilbrow with Brent Mansell (centre) catching up at the dinner 30 Ian and Rita enjoying the night Donna and Sandi (above) and Sue and Rangi (below) at the MHW dinner Above: Allen, Sue and Olga at our November AGM Having a BBQ lunch at the Alice Springs Youth Centre, who offer some great activities Above: John, Lynne, Rudi and Lisa shopping for a Thursday morning Healthy Living session Right: Brian, Peter and Laurencia visiting St Philips in November to talk about suicide awareness Above: A local meeting at MHACA for the NTCOSS Carer Respite Project in November Below: Rudi and John with Sean from Reclink enjoying one of their regular visits to the Bowling Club Below: A dynamic group attending the Headspace FSO training in November Below: Our wonderful support team getting ready for Christmas Below: Donna, Rita, Em and Carmel celebrating Em’s birthday 31 States to take on mental health By Siobhain Ryan, The Australian, 28 October 2008 This article highlights the current primary concern on the national mental health scene: that States may gain full control of mental health funding and, if they do, may re-allocate much-needed resources from out-of-hospital support servicesincluding program funding for personal helpers, mentors and respite care to ‘fix ailing hospital services.’ Of key concern is what accountability mechanisms will be in place to ensure continued quality service provision ... THE States and Territories are expected to gain full control of community mental health services and hundreds of millions of dollars of Commonwealth funding, as the Rudd Government retreats from John Howard’s 2006 intervention in the crisis-riddled sector. The change, which could be announced within weeks, has prompted fears from mental health experts that, without proper checks and balances, the cash-strapped States and Territories could shift the funding out of community programs to prop up hospital services. The States are believed to be pushing for control over a myriad of Commonwealth programs providing out-of-hospital support for the mentally ill, as part of imminent funding deals on health and disability services. The programs, which include direct funding of personal helpers, mentors and respite care, were key elements of a $1.9billion Commonwealth mental health package announced at a 2006 Council of Australian Governments meeting. Mental Health Council of Australia chief executive, David Crosbie, said he feared that, once the States gained control of the mental health funding, it could be reallocated to fix ailing hospital services. Brain and Mind Research Institute executive director, Ian Hickie, said whoever gained control of the programs in coming weeks had to be held to national standards of accountability. Otherwise, he said, “we could end up in a pre-2006 situation, with no money for those services and no coordination and no standards”. 32 Professor Hickie said the federalState negotiations now under way could transform services in Australia for good or bad over the next decade. “For people on the ground, this is an absolutely fundamental discussion and we need to get it right,” Professor Hickie said. The States and Territories have long funded hospital psychiatric units and outpatient services as well as their own community mental health programs. The federal tier of government, however, has boosted its own contributions in the past two years, expanding its Medicare subsidies for visits to GPs, psychiatrists and psychologists and supporting nongovernment organisations to help mentally ill people living independently or with carers. The States and Territories are not only critical of inefficiencies under the enlarged Medicare program but are pushing to bring the Commonwealth community programs within their ambit. “There’s a lot of money up for grabs which could potentially be transferred,” Professor Hickie said. Mr Crosbie predicted the States and Territories would be successful in their campaign. “I think it’s pretty certain it will go to the States,” Mr Crosbie said. Victoria complained in its State health blueprint earlier this year of the duplication that had arisen because of the Commonwealth’s 2006 investment in mental health. Queensland, too, backed State control over community mental health services in its submission to the Federal Government’s health reform adviser, the National Health and Hospital Reform Commission. Ian Hickie, Executive Director of the Brain and Mind Research Institute Even the NHHRC has said it considers mental health a better fit with the States and Territories. Kevin Rudd signaled in last month’s COAG communiqué that change was afoot, citing agreement to address problems with two levels of government handling mental health community care and support services. The Prime Minister is expected to deliver the results of those negotiations as part of the multi-billion-dollar health funding agreements to be unveiled at COAG’s next meeting, to be held before the end of the year. Opposition health spokesman Peter Dutton said the Coalition had announced massive funding support for mental health services and did not want to see it watered down. “So the onus is on (Health Minister Nicola) Roxon to demonstrate how the States will more efficiently deliver services in the area of mental health,” he said. Ms Roxon’s spokesman declined to comment on the prospect of a handover to the States and Territories. X Mental Health Week 5-11 October 2008 Sunday, 5 Oct. - Annual Family Fun Run OUR Annual Family Fun Run held at at Telegraph Station officially launched Mental Health week. Covering a 3km course it was a lovely morning, with over 80 people attending. Many thanks to our new mayor Damien Ryan for officially launching the event and drawing our Free Raffle prizesover 20 in totalthe major prize being a $1000 Jetset travel voucher won by a lucky local. Other prizes included a DVD player, sports and cycling store vouches, gym membership, CD voucher, and a whole lot more. Afterwards participants were treated to a u-beaut healthy breakfast comprising of fresh fruit salad, cereal and muffins. A great morning all round. Many thanks to the Running and Walking Club who helped out with registrations and setting up the course. X Resting and warming up before the start of the Fun Run Lynne and Joy enjoying the beautiful morning Noel Harris, Robyn Lambley and Mayor Damien Ryan Veteran runner Neil winning the Beauty Care prize! The crowd resting while the Raffle prizes are drawn Tucking into a healthy breakfast at the finish line Sue Richter from the Running Club delighted to win a prize! Tues. 7 Oct. - ‘Yarning About Mental Health’ Presented by the Australian Integrated Mental Health Initiative (AIMHI) Trish with the lucky 1st prize raffle winner: $1000 travel voucher team, Dr Tricia Nagel and Carolyn Thompson, this 1-day workshop on Care Planning and Assessment in ATSI Mental Health was well attended and received by a full-house of 25 participants. Developed in Indigenous communities with Aboriginal Mental Health Workers the training talked about family, healers, bush medicine, culture and strengths as well as mental illness, treatment and care planning. The package included: u Getting to know you u Mental State Examination and diagnosis u Risk assessment and Early warning signs u Mental Health Medicine (treatment with medication) u Goal setting and problem solving brief intervention Care Planning (including Medicare items). A DVD on Yarning About Mental Health is available at www.menzies.edu.au/AIMHI or email [email protected] 33 Mental Health Week u Mental Hea Tues. 7 Oct. - “Dinner with Jonathon Welch” A HIGHLIGHT of MHW this year was the gala dinner featuring Australian of the Year Local Hero 2008, Jonathon Welch. Best known for his role as Director of The Choir of Hard Knocks, Jonathan inspired an audience of over 140 people, poolside at the Crowne Plaza over a 3-course dinner. Jonathon’s message behind this inspiring success story is ‘accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative.’ When you believe in the best in people, you help to bring out the best in people, as evidenced by the new-found comaradarie and significant life changes experienced by all of the members of the choir. Also on the agenda was our local Reclink Choirwho opened the evening (thank you Peta Boon and Morris Stuart); and MHACA consumer and guest speaker, Glenise Alexander, who spoke beautifully of her inspiring journey of recovery as well as acknowledged the gift that Jonathon had given to members of the choir: “What I liked about the Choir of Hard Knocks and Jonathon’s work was, ‘What you can be’ was shown. People with a mental illness…. Homeless people ... Just people … made beautiful music … they were believed in and they were valued. This is what can make a big difference in a person’s life and is part of the recovery journey.” The event was hosted by Russell Goldflam who equally inspired us with his warmth, compassion, humour and MC skills. I think I can safely say it was a truly memorable night for everyone Glenise, Mardijah and Claudia looking lovely! who attended. X The key guest of the night, Jonathon Welch Jonathon with Rita, Phil (NTCOSS Darwin) and wonderful MC on the night, Russell Goldflam The Reclink Choir conducted by Morris Stuart Glenise giving her guest speech at the beginning of the night Fiona, Jane and Tracey at the Mental Health Carers table Rangi, Brian, Lynne, Bernadette & Bruce enjoying a pre-dinner drink 34 A full-house enjoying a superb 3-course meal poolside at the Crowne alth Week u Mental Health Week Tues. 7 Oct. - Visit to ‘Purple House’ With a bit of spare time on his hands Jonathon made a surprise visit to the Western Desert Nganampa Walytja Palyantjaku Tjutaku Aboriginal Corporation ‘Purple House’ where he met with and sang with some of the women. It was a very enjoyable and memorable time for those lucky few who went. Jonathon & Lynne having a laugh at the Purple House Fri. 10 Oct - ‘Pro-active Tips to Working with the Media’ Christine, Wendy & Phil appreciating the afternoon An informative 2-hour practical workshop was provided by the Mindframe National Media Initiative on ‘Pro-active Tips to Promoting Your Projects & Working with the Media’. About 15 people attended this highly informative workshop presented by Jo Piggot, an experienced and inspiring trainer from Mindframe. Jo gave us effective ways of working with the media and covered things such as: u What you need to know when talking to the media about mental illness u How to prepare a good story & media release u Preparing for interviews Mindframe is a national initiative (supported by the Australian Govt Dept of Health & Ageing) and provides access to accurate information about suicide and mental illness and the portrayal of these issues in the news media and on stage & screen in Australia. An excellent range of information and resources is available at: www.mindframe-media.info/ mentalhealth Jo & Gwvynyth loved the chance to sing with Jonathon Wed. 8 October Exhibition of Consumer Art at MHACA A free art exhibition show-casing some of the art works made by consumers throughout the year was held midMHW at MHACA. These included jewellery, paintings, mandala drawings, crocheted rugs and other pieces. A big thank you to Lynne Kennedy for preparing the exhibition and to all the consumers who contributed. Several of the pieces now decorate the MHACA walls and include descriptions of how art plays a powerful role in healing. 