ISSUE: APRIL 2015
Mental Illness Fellowship NQ Inc
Progress With Carer Education Development In Cairns
Bernie Triggs / 13 April 2015
The development of new mental health carer education materials is progressing well using the extensive experiences of the Cairns Mental Health Carers Support Hub staff. The MIFNQ Educare Program is now being regularly delivered in Cairns with the first six core modules further refined after carer feedback over the last couple of months. The second set of four modules have now been delivered for the first time and are receiving minor edits. The Educare program came about because of the recognition that the modular approach used over the previous year had merit where people could choose topics that were of interest but that a more safe and supportive small group learning environment was needed. Educare combines MIFNQ specifically developed Jacqueline Conroy and Louise Hansen hard at work education messages with on the new Educare Program a trauma informed care approach to ensure family members get the support they often need. The second carer education initiative that is also progressing is the program being developed to assist families dealing with the impact of Dual Diagnosis ie mental health issues and substance abuse. This seven module program is a partnership with the Cairns Queensland Health Dual Diagnosis Team and is the result of continued expressed need from local families. Through the partnership this carer education program will be cofacilitated with clinicians from both Queensland Health and MIFNQ sharing their expertise with workshop participants. The first draft Dual Diagnosis program is now almost completed and a pilot program is planned for June to trial the approach and the materials. MiNetworks
Helping connect you with the information and services you need. Call us on 1800 985 944
59A Cambridge Street Vincent QLD 4814 PO Box 979
Aitkenvale QLD 4814 Tel: (07) 4725 3664
Fax: (07) 4725 3819 Email:
townsville@mifnq.org.au www.mifnq.org.au
MIFNQ reserves the right to edit articles for publication.
The views expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily those of MIFNQ. ANZAC Day 2015
25th April 2015
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Anzac Day Services in your local Community
Where to Go for Help
ANZAC Day is a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand, originally commemorated by both countries on 25 April every year to honour the members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) who fought at Gallipoli in the Ottoman Empire during World War I. It now more broadly commemorates all those who served and died in military operations for their countries. 2015 will mark the 100th anniversary of the landing of Australian and New Zealand troupes at Gallipoli. But ANZAC Day goes beyond the anniversary of the landing on Gallipoli in 1915. It is the day we remember all Australians who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations. The spirit of ANZAC, with its human qualities of courage, mateship, and sacrifice, continues to have meaning and relevance for our sense of national identity. Townsville Services: Dawn Service: starting at 5:30am ANZAC Park, The Strand and Jezzine Barracks (NB. There will be a live simulcast of the Dawn Service at ANZAC Park to Jezzine Barracks). Commemoration Parade: Commencing at 9:30am Making use of the iconic Jezzine Parkland, the 2015 ANZAC parade will change direction this year, forming up at Enterprise House and ending at Jezzine Barracks. For details regarding other services around the Townsville area please visit the Townsville City Council Website – “Events” Tab. Cairns Services: Dawn Service: starting at 5:30am The Centenary of ANZAC Dawn Service will commence at the Cenotaph on the Esplanade 5.30 am. Commemoration Parade: Commencing 10:00am will assemble at Munroe Martin Park at 9.30 am and step off at 10.00 am. The March route will be along the Esplanade arriving at Fogarty Park for a community service concluding about 11.00 am. For details regarding other services around the Cairns area please visit the Cairns Regional Council Website – “What’s on” Tab. Mackay Services: Dawn Service: Commencing at 4:28am Service at Binnington Esplanade, Town Beach. Commemoration Parade: Commencing at 9:30am will assemble at Coles Car Park on Sydney Street between Alfred and Gordon Street. The Parade will step off at 9:30am and will proceed along Gordon, Wellington and Alfred Street to Jubilee Park. For details regarding other services around the Mackay area please visit the Mackay Regional Council Website – “Community” Tab and then the “Events” Tab.
Kids Helpline
CHAT ONLINE
Free, private & confidential telephone & online counseling service specifically for young people aged between 5 and 25.
Phone 24/7 - 1800 55 1800 Eheadspace
CHAT ONLINE
Provides online & telephone support and counseling to young people aged between 12 and 25. Available 9AM-1AM AEST
Phone 1800 650 890 Lifeline
CHAT ONLINE
24 hour crisis support. Online counseling available 8AM-midnight.