35 Journey to Wellness with Yoga IT HAS been my honour to teach yoga this year with a number of MHACA clients and staff on Wednesday evernings. Each week when I have taught yoga I have seen the different photos going up charting peoples growth to wellness and this progress has also been mirrored in the yoga class. Yoga is a science of health and also a systemic process that enables each person to progress along a path of doing something and the actual doing it. In this way we have used our creative powers to gain a picture in our minds fulfilment. The classes have started with energisers and activators, movements designed to get the prana or vital energy moving. of how we want to bethen we can follow it like a map. Breathing When we are unwell, energy can tend to stagnate at the point of illnesssuch as the mind. The activators and energisers assist the energy to flow through out the whole body; they help to counter the negative effects of the medication such as stiffening and sleepiness. After doing postures/asanas we practice some breathing exercises. When people are unwell they often shorten their breathing meaning the breath rate gets quicker and only the top of the chest is used. In the breathing practices, we remind the body of a true resting rhythm and how to breath in and out deeply and slowly, therefore emptying the lungs of stale air and allowing the body to release toxins and negative memories and behaviors. Postures Releasing tension Once we have the energy moving we have gone on to ‘asanas’ postures that are designed to enable the body to remember being flexible and well. Each class has been designed so that all members are able to perform all the postures. In any one posture some people might be doing it physically, while some might be imagining the movement. The brain does not know the difference between the imagining of Each class ends with a gentle relaxation or ‘yoga nidra’. This practice is extremely helpful for releasing tension in the body as well as in the mind. 36 Slowly we learn how to become the witness of our mindto learn the skill of watching our thoughts instead of them taking over. Yoga teacher, Kalikamurti Suich The body restswhich is important as illness is very tiring, dealing with the effects of medication is very tiring, and sometimes continuing day by day can be exhausting. Twenty minutes of yoga nidra practice is equivalent to 80 minutes of sleep. It is useful for assisting with the management of all pain, physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. Last term MHACA purchased some relaxation CDs which are now available for a low cost. Everyone is welcome If you haven’t tried yoga and would like to give it ago please drop in to MHACA on Wednesday evenings at 6.00pm. In the class we laugh and have fun. We discuss healing and wellness and create a space in our lives to visualise the way we want to be and continue on our journey to wellness. I look forward to seeing many more people come. X No previous experience necessary. In peace, Kalikamurti Kalikamurti Suich Beyond Breathing Space - Taking charge of life [email protected] www.beyondbreathingspace. com 8952 3638 or 0412 179 957 A H M C . . . g n i c Introdu a i l a r t s u A h t l a e H l a t Community Men CMHA Partners We are pleased to announce the launch of Community Mental Health Australia CMHAa new national alliance between the State and Territory peaks that aims to support the development and promotion of mental health community services. Not-for-profit community services are an integral part of Australia’s mental health service system, leading the way in the promotion of social inclusion and recovery focused support and care. The sector has grown considerably over recent years and includes over 800 specialist and generalist non-government community groups and psychiatric disability support agencies across Australia. The sector has long been supported by the State and Territory mental health peak organisations who have worked consistently in their jurisdictions to promote a range of sector development, workforce and funding issues. Community Mental Health Australia can be contacted through its national secretariat or through its state and territory partner organisations. A more collaborative way Jenna Bateman, Executive Officer www.mhcc.org.au [email protected] In March 2008, the State and Territory peaks agreed that a more effective and collaborative way was needed to promote specific community sector industry issues at a national level. The CMHA alliance was created in order to allow the State and Territory peaks to achieve the following objectives; u Provide leadership and direction on behalf of the community mental health services sector across Australia u Develop a better national understanding of community mental health and recovery services u Coordinate the development of the community mental health industry/sector across all states and territories u Proactively pursue involvement within national mental health policy and service development arenas; and u Establish partnerships with national stakeholders to achieve shared mental health reform goals While the sector has, until recently, had limited opportunity to develop a national vision and plan for its future development, each State and Territory peak body is committed to the successful implementation of the COAG National Action Plan and is supportive of broader health reform and social inclusion agendas. Range of projects CMHA partners are currently working on a range of projects which includes the first national sector development project (funded by FAHCSIA and auspiced by VICSERV) that focuses on the development of new and innovative mental health family and carer respite programs. CMHA is also working on several policy and workforce development projects and has recently applied for an Australian Research Council grant to undertake a landmark national study with Sydney University, investigating the sector’s historical development and evidence base in Australia. The community mental health sector has in many ways come of age over the last 30 years and, since the COAG National Action Plan, community services are being recognized as an integral partner in the reform process. For further information please contact your State/Territory peak mental health organisation. A web site is currently being developed at www.cmha.org.au and will go live in the coming weeks u Mental Health Community Coalition of the ACT Barry Petrovski, Executive Officer www.mhccact.org.au [email protected] Mental Health Coordinating Council of NSW u NT Mental Health Coalition Phil Dempster, Program Coordinator www.ntcoss.org.au [email protected] u Queensland Alliance Mental Illness & Disability Groups Jeff Cheverton, Executive Director www.qldalliance.org.au [email protected] u Mental Health Coalition of SA, Geoff Harris, Executive Director www.mhcsa.org.au [email protected] u Mental Health Council of Tasmania Michelle Swallow, Executive Officer [email protected] u Psychiatric Disability Services Victoria (VICSERV) Kim Koop, Chief Executive Officer www.vicserv.org.au [email protected] u WA Association for Mental Health, Ann White, Executive Officer www.waamh.org.au [email protected] 37 l ene a n o sc i t h t l na hea l a ent m MHCA Policy Forum Each year the national peak body for mental health—the Mental Health Council of Australia—hosts a Policy Forum to provide direction for the mental health sector. This year it was held on 18 November and Phil Dempster and Claudia Manu-Preston attended on behalf of the NT Mental Health Coalition ... National Reform Agenda The main item under discussion was the transfer of the Community Mental Health funds from the COAG National Reform Agenda back to the State and Territory jurisdictions. There was a general sense of disappointment at the process the Government has used (as indicated by Professor Hickie in the article on page 32) and the concern at what accountability mechanisms will be in place to ensure future quality service provision. A presentation was provided by Sebastian Rosenberg and some of the questions posed included: u What needs to be measured? u How do we choose? u How to collect? u How to get data collected? MHCA is considering establishing an Australian Mental Health Survey with three sets of indicators: u Health Indicators – outcomes from receipt of care u Social Indicators – such as housing, social participation etc. u Process Indicators – number of consumers and carers in professional roles or number of services provided by the NGO sector. The board and senior staff provided updates on the following projects: u Housing u Employment u Legal Access to Insurance u Consumer Carer Engagement u National register of consumer and carer advocates u Indigenous Mental Health Social Inclusion A dynamic presentation was then given on social inclusion by Jeff Cheverton of the Queensland peak body, Queensland Alliance. Jeff’s presentation “A Journey of Policy Influence, Fundraising and Social Inclusion in New Zealand, USA, Canada and the UK” focused on different media campaigns and evidence of improved understanding and knowledge. Acknowledging some successful mental health promotion projects, Jeff referenced the “See Me” campaign in Scotland and the “Like Minds–Like Mine” campaign in New Zealand. Jeff noted the importance of presenting information in a positive way, in ordinary settings that people can relate to. He also talked about evidence of the power of direct contact, where the most powerful messages come from people with a lived experience speaking to the public. Some of the research shows that social inclusion looks to be centred around early intervention and not around stigma reduction for people already suffering these problems in their lives. What we know is that, as a sector, we need to reduce stigma and discrimination and produce a longterm campaign to develop a long-term response to the ongoing problem of discrimination that people with a mental illness experience. X For more information contact Phil Dempster at the NT Mental Health Coaltion on 8948 2665 or [email protected] or Claudia Manu-Preston at MHACA on 8950 4600 or [email protected] 38 Black Dog Institute 5th Annual Writing Competition ood ckling MMood TaTackling e isorders ininththe DDisorders orkplace WWorkplace ompetition CCompetition The Black Dog Institute invites you to participate in its 5th annual writing competition about mood disorders in the workplace. BDI seeks essays from people in the workplace who have clinical depression or bipolar disorder, and also from their family, friends, workmates, supervisors and managers to share their experiences, and who and what helped them most, their strategies and the responses of family members, friends and professionals. Entries to this new competition are invited from people in the workplace, those no longer able to work, friends, family, managers, co-workers and HR colleagues. Entries must be a written article (maximum 1500 words) that addresses the topic: Mood Disorders in the Workplace. The competition will award cash prizes for three essays. u First Place: $2000 u Second Place: $1,000 u Third Place: $500 The closing date is 31 January 2009 For details on how to enter visit: www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/ media/writingcompetition Th e 18 th Annual Fe MH at S ur e TheMHS Conference Auckland, New Zealand Gwvynyth, Danielle, Claudia & Glenise arriving in Auckland Kiaora!! (This means G’Day in Maori lingo) AT THE beginning of September, four ‘desert dwellers’ set off for the Land of the Long White Cloud (New Zealand), and the City of Sails (Auckland) which is home to about 1.4 million people. The purpose was to attend a conference … The Mental Health Services (TheMS) Conference began in 1990 and is an annual event that moves around the major cities of Australia and New Zealand each year. People from all over the world are invited, and the primary purpose is to organise educational forums that bring together ALL people interested in the provision of Mental Health Services. This includes consumers, indigenous peoples, refugee/new immigrant groups, families, carers, clinicians, service managers, support workers, researchers, health promoters, primary health care workers, academics, and community agencies public and private. This year people came from as far as places like England and Hawaii to: u exchange ideas about the best ways to ensure high quality service u promote positive attitudes, leadership and advocacy u promote involvement and inclusion of ALL stakeholders u provide a forum for professional development u present current innovations, strategies and research u stimulate debate which will “challenge the boundaries” u award, recognise and encourage best practice Be the Change You Want The theme this year was “Be The Change You WantWorkforce Ingenuity.” Ghandi once said that people could start (or continue) a process of change by “Being the change you want to see.” At the opening of the conference we were presented with flower leis and then were welcomed (or called in) to the building by two Maori women in traditional language. We listened to passionate keynote speakers and attended workshops on a range of different topics. Each workshop lasted approximately an hour and a half and comprised of 20-minute presentations. The opening, closing and awards ceremonies were full of Maori tradition, beautiful singing and a bit of humour. There was such a positive “buzz” in the air. As a symbol of coming together and growing a carving was made by a local New Zealand artist, and the message stick which was sent by the traditional people of Townsville at the 2006 conference was presented to inspire continued healing. 