Phone 13 11 14
We’re Fundraising with Entertainment Book
MIFNQ is fundraising with Entertainment Book! Visit us online or in our Townsville Office to purchase your book and SAVE!!! Books are $60 and include a wide range of vouchers for local restaurants, entertainment, shopping and so much more!!! Books are also available for the Cairns Region for $55.00 Purchase your Entertainment™ Membership from Mental Illness Fellowship North Queensland Inc again to support their fundraising efforts this year. Whether you choose the printed Entertainment™ Book -OR- the Entertainment™ Digital Membership for your smartphone, $12 of your $60 purchase will help community fundraising. https://www.entertainmentbook. com.au/orderbooks/2700u79
Congratulations Are In Order For Long Term Serving Bridget Peters Lyn Tyson / 23 April 2015
Bridget has been a very much appreciated member of the MIFNQ line-up of staff for ten years. She has seen the organisation go through many and various disguises, and becoming a hub of community based mental health services. Bridget is a great team player, and is so special it is difficult to describe the most important contributions she makes to our Bridget on her anniversary with a team efforts and our morale. balloon MIFNQ staff pitched in to Bridget is always telling fun stories purchase for her about something. She brings a bag of the inevitable “let’s not get too many of them” chocolates. If there are minties lying around, you can guarantee that Bridget is somewhere in the vicinity. At Easter and Christmas time, you can look for chickens, Santas and stars lying around looking yummy and sparkly in a basket. She is a tower of strength to Lyn, and always ready with her skills for helping anyone who asks for it. Bridget works part-time for MIFNQ. She started as an Administrative Assistant to our then most dedicated person who was doing the books, answering the telephones, making appointments, doing all the monthly accounts, preparing the pays you can see, Bridget’s arrival was just so welcome. With her smile, her guile, her charm, and her team spirit, MIFNQ does not wish to lose her to our growing staff pool. Let’s take a bow, and look forward to the next ten years of Bridget’s presence.
Glenda Blackwell is now available in Ayr for Counselling every Monday for Carers of people with Mental Illness in the Burdekin area. Glenda will be at The Neighbourhood Centre, 40 Chippendale Street, Ayr from 10:30am to 2:00pm on Mondays for free Counselling sessions.
If you would like a session with Glenda: you can: Phone: 4725 3664 Email: gblackwell@mifnq.org.au
In this Edition
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Progress With Carer Education Development In Cairns ............................................. 1 Anzac Day Services in your local Community........................ 2 Congratulations Are In Order For Long Term Serving Bridget Peters ............................. 3 CEO’s Update ............................... 4 Committee Chatter ................... 5 Drought ‘n’ Grasshoppers ...... 6 Northern Beef Producers Expo In Charters Towers ........ 7 The Junction Clubhouse Update ........................................... 8 Inspire Clubhouse Townsville .................................... 9 Mental Health First Aid ....... 11 Rufus May Media Release ... 12 Defence Department Invests In Mental Health..................... 13 Doin’ It For The Troops ........ 14 Mental Health Services Crisis Diffused As Federal Government Announces Funding Renewal.................... 15 Dale’s Story ............................... 16 Comment: 'I Can Cope' or 'Just Snap Out Of It' Not The Key To Mental Wellbeing............. 17 Canberra Student Tomasina Purcell Helps Teens With Mental Health Issues ............. 18 Mood Food: Mediterranean Diet Linked to Better Mental Health.......................................... 19 6 Tips to Help Live A Balanced Life With Mental Illness .......................................... 20 Calendar of Events – APRIL & MAY 2015 .................................. 21 Coffee Break ............................. 22 Anzac Biscuits .......................... 22 Mi Networks AUSTRALIA .... 23 Membership Application Form ............................................ 24