2-5 September 2008 Our accommodation of two selfcontained apartments, was right in the centre of the city and only about 5 minutes walk from the conferencewhich was greatand we had a fab view of the Sky Tower from our windows. We were also right next to the Police Station, so we made sure we behaved ourselves! The food was great (never eaten so much steak in my life!), the people were friendly, the scenery was amazing and it is a trip that we will always look back on with great fondness. Next year the conference will be held in Perth, Western Australia and we highly recommend it to anyone who has an interest in mental health. We would like to say a HUGE THANKYOU to MHACA for giving us the opportunity to attend such an inspirational event. We learnt a lot, met some amazing people (some we won’t forget in a while), opened our eyes to new possibilities and came away feeling that MHACA is headed in the right direction… but there are still things that we could do better… X Danielle Noble, Gwvynyth Cassiopeia-Roennfeldt and Glenise Alexander 39 Th e Fe MH at S ur e The 2008 TheMHS Book of Abstracts is available Left: Gwvynyth & Glenise touching down on their overseas adventure Presentation by Glenise Alexander at the 2008 Keynote speech ... Personalising Mental Health Services - TheMHS Conference Hi everyone, I am a Consumer Advocate and I have been living in Alice Springs for about 18 months, and had moved there to better my life, away from the problems I had. I have struggled with a cycle of depression, isolation, fear and anxiety. At times I felt suicidal and unable to cope. Generally, I don’t tell people about that part of my life because they treat you differently. It is like they are scared of what you’re going to do and that has made me feel less of a person. This feeling can stop you by making you paranoid and fearful and you become stuck with the stigma. You are judged on what the stigma is and not ‘who you are or what you can be’. MHACA has helped me in many ways with my recovery: u From support when I was hospitalised to ongoing support when I got better u Keeping in regular contact with home visits and phone calls u Transport to appointments and counselling; and u Help with day to day living issues I want to share what has helped in my ongoing recovery: Glenise with a ‘Welcome Plaque’ at the conference u Not being isolated u Feeling better & believing in myself u Having purpose and meaning u Having control over my life and being independent u Having opportunities to do new things u And being trusted to make mistakes and learn from them With my own determination and my support network I have become the person that I am today. I have learnt to accept the things I can not change and not worry and be anxious of the small things ... that are just that. These days I have returned to the workforce after a long period and I enjoy my job. I am feeling more confident, and my self-esteem has had a much needed boost … as well as my pocket!! I am enjoying lifea person, just like all of you here, and love being treated as a person and not a mental illness. MHACA is a very unique and worthwhile organisation and it helps so many people in Central Australia, and I am proud to be a part of it. Thank you, Glenise 40 by Claudia Manu-Preston One of the pivotal keynote presentations we attended was “Personalising Mental Health Services: The Only Future for Policy and Practice” by Antony Sheehan. A very good presentation, Antony focused on what he meant by ‘personalising mental health services’ and how this would benefit the people we support. The question posed was, ‘What is the future of mental health policy and practice?’ a question that people from around the world are asking. After respective phases of reformincluding de-institutionalisation, defining community care, developing psychological models and progressing social inclusionwhat next? The key point Antony presented was that personalisation is a strategy aimed at closing the ‘power gap’ between consumers and providers of services. The key principles he highlighted were: treat people as peopleprovide caring support instead of using systems and paperwork to disassociate from clients people should be supported to choose the services they would like to use. Further discussion focused on personalisation as a key part of the recovery paradigm and on the evidence of the benefits. For a copy of the conference paper please refer to www.themhs.org/ resources/conference-proceedings Th e Fe MH at S ur e A TheMHS Adventure The MHACA team being welcomed at the conference by Gwvynyth Cassiopeia-Roennfeldt WOW! What an experience! The 2008 TheMHS Conference in New Zealand was a 4-day conference that included a presentation on MHACA done by Claudia, Glenise and myself. What a different and thrilling prospect I thought as I applied. “Be the change you want;Workplace Ingenuity” was the theme of the conference, and enabling recoveryand the processes, services and challenges that achieve this are what I was listening for. When I applied I said that I expected to learn and network with other service providers and to develop as a consumer consultant. I can now say that those four days were a crash course on mental health advocacy and practice, and I developed quite a lot of confidence about the future prospectives of the field. Not only is peer support and consumer consultancy the new wave of the last decade and emerging future, hospitals are more and more seeking assistance and evaluation, practices to help improve the services. I attended a Consumer Forum on Tuesday and managed to sit in on 18 sessions from Wednesday to Friday. The Forum was called Destination Known: the Journey of Strength and was about the Peer Worker Workforce. “Journey-boards in Mental Health” was one presentation which I think was invaluable. The team from Southern Mental Health presented their visual communication tool which they had implemented in their hospital. It was a board which their Mental Health Team collect data regarding discharge and note barriers which become obvious. They collate who the consumer had dealings withand how oftenon their road to recovery. My part of the MHACA presentation titled, ‘Workforce Ingenuity in Central Australia,’ talked about how coming to MHACA has helped me to not feel so alone and to feel more confident that it is safe to be open because I am not judged about mental illness. Our peer support is achieved through consumer forums and consumer action group meetings. Twice a month we come together to have discussions on ideas and issues related to the MHACA service. The GROW Program is a program in which all in attendance are of peer status and are guided to explore and overcome mental health issues. Consumer peer support is a very important role advocated at all levels of the MHACA service. I was fortunate enough to be in Aucklandthe city where my Godmother lived and used the opportunity to extend my stay. I am so pleased with the time I spent in New Zealandthe business of the conference and the pleasure of holidaying overseas, two things which I have not done before. Thank you Ph: (08) 8951 8000 www.anglicare-nt.org.au 10 Commandments for Reducing Stress 1. Thou shalt not be perfect, nor even try to be 2. Thou shalt not try to be all things to all people 3. Thou shalt leave things undone that ought to be done 4. Thou shalt not spread thyself too thin 5. Thou shalt learn to say No 6. Thou shalt schedule time for thyself 7. Thou shalt switch off and do nothing regularly 8. Thou shalt be boring, untidy, inelegant and unattractive at times I want to say the hugest thank you to Jo for keeping my confidence up on the subject, and to Claudia and Danielle for being so available and for keeping the pressure off me (phew, what a relief that was!). Only one way to find out what I mean crewtry it for yourself … a highly recommended experience! Gwvynyth Anglicare NT provides a free Financial Counselling offering information and support to individuals & families who are experiencing financial difficuties. 9. Thou shalt not even feel guilty Guests watching a performance at the Closing Ceremony 10. Especially, thou shalt not be thine own worst enemy, but be thine own best friend. Anon 41 A Tribute to Monte At this year’s World Suicide Prevention Day ceremony on 10 September people were invited to contribute, either by a poem, drawing or story. Here Felix Meyer shares some of his story ... “The Effect of Monty’s Suicide” ... Even after 12 years it was very hard to write those words. Even though my family has never shied away from discussing his death openly. Even though we made deliberate efforts never to shove the issue into a closet and forget about it. Even though we always talk about our loss and our memories. After 12 years his death still has effects on my life that I had expected would fade away and stop occurring. I still get funny for weeks if someone near me loses a family member. I have physical reactions to suicide scenes in films and I still find it almost impossible to cry, even when alone. After 12 years I still sometimes feel like a 16-year-old boy who is lost after finding his dead brother. I still sometimes feel like I am at fault for not noticing something earlier or somehow having prevented the whole shit-storm occurring. I think the important thing to say is that I only feel this way sometimes and that I have slowly gained more control as time has gone by. But it is hard to extinguish things that take root on the fertile soil of adolescence and emotional trauma. It was strange to write this speech and to brainstorm effects that have occurred through Monty’s death. There have been many effects that have occurred through my brother committing suicideboth negative and positive, although ‘positive effects’ is not the right way of describing what I am talking about. A better way of phrasing it is to say that his suicide caused me to adapt. I had to survive. I had to react to my changed circumstances, I had to evolve. At the same time as being weakened, I became strong. Since Monty’s passing I have been able to shoulder more burden than most other people I know. I can look through the difficulty and see that things are not as bad as what they have been. I force whatever is occurring to compare with the strain and troubled waters that I have already passed through and I keep wading. I am not saying that I ‘got hard’ and now ignore my pain. I just try to look at things logically and give myself credit. Since his passing I have gained insight and an awareness of sufferingboth into my own and others. Subconsciously, I must be watching and listening for that hidden hurt that is trying to get through defences and be talked about. I am not saying that I feel like a saviour of humankind, striding through the sea of broken hearts and making everything alright. I can just feel it when people have pain inside and sometimes I can talk to them about it. I recognise how I behave with my hurt and fear and sadness and it makes it easier to see in others. That brings me to the topic of sadness. I won’t linger here but it has been one of the major effects of Monty doing what he did. My sadness comes and goes and it is often gone for weeks. It often comes back for weeks too. It will lie on the couch with me, it creeps into my relationship, it hides under my desk at work. Sometimes I think that I know it and that I have it under control; I think that this is true most of the time. I also think that it knows meand knows when I am unable to shoo it out of the room or hit it with the fly-swat or, indeed, 42 by Felix Meyer do what I want to do and grab it in a headlock, push it into a sack, smuggle it out to the airport and ship it off to Antarctica. In the past I ran away from my sadness. I got on a plane and lived in Europe for two years. I ran away from the family that reflected my pain and anyone who knew me. I would jump out of relationships that got too close. Sometimes after conversations with lovers I would almost back-flip out the window and run naked down the street. I recognise that I was fearful of losing the people who got too close. I would wallow in my sadness sometimes. It justified my anger. At times I became almost self-destructive in my refusal to move forward, to beat myself with longing and regret. I will admit that sadness can be seductive. It can give a perspective that is sweet and powerful and my best writing is a product of it. It was when I began exploring my sadness that things began turning around. I had always thought counselling was not for me; that it was something that I could do myself without some halfqualified quack fingering my brain with nicotine-stained fingers and making loose assumptions about my past, present and future. I was at university at the time and not really committed to it. I knew that I was depressed and decided to see the student psychologist. She was friendly, patient and nothing like what I expected. I went for a number of weeks and L to R: Di Wines Co-director of SAFE in Oz, Brian, Laurencia, Christine, Donna, Felix, Mary Graham Cofounder of SAFE in Canada & Annie Slocombe Co- director of SAFE in Oz The clouds are dark But they won’t be forever The sun will shine through And the light will shine on me Dad your clouds will always be bleak And you will always live in darkness The darkness of eyes the darkness of lies At least I am Free John Moffat 2008 naturally ran away when things started getting close to the bone ... But it started me on the track of breaking things down. And I have continued on this path much to my benefit. What has been the effects of Monty’s suicide? Guilt, sadness, fear, awareness, empathy, exploration, pain, learning, depression, appreciation, anger, happiness, regret, denial, acceptance. That is a big wheel to turn and it will keep turning for as long as I live. All of these things have become part of my life since his death and I take it as a challenge. I have survived. I have gained insight. I have the desire to live for him, to live the life that he never can. I will experience every high and every low and I will do it for him so that he didn’t die for nothing. I will face my fears and challenge my views and share my life and experiences so that he would have been proud of me and when I see him in my dreams I will always hold him fiercely and cry into his chest, and at every moment tell him that it is ok and that I forgive him. Thank you for listening to me. X “Safe in Oz” In October, MHACA and the Life Promotion Program took on the lead role of organising a local workshop for the training company ‘SAFE in Oz’. SAFE stands for “Self Abuse Finally Ends” and is a training program developed in Canada by Mary Graham to work with people who self abuse. The 2-day workshop was held in Alice Springs in 20-21 October and attracted 23 participants from a range of organisations. There are varied views amongst health professionals about the best support for people who present with self harming behaviour and, according to this training program, many people are treated poorly and seen as a waste of the practitioner’s time. The problem is growing at an alarming rate. In 1997 there were more than 25,000 episodes of hospital care due to self abuse: 78% of individuals were aged 15-44 years, with females 15-29 years over represented. This may be only the tip of the iceberg as the social stigma and sometimes shame associated with self harm may lead to presentations at hospitals being disguised as accidental injury. In 20052006, 51% more females aged 12-24 years were hospitalized for self abuse than the previous decade, while the male figure was up by 27%. The 2-day training was excellent Jay Green & Sarah O’Regan at the training and all participants learnt valuable skills in understanding why and how people self abuse and how we can best meet their needs. Identifying the underlying motivation for the behaviour was important as was the establishment of clear boundaries, setting up support plans and addressing ways to change the behaviour. Presenters Di Wines and Annie Slocombe were experienced and knowledgeable on the issue and were open to learning from their audience about local issues. The other presenter was Mary Graham, the original founder of SAFE in Canada. Mary presented us with the consumer’s perspective of self harm, sometimes in harrowing detail. Her stories brought home the reality of what it must be like to be a person caught up in the self harming cycle. She also spoke honestly about her own sneaky and manipulative behaviour that can be frustrating for the helper, but needs to be understood. Mary was an example of a person who, with the right support and willful determination, can finally put an end to the destructive patterns of self abuse. X Contact: Annie Slocombe 0433 085 367 or Di Wines 0417 303 505 or visit [email protected] 43 ‘Excellence in Primary health care’ Helping GPs manage suicide risk in General Practice Collaborations for Life ... Collaborations for Life is a project of the General Practice Network NT aimed at increasing the capacity of primary health care practitioners to identify and manage suicide risk in general practice through the development of local resources and training. The Collaborations for Life resources and training will reflect the need for primary health care providers to work collaboratively within a diverse team including allied health, mental health specialists, and social and welfare workers to address the complex risk factors associated with acute mental health conditions such as suicide risk. Working within a community development framework, Project Officer Kelly-lee Hickey, has been undertaking consultation with key stakeholders including primary health care providers, community agencies, mental health services and community members to map local referral networks and response protocols for suicide risk. This consultation will inform the development of a suite of resources that can be used by primary health care providers at the point of consultation to provide evidence based, patient centered collaborative care plans for community members with suicide risk and risk factors. The resource will be accompanied by multi-disciplinary training centered on an interactive case study. The training will develop GP skills in suicide risk assessment, collaborative care planning and providing ongoing care for patients resolving suicide risk factors. Representatives from local referral networks will be involved in presenting the training to increase GP awareness of the diversity of referral pathways available for patients experiencing suicide risk. X GP Network NT invites all interested stakeholders to share their ideas and experiences in suicide prevention to assist in the development of these resources. For further information, please contact the Suicide Prevention project officer at GP Network NT on 8982 1000 or email [email protected] 44 Are you caring for someone who has a mental illness ? Or concerned a person you care for may be experiencing a mental illness? Mental Health Carers NT Provides emotional support, accurate information and links to services for carers and families of people living with a mental illness Mental Health Carers NT can help you to… u Cope with the realisation that someone you know has a mental illness u Seek appropriate help u Educate yourself about mental illness and how to cope u Discover your rights under the Mental Health Act andthe Carers Recognition Act We encourage carers to focus on their own wellbeing by offering free yoga classes & other recreational activities Ph: (08) 8953 1467 Please call or visit Tracey Hatchard at the Alice Springs office 9.00am-3.00pm Monday – Friday 13 Stuart Terrace (upstairs of the Salvation Army Hall) Alice Springs “Learn silence from the talkative, tolerance from the intolerant, and kindness from the unkind. Be grateful to those teachers.” Kahlil Gibran al g n tio inin a N Tra H M Promoting Mental Health & Wellbeing: 8-9 Sept 2008, Melbourne The Bigger Picture by Rita Riedel In early September, I was fortunate to be able to attend the ‘Margins to Mainstream’ conference (see page 52) and, preceding this, attended a jam-packed 2-day workshop run by VicHealth on “Promoting Mental Health and Wellbeing.” VicHealth is playing a dynamic role in putting mental health firmly on the mainstream agenda, and their popular 2-day course informs people of the latest developments in mental health research. VicHealth states that our awareness of ‘mental health’ in Australia is now, where we were approximately 25 years ago with issues such as cancer awareness and smoking. It takes many years for general awareness to grow and for targeted advertising campaigns to impact on changes in perceptions and behaviour. Years ago, we ‘baked on the beach in the hot sun’today, policies ensure all children wear hats in schools. Years ago, we thought smoking was ‘cool and dignified’today, images of black diseased lungs line our cigarette packets. Working ‘Up Stream’ A key focus was on the ‘promotion & prevention’ end of the spectrum on ‘creating health’rather than on the ‘treatment & care’ endtreating illness. An analogy offered is: shifting focus from the ‘bottom of the cliff’ work to ‘top of the cliff’: u How can we work better ‘up stream’ to prevent illness ‘down stream’? u How can we strengthen capacity to reduce the likelihood of illness? While providing services to people with mental illness, how can we also create environments to help people stay well: work more upstream? This can be particularly challenging for workers in the field who often have a dual roleneeding to treat illness as well as consider preventative approaches. Health is created outside the health sector! Many of the influences on mental health occur in the settings in which we live our day to day lives, such as our Why MH Promotion? A number of key factors influence the rationale behind VicHealth’s framework and focus: 1. By the year 2020 depression will constitute the second largest cause of disease burden worldwide 2. Cost factor: The global burden of ill health is well beyond the treatment capacitieswe can’t cope with the existing need for treatmentand the social/economic costs will not be reduced by the treatment of mental disorders alone. We need to work on prevention at the same time as care/treatment 3. Mental health is fundamental to good physical health and quality of life. MHP will not only lower mental illness but will also help improve physical health 4. Social justice issues: Mental illness affects/is more prevalent among disadvantaged people: there is a clear need for the better distribution of resources homes, schools, communities and work places. This means that many of the ‘drivers’ of mental health and wellbeing lie outside of the health care system: (cont. next page) 45 Promoting Mental Health & Wellbeing: The Bigger Picture 14 Social Determinants of Health How our daily life conditions influence our 46 wellbeing led to discussion of 14 key determinants which impact on us: (from previous page) ♦Mental health is dependent on social, cultural, economic and environmental conditions that require attention to ensure these conditions are conducive to mental health ♦Social determinantsthe world in which we liveplays a large role in a person’s sense of wellbeing A whole lot of things determine health! While mental health promotion is located in the realm of mental illness, mental health is clearly more than the absence of mental illness. All practitioners have a responsibility to focus on MH promotion. Consider - What does a healthy / well person look like? We were all asked to list the things that make us feel happy and good about lifeto describe what a healthy person looks like. Our group listed the following basic elements: u socially connected u inbuilt strength / resilience/ ability to bounce back u happy u confident u employed 1.The Social Gradient: Access to Economic Resources: income and social statusthe relationship between health and wealth (need to reduce income inequalities) 2.Early