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CEO’s Update Here we are in March and after many months of waiting, years actually, we have finally moved into our wonderful new premises in Townsville. With the official opening on Friday March 20 I can say that we have already been operating as a mental health community hub since moving in late last year with numerous requests to use the conference, activity and meeting rooms for mental health related meetings, workshops and activities. Many people comment on the spaciousness of our new premises and it certainly has been a positive move in relation to the MIFNQ Corporate Services staff who now have the space and facilities that enable them to work even more effectively. At the same time we have also been able to upgrade our information and communication technology across the organisation allowing for improved communication. If you haven’t visited the new building it is on the corner of Palmerston and Cambridge Streets at Vincent in Townsville. In the meantime Inspire Clubhouse is operating from our old Kings Road premises and is enjoying having the space there to undertake a wide range of activities, contact us if you would like to arrange a visit. Similarly the Junction Clubhouse in Cairns and Horizons Clubhouse in Mackay are operating in their own premises and carefully implementing the International Clubhouse model with support from their Advisory Boards. There has been some positive news from the Federal government in that they have agreed to extend funding for our Family and Carer Support Area for another twelve months from July 2015. This will enable us to continue to deliver support and respite to carers and family members in the lead up to the implementation of the National Disability Insurance Scheme that commences in July 2016. There has been some strong advocacy and lobbying from all members of the Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia through its CEO David Meldrum that has resulted in a continuation not only of Family and Carer Support services but other Department of Social Services Funding, including Personal Helpers and Mentors – PhaMs. These programs were at risk as the Federal government grapples with the implementation of the National Disability Insurance Scheme. You will hear more about this in future newsletters but I can assure you that MIFNQ and its partners are working hard to ensure that people who are ineligible for an NDIS funding package still receive support in the communities in which they live. We are also hearing about changes in the Queensland Government’s approach following the recent state election and although we have no details as yet we anticipate further opportunities to deliver early intervention and prevention programs such as our currently unfunded Living Proof schools education program. I’d like to welcome a new member of the Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia to our federation, Bridges Alliance. Bridges is based in Bundaberg and provides Alcohol, Drug and Mental Health services and is the fifth Queensland MIFA member. Sharon Sarah is Bridges’ chief executive officer and is already very active in the MIFA family. Nationally MIFA is growing and becoming more influential and is currently working on a number of important projects including business development, suicide prevention and MiNetworks. The Queensland MIFA members are MIFQ, MIFNQ, Aftercare, SOLAS and Bridges Alliance. I hope you can attend our opening on March 20. Until next time. Jeremy Audas
Chief Executive Officer
Jeremy Audas, CEO
MIFNQ Office Locations TOWNSVILLE (Head Office) 59A Cambridge St, Vincent Q 4814 PO Box 979 Aitkenvale Q 4814 P: (07) 4725 3664 F: (07) 4725 3819
E: townsville@mifnq.org.au FREE CALL: 1800 455 455
MACKAY 6/41 Gregory St, Mackay Q 4740
PO Box 729 Mackay Q 4740 P: (07) 4951 2973 F: (07) 4957 7162
E: mackay@mifnq.org.au
CAIRNS 13/129a Lake St, Cairns Q 4870
PO Box 816 North Cairns Q 4870 P: (07) 4041 2543 F: (07) 4041 2872
E: cairns@mifnq.org.au
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Committee Chatter While we have many little successes, particularly with individual people, we have few major opportunities to celebrate as we work with people to help them improve their lives. This is because successive governments have not produced a cohesive national plan for mental health. Our current Federal government has still not released the National Mental Health Commission’s first review report which was handed to government last year. We celebrate our victories, such as last week when the Federal government agreed to extend funding for our Family and Carer Support Area for another twelve months from July 2015, enabling us to continue to deliver support and respite to carers and family members in the lead up to the implementation of the National Disability Insurance Scheme that commences in July 2016. We will celebrate on 20 March, when we officially open our new head office, which Townsville staff have been working from for about two months already, and the Board and its sub-committees have already met in several times there. Our opening celebration will focus on ‘our people’ – those who started our Fellowship nearly three decades ago, and those for whom it was started then and for whom it exists today. But we had another reminder just last week of how much more our society needs to do to assist and care for those who are troubled by their past and present lives, when a former soldier, only 37 years old, died in that most tragic of ways in Townsville. Out of respect for this man and his family and friends, I leave his name for them to mention and for the military organisations