Life: the emotional support we receive as children and the social/economic circumstances of our childhood (need to consider Parent Support Programs & Health Promoting schools) 3.Social Inclusion: discrimination based on difference has devastating effects on our wellbeing (need to increase options for community belonging) 4.Employment/ Unemployment & Working Conditions: working gives us a sense of purpose, meaning & reward (need to improve job opportunities and quality of working conditions) 5.Social Supports: friendships and belonging are vital to our health and wellbeing (need to foster) 6.Food Security: the cost, access to, variety and availability of quality food 7.Education: how different levels affect employment opportunities 8.Gender: can affect our work roles/opportunities and stress levels 9.Discrimination & Diversity: in any form against cultural background, age, sexuality, religion, gender or ability has very dire effects on our self-esteem and wellbeing (need to foster tolerance and inclusion) 10. Addictions & Substance Misuse: influence accompanying ‘burden of disease’ and social issues (eg. alcohol influencing violence, road accidents/trauma and mental illness) 11. Environments: our physical, social, economic and natural environments have a significant impact (need to create/build spaces where we can walk to shops, relax, feel safe) 12. Transport: impacts on our ability to access employment, social connections, food etc (need to provide greater equitable access) 13. Personal Health Practices & Coping Skills: information and education to develop skills and empower people to make best choices 14. Violence: has dire consquences, including self-directed and psychological (bullying) u owns own home or lives in secure housing u physically active u adventurous / healthy risk-taking u well paid or access to secure income u sense of independence and self-responsibility u access to transport u feels loved and has sense of self love u sense of identity/spiritual connection u access to education A healthy person has choices ... In defining health promotion, the Ottawa Charter (1986) states: ‘Health promotion is the process of enabling people to increase control over, and to improve their health.’ Plus: To reach a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing an individual or group must be able to identify and realise aspirations, to satisfy needs and to change or cope with the environment. (Nutbeam, 1986) That is: A healthy person has choices – and can choose ‘the best choice’ in given situations. A healthy person can also delay gratification for longer-term benefit rather than act impulsively for instant gratification in the short-term. In considering mental health promotion: how can we enable people to make ‘best choices’? Bigger picture approach Only changing one key area alone is unlikely to work. We need to look at range of social determinant factors: such as, to help smaller disadvantaged groups consider a bigger population approach. For example, to help children who don’t have access to healthy foods at home, introduce healthy foods (such as fruit) in the whole school. While in clinical treatments the emphais is on the down-stream ie. individuals, in MHP the emphasis is on upstream, ie. the bigger picture. We need to consider not just ‘emergency responses’ but planned long-term mental health promotion approaches. 10 Key Action Areas for Health Promotion 1.Build healthy public policy 6.Promote social This takes years but can only work with community action/support (eg. sunsmart schools ‘no hat no play’; banning smoking in workplaces, pubs and restaurants) responsibility for health environments - All of lifeboth for health development to address health and social inequities - A multi-sectoral 2.Create supportive work and leisureshould be source of health, where health promotion generates living/working conditions that are safe, stimulating, satisfying and enjoyable; creating health promoting workplaces, schools, night clubs (free water), arts venues, neighbourhoods (urban planning eg. walking to parks), shopping centres, sports clubs 3.Strengthen community action - Support self-help & advocacy groups and facilitate the skills to do this ‘Unpacking Issues’ In MHP the act of ‘unpacking issues’ is important: explore what is happening further upstream which impacts on the down-stream. Equally, use information gathered downstream to inform better decisions, programs and planning upstream. Consider the analogy of ‘the iceberg beneath the surface’. For example, a down-stream issue might be “young people & depression.” The young people’s behaviour is what we can see/observe – the tip above the water. But what are the larger underlying structures that influence this behaviour? Unpacking this issue and looking further upstream we might find: u a lack of social and community activities – boredom u poor social environments – including bullying at school, unsafe streets u no school policies against bullying u unsafe housing While in the short-term we can treat young peoples’ depression with medication and counseling, unless we explore and change the larger 4.Develop personal skills Supporting personal & social development through providing information & education to enhance people’s life skills and give them more options and control over their wellbeing 5.Reorient health services For example, hotels offering free softdrinks to ‘Driver Bob’, and many fast food companies now including healthy options on their menus 7.Increasing investment approach addressing inequalities (eg.VicHealth being supported by the government) 8. Consolidate and expand partnerships for health Valuable for sharing expertise, skills and resources Eg. Beyondblue collaborating with Netball Australia to help raise awareness about depression. 9. Strengthen communities and increase community capacity - Empowering individuals through advocacy, and building alliances to strengthen cooperation & better access to resources 10. Secure an towards primary health care infrastructure for Health Promotion - Governments have Focusing on a ‘whole population’ approach not just ‘treating the individual’: the responsibility for HP is shared among individuals, community groups, health professionals, health service institutions and goverments a responsibility to establish a strong infrastructure, including a funded commitment to HP, and services improving planning and evaluation to get ‘good evidence’ to help secure funding for future projects determinants impacting on their lives these issues are likely to continue. Significance of the 10 Action Areas ♦Health promotion (HP) involves the population as a whole in the context of their everyday lives. It also focuses on sub-populations vulnerable to ill health due to socio-economic disadvantage or geographic isolation ♦HP is directed to improving people’s control over the determinants of health ♦HP is a process – it leads to something; it is a means to an end ♦HP is conscious-raising about the determinants of health, both for communities and populations, and for workers ♦HP is enabling – it is done by, with and for people, not on them; it encourages participation (cont. next page) 47 “Health promotion is a powerful, cost-effective and efficient way to maintain a healthier community. It enables people to increase control over and improve their health. Rather than focusing on people at risk for specific diseases, health promotion involves the population as a whole in the context of their everyday lives. Activities are geared toward promoting health and preventing ill-health.” An initiative of depressioNet, Working Well is a great website for employers and employees which provides information on: VicHealth website (from previous page) u Workplace stress (causes & how to alleviate) u HP involves a combination of complementary approaches u Depression (types, symptoms, causes and treatments) u Everyone and every sector has a role to play in promoting health Summary of Key Points u Health is created outside the health sector – in wide range of settings: home, school, work, social, community u Focus on ‘creating health’ as opposed to treating illness u Value of ‘unpacking issues’ – what’s happening further upstream? u Bigger picture focus – ‘mental health promotion’ involves not just treating people but also lobbying for bigger picture changes: the wide range of social determinants influence ‘mental health’ u Focus on populations base not just individuals u Value of partnerships – working with other services to maximise resources and benefits u Targeting ‘the ones we don’t see’ – how can we do this better? X For more further information on Mental Health Promotion training or the VicHealth Mental Health Framework email [email protected] www.vichealth.vic.gov.au 48 u Well workplaces (indoor conditions, lighting, diets, indoor plants) u List of resources on health professionals, workplace support & community support Interactive peer support ... Working Well provides a unique interactive human service for employees and employers impacted by mild to moderate depression, integrating peer and professional support services. We provide peer support service through which employees and employers can share stories and experiences. The service is facilitated by Peer Support Staff and Volunteers, ensuring clients are well supported and encourages participation within the peer support environment. We will soon offer free online counselling via the depressioNet Professional Support Service. With a strong consideration of the statistic that suggests one-in-five Australians experience depression at some stage in their adult lifetime, the service incorporates information, ideas and advice on reducing stressors in the workplace so that the service is relevant not only to employees living with depression, but will provide ideas on improving and maintaining mental wellbeing in the workplace. New Partnerships ... Working Well is also beginning to work in partnership with Mental health @ Workan international organisation aimed at improving the wellbeing and productivity of people and workplacesand the Lifeline StressDown initiative. X www.workingwell.org.au www.mhatwork.com.au www.stressdown.org.au You can ... Narrative Therapy Workshop ... Responding to Hardship & Trauma by Donna Ormsby 11-12 August 2008 On the 11-12 August 2008, Danielle and I attended The Narrative Therapy Workshop “Responding to Hardship and Trauma” at The Alice Springs Desert Park. This workshop was provided by The General Practice Network NT, especially designed for counsellors, social workers, psychologists, therapists, educators and community workers. The aim of this workshop was to provide tools or ‘narrative approaches to counselling and community work’ for children and adults who have experienced traumatic and difficult lives. Narrative Theory derives from The Dulwich Centre, an independent centre in Adelaide involved in narrative approaches to therapy, community Resources: work & psychosocial support. Southern Africa by David Denborough and Ncazelo Ncube, this tool is used to enable children to speak about their lives in ways that make them stronger. It provides a forum for children to speak collectively about the difficulties they are experiencing, and to share stories and ideas about ways of responding to these difficulties. It is now being used with children in a range of countries and also within a number of indigenous Australian communities. Key points ... Presented by three key staff from the Dulwich Centre – Cheryl White, Barbara Wingard and David Denborough – the key points of the training were: u Key principles of narrative therapy in relation to responding to individuals who have experienced trauma. u Collective narrative methodologies for use with groups and communities who have endured significant hardship. u Participation in the creation of collective narrative documents, definitional ceremony and song. The Tree of Life Book The Tree of Life: A narrative approach to respond to vulnerable children - Developed in What Sustains you Through Hard Times - This book follows a 6-step narrative approach to collecting and sharing individual, family, group &/or community stories and skills for surviving traumatic and difficult times. Here all attendees shared experiences of hard times, with an explanation of what helped them through those times. These stories were prepared on the first day of training. The second day we all came together to hear everyone’s thoughts, whether it be by way of poem, drawing or song. David who had compiled Follow the Path of Others to Success You can learn from other people to make up for your lack of experience in any area of life. Be open and receptive to people around you. They have things to teach you. Take advantage of the people that have made the journey ahead of you. Try to pick the right role models. Don’t look for people that make you feel good or entertain you. Look for people that can help you. Role models are more than people you like and admire. The key is to look for people that will help you to feel and be more successful. You can learn from the mistakes of others. You can learn different approaches to overcoming challenges. Learning what not to do is as important as learning what to do. Success depends on using not opposing. Anon a song from these stories called Amazing Spirit sung this to us on the second day. The training provided people with many different ways to help and support people who lived traumatic experiences. The view was generally from a group perspective but various resources could be molded into a one on one basis. I found this workshop very informative and would consider using an approach which could be further developed and used in the future. X For more information visit www.dulwichcentre.com.au 49 Our Journey ... As Parents With Sons & Daughters Diagnosed With Schizophrenia Stories about what they have Our Journey is a booklet that has been a year in the making ... How it began … by Amanda Worrall When I started working with a small group of parents a year ago in November 2007, the ongoing emotional challenges that parents face was very apparent. Self blame, feeling a failure, feeling inadequate are feelings that are readily available to parents who have sons and daughters with a diagnosed mental illness. It is common for parents to experience a range of strong emotionsshock, dismay, and sadness, even anger. This is a realm that can be coupled with both pain and frustration, and also tremendous courage and love. Michael White, the originator of narrative therapy, often spoke about how, ‘In times of stresswhen we find ourselves under significant duress when facing situations of adversitywe are vulnerable to being separated from our knowledgeableness.’ Michael taught me that when working with people who have experienced traumatic situations, therapy can become a context in which the steps that people take, and the knowledge and skills that they represent, can become known and profoundly acknowledged. I tried to follow these principles in my discussions with these parents. ‘By sharing these stories, we are hoping that the things we have learnt over the years will somehow be of benefit to other parents, and to let them know that they are not alone.’ Inside knowledge … Meeting on a weekly basis with these parents over four weeks, followed by a series of one-to-one interviews, many inspiring and moving experiences emerged through sharing stories. It became very apparent that these parents possessed a wealth of knowledge - ‘insider knowledge.’ I had no doubt that this information could be really useful to other parents going through similar journeys, and I voiced this. Although initially surprised at my comment, all the parents were really enthusiastic about putting a booklet together. As one parent commented about the challenges she has faced, ‘If I am able to support and assist one parent through sharing these stories, then my life feels more worthwhile.’ 50 found usefuland what has helped to keep them strongis the main theme of the booklet: ‘By sharing these stories, we are hoping that the things we have learnt over the years will somehow be of benefit to other parents, and to let them know that they are not alone.’ Messages of hope … When I read the finished booklet, I get goose-bumps on my arms. The generosity and openness that these parents have displayed in sharing their stories has been very moving for me. The skills and wisdom contained in their stories is both inspiring and encouraging. These stories share a message of hope, and, as we know, hope is one of the key ingredients to recovery, both for the son/daughter, and for the parents. Reading these stories may generate some ideas of how others cope, as we all have our own unique ways of coping and managing the challenges we are faced with. As Michael white says: ‘None of us are passive recipients to stress and trauma; we all do something to help us survive.’ Compiling this booklet has been such an enjoyable experience. I’m very grateful to the Mental Health Association of Central Australia (MHACA) and Mental Health carers NT (ARAFMI) for funding this booklet and valuing the voice of parents. X Amanda Worrall Central Australian Mental Health Services (CAMHS) Mental Health Nurse Case Manager The booklet is a free publication & is available from CAMHS (8951 7710), MHACA (8950 4600) and the NT Mental Health Carers (8953 1467) Interagency Meeting Dates For 2009! u Wednesday, 11 February To be hosted by the Multicultural Community Services of Central Australia u Wednesday, 20 May u Wednesday, 19 August u Wednesday, 18 November Meetings held @ the Andy McNeill Room – Alice Springs Town Council 10.00am – 12.00noon Who: The meeting is open to all community and services agencies, government agencies, NGOs. Why: For information sharing, networking, gathering ideas and sharing your vision with others. What: The meetings are hosted by a different group each time that provides the facilitation of the meeting, a few nibbles, tea and coffee. Hosts are responsible for preparing the facility and meeting and greeting, guest list etc. A table is to be provided for people to display pamphlets and promotional material. At the end of the meeting the hosts for the next meeting will be established. Where: At the Andy McNeill Room, Alice Springs Town Council. This is our new permanent venue for meetings. For further info contact Jonathan Pilbrow, NTCOSS Ph: (08) 89514290 or 0438 552 584 “Be master of mind rather than mastered by mind.” Zen Proverb New DAS Manager, Missa Bolibruck, saying farewell to Janine Changing Times … & Faces … @ the Disability Advocacy Service Goodbye Janine ... & Welcome Missa! The time has come to say farewell to an amazing advocate of the rights of People with Disability. After nearly nine years, Janine has left the Disaiblity Advocacy Service and on 1 December handed over the management role to Missa Bolibruck. I arrived in Alice Springs over a year ago from Ontario, Canada. I am a sociologist and activist who has spent 10 years working within Social Justice movements in North America. I work from an anti-oppression community development framework and my work with/for People with Disability is guided by a fundamental belief that everyone has the right to be valued for who they are. I believe that ‘disability’ has to do with the ideas and environments that restrict people’s access to participate in the community, not with someone’s ability. I enjoy my work as an advocate because I have the opportunity to work with People with Disability to assert their right to participate in the community and change ideas around ability. Disability Advocacy is now in a time of change and growth. Not only will I be in the role of Manager but we are also in the process now of recruiting a new Disability Advocate and a new Board of Management has been elected – new faces all around. One thing that won’t change is DAS’s dedication to providing effective individual advocacy to People with Disability in Alice Springs and Tennant Creek. Make sure you Watch This Space as things shift and change over the next few months. X Contact Disability Advocacy Service on (08) 8953 1422 or visit us at 63-65 Railway Tce, Alice Springs 51 from margins to mainstream ... 5th World Conference on the Promotion of Mental Health & the Prevention of Mental & Behavioral Disorders 10-12 September 2008 by Jo Ruby & Rita Riedel Margins to Mainstream explored new ways that individuals and organisations from a range of sectors can promote mental health and prevent mental illness. The conference attracted 860 people from 44 countries and provided over 370 presentations! THE AIM of the conference was to confirm that mental health promotion is no longer at the margins but rather firmly established in the mainstream research, policy and practice arenas “Mental health is everybody’s business.” For example, creating and sustaining mental health is already part of the work some people do, such as increasing social participation through involving young people in the arts or reducing discrimination by making a sport more accessible for recent arrivals in our country. The conference was designed to highlight four of the 14 key evidencebased determinants promoted by VicHealth which influence mental health and wellbeing (see page 46 for more details). Thus presentations fell into five main streams which were: u Social Participation u Discrimination & Diversity u Violence u Access to Economic Resources u General Some key messages u There is an enormous cost to the community from mental illness, particularly in the workforce u We need to make mental health a core concern in schools and education u Mental health is a mainstream responsibility: from schools to workplaces, from neighbourhoods to national goverments. u Social injustice is killing people on a grand scale (Fran Baum) and when inequality becomes too great the idea of community becomes impossible. (Raymond Ayers) u The iceberg analogy - people’s behaviour/illness is the tip above the water, and societal structures/systems the iceberg below - we have to look at bigger underlying structures and not just focus on people’s illness/behaviours u The way we treat each other has a profound effect on people’s mental health – kindness not cruelty, compassion not judgement, discrimination and exclusion (Rob Moodie) Some of the many presentations … There were many new incentives, models and programs to view at the conference that it was a challenge to take it all in! Here are just a few of the 52 The arts play a pivotal role in creating wellbeing: The Indigenous Hip Hop Artists opening the conference on the tail of a successful national tour to outback towns & communities helping kids ‘feel good’ ones we found interesting and relevant to our community in Alice Springs. Supportive training packages The Mental Illness Fellowship of Victoria is instrumental in developing training packages designed to meet the needs of people with a mental illness. These nationally recognised training packagesCertificates in General Education for Adults and Introduction to Community and Event Volunteering aim to support people to return to study and work in a conducive environment, supporting them to gain confidence to return to mainstream education institutions. The MI Fellowship believes that people with a mental illness should not have reduced education or long-term unemployment outcomes due to their illness. Students study alongside other people with a mental illness, making issues around disclosure no longer problematic; classes are supportive and flexible, starting later than usual to counter the morning effects of some medications; and medical absences are understood and worked around. As a result of their studies participating students experience: u increased motivation u more confidence u a feeling of connection to the community u further education u employment opportunities Confidence in employment is gained through working as a volunteer, with the transition to volunteering done in a very supported environment and experience sort through the ‘Community and Event Volunteering’ Course. Building Bridges The Building Bridges’ Project at The Royal Children’s Hospital – Mental Health Services aimed for the employment of specific consumer (and now carer) consultant positions to become an integral component within their mental health services. This involves a critical shift in positioning for service users from being passive observers or receivers of a service to providing a capacity to be ‘active agents’ impacting on their environment. The