to properly record amongst the heroes who have served their country and died as a result of that service. But I do not reside from admitting that our society, and our little Fellowship as a part of that society, does not do – cannot do - nearly enough to make up for the trauma faced in the lives of so many of our people in our community. We are a military town – host to many soldiers who have faced on our behalf what we hope we never have to see ourselves. We are also a regional town – host to many who strive to make their living and their lives from the cruel natural climate of our dry, hot land. We are part of the long-lasting frontier between the vanquished original owners of this land and those of us who now hold that land; we still benefit from that conquest. We are also a society which imposes great pressure on our youth, male and female, to do more and be better than they themselves sometimes can hope to believe they can be. We are part of the high pressure modern society which seems to demand so much – sometimes too much - of so many of our people. We yearn for the attainment of independent lives that NDIS will give some of our people with disabilities, physical and mental. But we know in our heart of hearts that there will always be people who need more help to attain those lives that seem beyond hope. So we must always strive to do more for more people – to connect with ever-more people to offer them help finding direction. I join with Jeremy in welcoming all of you – all of our people – to our little opening ceremony on 20th March, to help us as we continue to offer a helping hand to those so many people in our community who struggle too often without help or hope. Bob James
President
Bob James, President
MIFNQ Management Committee President Vice-President Secretary Treasurer Committee Members
Bob James (vacant)
Jenny Chapman Sandra Hubert Alf Musumeci
Karyn Weller
Helen De-Campo
Promoting Recovery Through Services in the Community
Drought ‘n’ Grasshoppers Graziers are culling livestock, shops and businesses are closing down and at least one town is likely to run dry within months as the drought crisis in Queensland worsens.
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Welcoming Kerri!! Alison Fairleigh / March 2015
The impact of years without sufficient rain, and the passing of another dry summer, is being felt not only in the agriculture sector but also across dozens of regional economies, some of which have felt the added impact of the mining slowdown.
Grasshoppers have now moved into Queensland's central west, adding to pressures from the region's severe drought.
Although some insects thrive in moist conditions, heat and drought can be the ultimate survival conditions for grasshoppers. They are the most common insects that cause problems during periods of heat and
drought.
While grasshopper numbers are not yet at plague proportions, they are causing devastation for already drought stricken farming families who only have to walk outside to see a cloud of grasshoppers rise around them. It is heartbreaking for residents of central and western Queensland to see grasshoppers strip hectares of remaining grass and gardens.
Stay tuned on www.mifnq.org.au for our
MIFNQ Grand Opening at Cambridge Street SPECIAL EDITION Newsletter!! Full summaries of our Forum and pictures of our attendees and special guests. Coming out in May!!
MIFNQ is excited to welcome Kerri Harris as the new Team Leader – Mental Health Professionals in Townsville. Kerri has been working in Mental Health for over 10 years and has recently been awarded a Master’s degree in Mental Health Sciences from Monash University. Kerri moved to Townsville this year from Newcastle where she was working with the RichmondPRA (formerly the Richmond Fellowship of NSW). As an active member of the mental health and disability communities, we are looking forward to the advocacy, skills and knowledge Kerri will bring to our organisation.
Welcoming Rachael!!
We are very fortunate and pleased to have Rachael join us recently at the Townsville Office as MIFNQ’s afternoon Receptionist – sharing the position of “Director of First Impressions” with Margaret, who many of you already know (and love) and who will of course continue to provide you with her caring brand of exemplary service in the mornings.
Rachael possesses proven customer service and administrative skills and is looking forward to attending to your needs as part of her role which includes amongst various clerical tasks, the manning of the front desk at Cambridge Street, taking your calls, offering information and generally assisting you in any way she can. Please take the opportunity of welcoming Rachael to the fold personally when next contacting MIFNQ.
We’d also like to acknowledge our appreciation to the very capable and switched on “temps that we have been lucky enough to have with us on reception during the past few months. Thank you Yasmin, Sussan, Kim and Sonya.
Northern Beef Producers Expo In Charters Towers Alison Fairleigh / March 2015
The success of the inaugural Northern Beef Producer Expo at Charters Towers on March 6 will see the event added to the calendar on a regular basis. More than 300 beef industry representatives from across north Queensland travelled to Charters Towers for the inaugural Northern Beef Expo held on March 6. The expo, which was organised by a committee of local young beef producers and the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries was overwhelmed at how the northern beef industry had embraced the expo concept. Organising committee member and Department of Agriculture and Fisheries officer Megan Willis says the expo was something that had not been done before and was based around grazing best management practice (BMP) — covering the major elements needed to make the most of beef business. She says representatives from within the industry exhibited on the day and covered animal health and welfare, animal production, grazing land management, people and business, and soil health sectors, which covers the five core grazing BMPs. “The expo included inspirational and informed speakers that told of their own experiences in the business of beef, as well as practical demonstrations of innovations and technology,” she says. Keynote speakers included Australian Livestock Exporters’ Council CEO Alison Penfold, who spoke about improvements to the Exporter Supply Chain Assurance System (ESCAS) and of improved and emerging opportunities in the market for beef producers. But it was the inspirational presentation by grazier and Nuffield scholar Rob Cook that had the audience truly engaged. Cook spoke of how technology has helped him in his business since he was paralysed in a helicopter crash in 2008, and about the successful grazing business he runs with his wife at Tanami Desert. “We have received great feedback from those who attended,” Willis says, which has prompted the organising committee to consider future events. [Source: Blue’s Country Magazine]
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Autism Awareness Day
Margaret Sleeman / 5 April 2015
Corporate Services staff members Margaret & Rachael alongside Caroline and Kylie from Inspire Clubhouse all dressed for the occasion on Thursday 2nd April 2015 to mark Autism Awareness Day. Although it was by chance we snapped up the opportunity to get a shot of them and boost our support!
Caroline, Kylie, Rachael and Margaret dressed up in blue for World Autism Awareness Day - 2 April 2015
Mental Health First Aid for Medical Students This year, our hard working Director of Education, Philippa Harris, along with Glenda Blackwell and Jenny Russell are conducting three Targeted Mental Health
First Aid Courses for Medical Students. The response to the first two courses was enormous, with the final course coming up in May.
Above is a photograph of the group of James Cook University medical students taken after completion the first of the training in March.
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The Junction Clubhouse Update Junction Introduces its New Logo
Dorothy Dunne/ 16 April 2015
The word Junction is described in the Thesaurus as a place where things come together, a crossroads, where several roads meet. To the members, staff and advisory board when we were deciding on a name this was an “aha” moment of shared meaning. The Junction can be interpreted as “All roads lead to Rome”. People come from all walks of life with different motivations and goals The Junction represents a cross roads or a junction where there is hope and the possibilities for recovery. The various roads that branch off the Junction represent new beginnings, personal choices and highlight the journey not the destination as recovery is different for all. The name also describes the continual opportunity for members to change their course of action towards recovery and to branch out again & again on their journey of personal awareness. The Junction is a living breathing versatile environment, a breath of fresh air So in summary “all roads lead to the Junction and your one chosen road to recovery”
Federal Member Visits The Junction Clubhouse
A Hicks & J Audas / 13 March 2015
On Thursday 12th March 2015, the federal member for Leichardt, Mr Warren Entsch, paid a visit to The Junction Clubhouse in Cairns.
Warren Entsch’s visit to The Junction was a great success and Jeremy Audas, Dorothy Dunne, Warren he was very pleased with all he Entsch, Linda Cooper, Adrianne Hicks, saw.
Horizon Clubhouse in Mackay Lives And Breathes
Joshua Clarke / April 2015
Thursday 26 March 2015 breathing was really nice. We had the lovely smells of fine dining. We Had a Lovely Disco and Karaoke and because it was good we will do that again.
We had some lovely dinner music between the three course meal. We had some nice food and some socialising with people who were there.
The Horizon Clubhouse sitting down for their meals
Some people ate spaghetti bolognaise, some ate chicken salad and we had caramel tart with cream and pikelets’ with cream. Josh and Brad were the MC’s. Brad and Josh set up the equipment.
David Giordano & Clubhouse members
Mr Entsch really understands the issues around mental health (much credit to Dorothy Dunne, Adrianne Hicks and Bernie Triggs) and is a strong supporter of Clubhouse and the Carers Hub.