project took six years to create a secure position for a permanent paid consumer consultant within the service. The responsibility of the role is to advocate on behalf of the client group; facilitate consumer feedback and recommend strategies to address issues arising; develop policies and procedures in relation to Above: consumer participation; and 860 people from 44 countries attended over 370 presentations! develop, implement and evaluate strategies that focus on enhancing Visiting schools & consumer participation. The changes have resulted in talking about ‘life with a range of improved outcomes for a mental illness’ did service users as a result of workers being collectively more aware, sensitive more than just educate & respectful about consumer issues. the students. It also This would be an invaluable position to have on any team working with significantly helped people with mental health issues. Reducing Stigma Researcher, Dr Debra Rickwood (Head of the Centre for Applied Psychology at University of Canberra) undertook a project to help to reduce stigma around mental illness. She identified three main ways to reduce stigma: 1) protesting: suppressing negative judgmental attitudes 2) education: correcting misconceptions 3) having contact with people of the stigmatised group to hear their story: the most useful In this project, pairs of people with mental illness visited high schools to talk about their lived experience. This was very successful in both educating and reducing stigma among young people, where many retained increased knowledge of mental illness. Equally as importantly, the project significantly helped the people who conducted the talks. to raise consumers’ confidence, self-esteem and sense of purpose. The environment – good for mental health! There were many inspirational talks about the positive influence of the environment on our wellbeing and mental health. We are fortunate in Alice Springs to be so close to a ‘ticket’ to health with our environment engulfing us every minute of every day, cradled to health with only a 5-minute trip to solitude and connection with nature. Outdoors Inc. highlighted the therapeutic value of being in nature, as valuable as seeing a counsellor. The aims of the program are to reconnect to the physical self, reconnect socially, being connected with othersand challenged by this alsoand to reconnect emotionally and spiritually. Outdoor Inc. promotes ‘discovery’ as a tool for connecting. The landscape story is all around and the focus goes from the internal to the external. Outdoor Inc. recently brought a group of people to the Central Australian outback as part of their journey. (cont.next page) Left: One of the highlights of the conferencehearing The Choir of Hard Knocks at the Closing Ceremony 53 Bumps in the Road... The Bipolar Bears bringing down the house! Power On (from previous page) With the Women’s Coffee Morning sessions ending earlier this year, I was pleased to hear of the Power On Program run by Women’s Health West (WHW). Power On works within the western region of Melbourne in partnership with women and a range of organizations to meet the social, emotional and physical health needs of women in our communities. I found the talk about this program very inspiringand perhaps we can adopt the model to once again give women a forum to talk about their issues. Power On consists of a 12week program of 2-hour workshops delivered by a facilitator and peer educator to cover topics such as: Selfesteem, Assertiveness, Body image, Access to information, Communicating with your Health Professional, Menopause and your Menstrual Cycle, Nutrition and Healthy Weight, Positive thinking, Exercise and Wellbeing, and Relationships: Connecting with Others. Feedback from the women included: u the women feel like they matter u learning from others in the same boat is rewarding u women have a right to ask their GP to prepare a plan to help them u remembering that everyone has good qualities no matter how unwell they are. X Like all organisations there are activities which flow smoothly at MHACA and those which challenge us. We learn as much from what isn’t working as from what does, by looking at the obstacles and being objective about what needs improving. Here we identify some of the hurdles we experience in our day-to-day programs: Pathways Day to Day Living uStaying well as support workers: uUnexpected unplanned events: We recently did some training in Broken toes, impromptu Commonwealth Vicarious Trauma where we were all program evaluations and influenza are challenged to keep ourselves well just some of the unplanned events that both physically and mentallyas support have broken our stride in program work. workers. The course discussed how uPlaying catch up with paperwork: listening to others’ trauma can significantly affect workers, both physically and emotionally. We also identified and developed strategies for transforming the impact of vicarious trauma through effective participation in supervision and stress reduction techniques. “Be yourself. There is no one better qualified.” 54 and when it gets behind it assumes an inordinately large place in your mind, haranguing you until it is completed. Subacute uHelping to find accommodation for uFinancial difficulties can hinder people is always an issue as Alice Springs a person’s wellbeing and achievement has limited good, cheap, quiet options potential. uWaiting times to see medical uSometimes there is never enough professionals is also a ‘bump’ for us at time to do or say all the things that we would wish; the thing is to do as much as times. Not only in the doctors waiting room when someone is unwell and not we can in the time that we have. wanting to be there, but also the time Life Promotions specialists can be frustrating for the uAdvocating for open and honest dialogue about the current systems of support for people in a crisis of suicide. uDespite the alarming rates of suicide An abstract book on the conference is available at MHACA. For further details or copies of session recordings on CD or MP3 visit the conference website www.margins2mainstream.com the least exciting aspect of the work, there is still a reluctance in society to openly discuss the issues around suicide prevention. This is no doubt affected by it takes for follow up appointments with people we work with and ourselves. Administration uGetting onto tradespeople and then getting them to come on schedule. uWaiting on the Change of Building Usage approvaland having to the lingering stigma around the tragedy constantly ring people is wearing. of suicide. Breaking the silence and uSuppliers not getting back to us; misunderstanding around this sensitive and having to constantly chase people issue is difficult. to get things done. X An Awkward Fit: A Mother’s Story of her son’s struggles with mental illness, his suicide & coping with grief after his death by Rita Riedel How do you cope when your child dies by suicide? Why was Stephen different, and why did it lead to this? Mother and author Helen Maczkowiack visited Alice Springs on 21 July to give a 1-hour community talk at about her son’s life, and how she gradually came to face life again after his death. Following Stephen’s suicide and then finding personal notes left in a journal, Helen felt compelled to write ‘their story,’ in the hope it will benefit others who may know or work with young people similarly experiencing confusion in difficult times. Sponsored by MHACA and Mental Health Carers NT, approximately 20 people attended Helen’s talk about her son’s struggles and life after his death. I personally found her honest and heartfelt presentation both moving and insightful. Helen raised courageous questions such as, ‘Would I have been able to recognise some of his warning signs if I’d been more aware? Would I have responded differently? Can we as family and friends make a difference? The answer in all instances was ‘Yes’. Stephen’s diaries and Helen’s unflinching honesty will touch all readers and offer comfort and insight to those affected by depression and other related illnesses. Helen’s book “An Awkward Fit” will be invaluable to: ♦ people in supportive roles in schoolseg. counsellors, teachers and support workersas part of their developing understanding of children with talents but who don’t quite fit in or gain peer acceptance ♦ people in supportive roles with older adolescents and young adults ♦ people providing direct services to individuals facing some of the very complex multiple issues that Stephen faced; ♦ to offer comfort and provide knowledge to parents. X MHACA has a few copies available for $20 - call Rita on 8950 4613. An Awkward Fit is also avail. for $24.95 from www.helenmaczkowiack.com Helen giving a talk at the Alice Springs Town Council sane Australia SANE Australia offers a wide range of resources on suicide prevention. The SANE Guide to Staying Alive is a resource for people with a mental illness who feel suicidal at times, developed with the aid of those who kow first-hand what this is like, as well as helath professionals and carers. The Guide contains tips on recognising early signs of becoming suicidal, information on where and how toa ccess hep, and what you can do youself to redduce the risk. Contact SANE on 1800 18 SANE (7263) www.sane.org 55 Farewell Felix ... We’ll miss you Laurencia, Kate, Em, Steph & Lynne say goodbye to Felix on his last day at MHACA WHY have I resigned? What would possess a sensible chapsuch as me to leave a good job and not even have another to go to? I have a workplace that supports me like no other workplace that I have ever been in. I like (and love) my workmates. They are good people: funny, friendly and kind. There is a workplace agreement that is about to happen that will pay above the award wage. We have a superannuation scheme set up that would help me save heaps. I have relationships with the people on my case-load that I feel are very positive and rewarding. What am I doing leaving MHACA? I am leaving because I want to take on a challenge that I abandoned five years ago. I began studying psychology in 2003 and, whilst I got a lot out of the experience, I was not committed and discontinued shortly after my first year. I made a decision to follow up with my desire to learn film-making and animation and to gain some practical experience of working in the mental health field. Here I am, five years later, and I am ready for my return to study to complete a Bachelor in Behavioural Sciences. I have a much wider aperture on the lens I view the world through now and, armed with this insight, I think I will make a better psychologist than I would have before. Since I arrived in Alice and began work here at MHACA I have been welcomed and looked after. My partner regularly comments on how supportive my workplace sounds and it is true. I have watched as my workmates react to each other’s circumstances and reflected that they are caring people and, that this is a unique workplace. We are regularly trained and, for me, this is a new thing. In my years with my previous employer I attended one session on group development and I cannot recall another. Since February I have done the ASIST training, Mental Health First Aid, cultural awareness training, a Helen Glover workshop, a vicarious trauma workshop and I have been involved in helping brainstorm parts of the Strategic Plan. Full on stuff for a new lad! And great learning too. To my workmates, past and present: Em, Laurencia, Joanne, Reets, Christine, Kristy, Carmel, Claudia, Sue, Fee, Rangi, Bruce, Brian, Lynne, Donna, Danielle, David and Sean (just arrived but newly befriended)you are all great people and I wish I could figure out a way to keep you in my day. I wish that I could make little living copies of you out of some sort of magical clay. You could sit on my desk with me while I study, offering me encouragement and we could all have coffee breaks together. I could make you a little cardboard MHACA and it would be like I never left. Happily I could now leave and not feel as gloomy as I do. This is, however, a strange and impractical solution to my sadness. Unfortunately, the closest that reality can come to this fantasy is for me to think about you as often as possible; to drop by occasionally; to think about you