The day after this gathering he was off to Canberra and is also communicating to his parliamentary colleagues about the value of the Clubhouse model, particularly around the employment angle. If only our Federal Members for Herbert and Dawson were as actively supportive!
Horizon Clubhouse Members getting up on the dance floor
Jeremy
Audas,
Dorothy
Dunne,
We would also like to acknowledge Warren Entsch, Linda Cooper & Councillor Linda Cooper who is a very Adrianne Hicks active Cairns Region Councillor and Clubhouse advisory board member and has been a wonderful supporter of Clubhouse. The Junction Clubhouse now release their own Newsletter! Find it for yourself on their facebook page. facebook.com/thejunctionclubhouse
We partied hard. All the people that attended had a good night. Clubhouse members made all the food and dessert. We had nice tables and nice atmosphere. We all enjoyed it. DJ Bradz’ played Billy Joel ‘We Didn’t Start the fire’ and Bee Gees and other music. Some members sang Karaoke at our disco. We all enjoyed our disco. It was a nice evening and everyone laughed. It was the best night for us.
Inspire Clubhouse - Townsville Sally Thain / January 2015
Clubhouse has started with a bang in 2015! We are going through some big changes here at Kings Road. Firstly MIFNQ moved out from upstairs which has allowed us to spread out and take over upstairs as well. So this means that downstairs is now devoted to our Hospitality and Gardening units and upstairs we have our Admin Unit as well a fantastic new Thrift Shop which is doing amazingly well already, raising much needed funds to go back into our Clubhouse. Everyone here at Clubhouse is putting so much effort in to make our Clubhouse something truly fantastic.
Inspire Clubhouse in Townsville
Caroline Savage / 15 April 2015
Tammy McCanna Design Junkie and Studio Owner at One to One Creative worked with members to capture their vision for Townsville Clubhouse. Each member explained what Clubhouse meant to them. Tammy collated member’s ideas and came up with ‘Inspire Clubhouse Townsville’. The growth of the tree as a metaphor for branching out. The design had a place for each member to choose their own personal icon for the design. As a result the logo incorporates the following:
Ben – friendship Kylie – Sun Alison - circle of people Simone –frangipani Michael - someone eating food Haley – meal Ray - musical note with a small cross in it Johno – computer Carmel – Paintbrush with rainbow paint Gem – meal plate Michael – someone eating food Janelle – Chefs hat Brent – hands linking together Scott – seedling in a pot Kathleen – shamrock on green Ingrid – rose Graham – coffee in cup Leanne - smiley face Jen – Daschund Geoff – Hand up Coleen – fern (like the NZ one Frank – Sunrise Janet – Butterflies Paul – baseball cap Jamie – Happy Buddha Lee – Serenity Alison – circle of people standing up holding hands
Inspire Thrift Shop
Coleen Renwick January 2015
Kylie, Janet, Carmel, Coleen, Jen, and Kathleen have done a fabulous job setting up our thrift shop. Word is getting around about the fantastic bargains. Our stock is from donations of quality clothing fashion accessories, shoes, homeware’s, jewellery, books, CD’s, ladies bags, hand knitted bags and plush Kylie, Jenny and Carmel – a couple toys. of our Thrift Shop ladies. Come and see our range between 10 and 3p.m. Donations are gratefully accepted. In line with health and safety, we are not able to accept electrical items or furniture donations. To maintain a high level of quality stock we cannot accept items that are stained, faulty zips, corporate logos, school uniforms or items that are chipped and scratched. Hundreds of dollars have already been raised Some of the beautiful jewellery for sale at the Thrift Shop towards money we will use to make our clubhouse even better. Inspire Clubhouse now release their own Newsletter! Find it for yourself on their facebook page. facebook.com/inspireclubhouse
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Strategic Planning at Horizon Clubhouse in Mackay
Clerical, Administration and Technology Unit - Horizon Clubhouse / April 2015
Horizon Clubhouse held two Strategic Planning Meetings recently. In these meetings we first looked back at the last 12 months on what we have achieved in Horizon Clubhouse. We also looked to the future and developed goals for the next 3 years. So after looking at the bigger picture we came up with objectives in which we hope our clubhouse will meet in the next 12 months. Some of the goals that we identified are: • • • • • •
Moving into our new premises
Involving and empowering our current members Getting new members
Raising our profile in the Mackay community Fundraising and grant writing
Learning more about our International Clubhouse Standards and our accreditation process. The responsibility of different goals have been delegated to certain units within the Clubhouse with a review of the status of these completed quarterly. We are excited and hopeful that in the future we meet these goals and through our strategic planning we can see our clubhouse being proactive with staff, members and the wider community.
Work in Progress – Horizon Clubhouse Logo
We are all very proud of these amazing artworks and designs which encapsulate the inspiration of each of our wonderful Clubhouses. Congratulations to each Clubhouse worker and member for their efforts.
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Our Vision Imagine a community where mental illness is understood and accepted and mental wellbeing is made possible. Together we can make it happen.
Our Mission
Building community and individual capacity to support and enable people to achieve good mental health and resilience through: • • • •
education, early intervention and prevention
tailored individual and group support programs stigma reduction activities
community engagement and development
Our Values
Good relationships with each other, our partners and the people who need our services Professionalism
Open communication
Accountability
Innovation
by listening, respecting and being honest
through taking responsibility for everything we do
Inclusive and culturally appropriate
Lived experience
by finding out what works best and creating new opportunities
and a strong commitment to responses to professional anyone who uses standards of practice, individually our services and respect for who and collectively they are
of people who have been impacted by mental illness is recognised
Courage
to make decisions that empower others to act and work in the best interests of people who need our services
We would appreciate your feedback on the above Vision, Mission & Values Statement. Please forward your comments to townsville@mifnq.org.au or telephone our office on (07) 4725 3664
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Mental Health First Aid
Philippa Harris / 18 March 2015
FREE Mental Health First Aid Course For Family & Friends Living With Mental Illness
Join our 4 session x 3 hour course, developed to improve mental health awareness of the community and providing useful information and insight for family and friends of people living with mental illness.
Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to provide support for someone with a mental health problem, how to assist them to access professional services and what to do in a crisis situation. What Gets Covered In This Course? Mental Health Action Plan Depression Anxiety Substance Use Disorders Suicide Psychotic Behaviours
Experienced Professional MIFNQ Community Mental Health Trainers When: Session 1: 13th May 2015 Session 2: 14th May 2015 Session 3: 20th May 2015 Session 4: 21st May 2015
Where: Our New Office 59A Cambridge Street, Vincent (Cnr Cambridge & Palmerston Streets)
Start Time:
9.00am to 12.00pm followed by free lunch
Our first Family and Friends First Aid participants with their certificates of completion.
Cost:FREE to family & friends (Includes Manual and Certificate) How to Enrol: Just ring and pass your details to our reception staff, or email us to request a Registration Form, then return the form to MIFNQ by fax or email
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Rufus May Media Release
Supporting MIFNQ
INTERNATIONAL EXPERT LAUNCHES VOICES NETWORK IN QUEENSLAND
HEARING
LIVING & WORKING WITH VOICES can be a difficult journey – and it is one that Dr Rufus May understands well.
Dr. May works as a consultant clinical psychologist in UK’s mental health services. He delivers teaching on hearing voices internationally. His passion for this area is rooted in his own experiences of mental breakdown, psychiatric treatment and recovery in his late teens. Rufus’s work was featured in the channel 4 (UK) documentary, “The Doctor who Hears Voices”, which achieved acclaim and also debate about his creative approaches to supporting recovery. Now a spotlight will be put on the issue in MACKAY and TOWNSVILLE, during the launch of Hearing Voices Qld network with a focus on mental health support and recovery, by a workshop being hosted by Mental Illness Fellowship North Queensland (MIFNQ), Central Queensland University and Hearing Voices Qld. • •
• •
• •
What: Rufus May Presents: Working with voices When: Mackay – 23rd April Townsville -24th April Time: 9.00am-4pm Details: Dave Facer on 0417 104 488 or email david.facer@hearingvoicesqld.org Open to: Professionals, carers, family and friends, individuals Cost: $99 ex GST Concession $60 ex GST
The workshop is titled Dr Rufus May Presents: Living and Working with Voices. There will be a focus on developing Hearing Voices Groups – the first in Australia was set up in 2005, and the network has been growing since then. “Mental health issues are a major challenge in our region, and can hamper a person’s ability to integrate into the community and enjoy a productive and satisfying life,” said Jeremy Audas at MIFNQ.