and learn from the lessons you have all taught me. Without MHACA I would not have had the chances that I have had to change. My time here has put me in the direction that I feel is the right one. I thank you MHACA for being the edifice of goodness in the desert, that you are. I thank you all, members of MHACA, for being the community of caring people that you are. You are like sprinklers on a thirsty lawn. Thanksand I will see you around town. 56 The lounge will be empty without you Felix Felix getting a helping hand from Bruce “No Christine. Not the door!!” Felix A free Felix scanning yonder horizon for new shores ... people profiles ... The staff are extremely warm and supportive and the consumers are a breath of fresh air. It’s nice to see smiling faces every day and get paid for it. Why I like living in Alice Springs: My family is here with me, so I have fantastic supports. Alice is a small community, only taking nearly 7 minutes to get anywhere … not to mention the beautiful weather and scenery. Donna Ormsby Position: Pathways to Recovery Officer Qualifications: Cert. IV in Business, Human Resources, Business Management & Business Administration; First Aid Certificate. In 2006 I started a Business Management Degree completing 4 units, and then decided to transfer to a Bachelor of Behavioral Science which I am half way through. I am also attempting to complete a Cert. IV in Community Services. Experience in mental health or related fields: My working history has been devoted to an administration/payroll/taxation background where I have worked in various government departments both here and in Darwin. However, the position I held before MHACA was in the community sector, where I learnt a lot about this sector and myself, which paved the way for my current study and my position within MHACA. What I like about working at MHACA: What’s not to like! MHACA is an inspiring place to work. There is something new to learn every day. Favourite colour: Must be red, although I like purple, green, yellow … depends on my mood. Things I enjoy doing: Relaxing, when I have time! Spending quality time with family and friends. Reading books (not text books), listening to music and watching funny movies (anything with Jack Black). Qualities I like in people: Honesty, optimism and compassion. Mother Teresa says it all in this famous quote:“Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.” Qualities I dislike in people: Inconsideration towards others and negative judgements. A favourite movie: The Pick of Destiny (Jack Black) If I could go anywhere in the world on vacation: Back to New Zealand or a cruise in the Greek Islands One thing that would improve my life right now: My fitness. The will-power to stop smoking! X Sean BroughtonWright Position: Day to Day Living and GROW Officer Qualifications: Grad Dip. Education (Secondary), Bachelor of Arts (Psych Maj.) Cert IV Workplace Training and Assessment, Cert IV Government (Procurement & Contracts) What I like about working at MHACA: The environment and the people Why I like living in Alice Springs: Everything is just 5 minutes away and I have a lot time after hours to do things that interest me, no sitting in traffic 2 hours a day going to and from work. Favourite colour: Green. Things I enjoy doing: Working out, writing, reading. Qualities I like in people: People who are open and willing to learn. Qualities I dislike in people: Willful ignorance. A favourite movie: Lord of The Rings Trilogy (extended editions). If I could go anywhere in the world on vacation: England and Europe for the history or possibly the Middle East for the same reason. One thing that would improve my life right now: Being able to surf kayak in Alice Springs ( I know it ain’t gonna happen). X 57 bOoks. . . reSouRceS. . . pUbLicAtiOns. . . If you happen to have a psychiatric problem, advice will flow from all quarters. Everyone has a mind so everyone is an expert. Some advice is good but much of it is useless, unwise or dangerous. Shrink-Rap publishes books about emotional and psychiatric disorders, and each book explains a mental health problem in a simple way. Shrink-Rap books are all by experienced psychiatrists so, although the drawings are weird and wonderful, the information is sound. Cartoons are ideal for illustrating emotional turmoil as they allow you to look at and understand things that are otherwise pretty hard to face. For these and other reader-friendly books visit www.shrinkrap.com.au Healthy Living when you have a Mental Illness A new SANE pamphlet explains the importance of physical health For a range of reasons, people living with a mental illness often have poor physical health too, especially if affected by psychotic conditions such as schizophrenia. A new pamphlet in SANE’s Understanding Mental Illness series, explains the benefits of living a more physically healthy life, and offers positive, realistic suggestions on steps you can take to achieve this. The pamphlet is a companion to the more detailed SANE Guide to Health Living, one of a series of helpful publications. Contact SANE on 1800 18 SANE (7263) 58 www.sane.org Braver, Stronger, Wiser Salvation Army DVD The Salvation Army is working to beat depression in regional Australia. The Salvation Army has launched it’s ‘Braver, Stronger, Wiser’ project in a bid to help those living with depression in rural Australia. A DVD has been produced for the initiative with information on managing depression, and includes the journey of four regional Australians ... who worked through depression and have emerged successfully. To find out more or order your DVD visit www.salvos.org.au/about-us/news-andresources/braver-stronger-wiser/ wHat’s On. . . WorKshOpS. . . cOnfeREnCes. . . TheMHS Summer Forum Leadership for Mental Health Services of the Future 26-27 February 2009 Sydney Positive Schools 2009 22 May 2009 Perth in mental health services. The conference offers principals, teachers, psychologists and other educational professionals opportunity to better understand mental health issues with a clear focus on finding solutions and achieving sustainable positive outcomes. This 1-day event offers an unbridled opportunity for participants to gain a positive, solution focused approach to social and psychological issues facing schools and colleges Australia wide. For more info contact [email protected] or visit www.themhs.org Contact: Positive Schools 2009 [email protected] www.positiveschools.com.au/ leadership in mental health services. The 2009 Summer Forum takes up the challenge of leadership in mental health. Strong leadership is about systems and the people who work in these systems. Leadership at all levels is needed to drive the changes necessary to promote reform and culture change Moving Forward Looking Back Mental Health & Wellbeing Conference It is time to re-view, re-assess, re-invent and re-invigorate Australia & New Zealand Mental Health Association 13-14 August 2009 Surfers Paradise Celebrating 10 years of ‘Advancing with Knowledge’, the 2009 conference will focus on reviewing the accumulated knowledge and clinical wisdom over the past 10 years for the High Prevalence Disordersanxiety conditions, mood disorders and substance abuse. The conference theme is year is ‘Moving ForwardLooking Back’. For further info: Conference Secretariat [email protected] www.anzmh.asn.au/ Conference9 For a comprehensive list of the latest conferences visit the Auseinet Conference website www.auseinet.com/stateinfo/diary/index h Mental Healt Carers NT AFMI) (formerly AR ing Tea Carer’s Morn f each month o y a d s e u T t s 1 0pm 10.30am - 12.0 ffice, O lth Carers NT at Mental Hea Alice Springs s, Stuart Tce, Salvos Upstair 8953 1467 d Phone (08) ar ch at H ey u Contact Trac [email protected] ealthcarersnta lh ta en m l: ai Em Carers NT Meeting (jointly run with MH Carers NT) 3rd Thursday of ever y month 5.30-7.30pm At Carers NT we work together with each carer to offer a range of services that specifically cater to them and their situation. Supp ort is offered through ref erral to the Carer Respite Centre (right next door ) and other appropriate servic es, counselling, support groups, advocacy, information, ed ucation and training. For more info contac t Carers NT on 8953 1669, PO Box 49 29, Alice Springs “Believe nothing, no matter where you read it, or who said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common seanse.” Buddha 59 Mental Health Diary . . . Date Time Mondays Thursdays Fridays 2nd Tues. of month 4th Tues. of month 2nd Wed. of month 5.00-7.00pm 10.00am-1.00pm 10.30am-12.30pm 12.30-2.00pm 6.00-8.00pm 5.30-7.30pm Description Location Contact Phone GROW Peer Support Group Healthy Living & Lunch GROW Peer Support Group Consumer Action Group Lunch Consumer Forum Dinner Committee Meeting MHACA MHACA MHACA Cafe TBA MHACA MHACA Carmel Lynne Sean Gwvynyth Gwvynyth Claudia 8950 4612 8950 4612 8950 4614 8950 4600 8950 4600 8950 4601 The Day to Day Living Program offers a variety of creative, social and recreational activities. These vary each month depending on interest and opportunities, and we welcome your ongoing feedback, input and ideas. “ There is always something to be thankful for. ” Anon MHACA Membership (please photocopy) To become a member of MHACA and receive a copy of our quarterly newsletter inBalance and be kept informed about what’s happening in the mental health sector please send us your details: Membership fees (please tick): Individual $15 Concession $5 Organisation/Corporate $40 Do you or your organisation represent any of the following? Consumers Carers Indigenous Rural Remote MHACA . . . Building a Better Community The Mental Health Association of Central Australia (MHACA) is a non-profit, community-based organisation that provides: individual support to people experiencing mental illness a drop-in centre, group activities & peer support program research and support in relation to suicide prevention training in mental health first aid & suicide intervention mental health promotion to help raise community awareness advocacy at local, state & national levels Pathways to Recovery Program - offers rehabilitation and outreach services which provide recovery-focused living-skills, training and support. We assist people with mental health issues to set and achieve goals aimed at independent living and integration into the community. Prevention and Recovery Program - Organisation/Dept (if applicable):_ _________________ provides intensive support to consumers experiencing a relapse of a mental illness so we can reduce hospitalisation. We seek to reduce the impact of an acute episode by delivering individualised care packages. __________________________________________ Day to Day Living Program - Address:_ ___________________________________ aims to help improve the quality of life for people experiencing mental illness by providing a range of weekly activities and support. These include a GROW drop-in centre and peer support program. Name:______________________________________ ________________________ Code______________ Phone:______________________________________ Mobile (if applicable):___________________________ Fax:________________________________________ Email:_ _____________________________________ Date:_______________________________________ Please complete and send with cheque or money order to MHACA, PO Box 2326, Alice Springs NT 0871 Phone: (08) 8950 4600 Fax: (08) 8953 5577 Email: [email protected] 60 Life Promotion Program works with Central Australian communities to develop strategies to address suicide and self-harm. The LPP team run a range of projects to help agencies, individuals and groups learn more about issues related to suicide. Training & Promotions MHACA offers a range of services to help raise community awareness about mental health issues. These include training in Mental Health First Aid, the newsletter, community stalls and forums, and the MHACA website. Advocacy & Participation MHACA advocates on behalf of consumers, carers and other stakeholders at local, state and national levels. We support consumers’ participation on advisory committees (to influence government policy making & service provision), recruitment panels and the MHACA management committee. www.mhaca.org.au
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