“Hearing voices can be at the heart of much behaviour which impedes individuals’ opportunities in the region. Our mission at MIFNQ is to transform lives of those living with a mental illness, and as a result we have teamed up with Hearing Voices Qld and CQU to host this launch and workshop.”
Dr Rufus May and David Facer will be facilitating the unique, one-day workshop. It will explore the role of trauma and fear in mental wellbeing, and build understanding of living and working with voices. Rufus last spoke in Australia at the World Hearing Voices Congress held in Melbourne in 2013. “Inviting Dr Rufus May to share his experiences and learnings will help many across our region,” said David Facer, Director of Hearing Voices Qld “This workshop is designed to provide vital tools and education to people who hear voices, are carers or who support a person with mental health issues in their family or friendship circle, as well as professionals in the areas of mental wellbeing, counselling, community services, child care, and clinicians.” Call Lifeline’s 24 hour crisis support 13 11 14 Online counseling available 8AM – midnight www.lifeline.org.au
There are many ways that you can support us and the work we do at MIFNQ. If you haven’t done so already, why not become a member. Membership is free and an application form is on the back page or you can join online at our website.
Volunteering is another way you can make a valuable contribution. We always have lots of opportunities for volunteers to make a difference to our services and programs. You may like to volunteer with administration tasks, assist with our extensive library, are a handyman or assist with our program courses which can range from reading, music, cooking, arts and crafts and a whole lot more. Many of our volunteers find they can receive as much themselves as they generously give.
Partnerships/Sponsors You might also consider becoming a business partner or sponsor of the Fellowship. Our dedicated staff put in many hours of unpaid work to enable us to provide the best service we can in the community. Business partnerships allow us keep the corporate services department running effectively and efficiently while allowing us to plan for future growth and the ever increasing demand for services. And donating to MIFNQ online is easy. Online Donations
You can make secure online donations through the Give Now website through this link www.givenow.com.au/mifnq
Defence Department Invests In Mental Health theaustralian.com.au / 9 March 2015
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Hundreds of millions of dollars will be spent upgrading Defence health facilities and retraining doctors to deal with the scourge of depression and posttraumatic stress disorder in the military.
Amid growing evidence that mental health issues threaten all personnel, not just those who serve in Afghanistan and other conflicts, the Department of Defence is overhauling health services out of recognition that its duty of care extends from enlistment to discharge and beyond.
An Australian study recently published in the European Journal of Pyschotraumatology, and based on Defence data, found 22 per cent of personnel would have met the criteria for a mental disorder in the previous 12 months, the most common being anxiety disorders (14.8 per cent), affective disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder and depression (9.5 per cent) and alcohol disorders (5.2 per cent).
With almost one in four personnel at risk, and researchers finding “deployment status did not have an impact on mental disorder rates”, Defence is undergoing a landmark shift away from the reactionary health model of the past to prevent mental illness where possible and intervene when necessary. Five years after a landmark overhaul of Defence health services, the multidisciplinary clinics at 10 priority sites will now be upgraded at an estimated cost of more than $200 million. Defence will also retrain its mental health professionals to do more thorough risk assessments, ensuring they are alert not only to the prospect of suicide but also members harming themselves or others. A Defence spokesman said the department had spent more than $140m since 2009 on mental health services and support, increasing the workforce, improving policy and training, conducting research and surveillance and rolling out better prevention strategies. In January, The Australian revealed Defence was also reconsidering its opposition to annual mental health screening after experts warned thousands of personnel were being left unchecked for depression, PTSD and suicidal thoughts.
The Australian Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health told Defence that existing screening programs focused on personnel returning from deployment, even though there was conclusive evidence that “deployment in itself is not a risk factor for the development of mental disorder”.
“The vast majority of ADF members who deploy do not report any disorder either before or after deployment, and members deployed to the MEAO (Middle East Area of Operations) reported generally better mental health than the ADF as a whole,” the centre wrote in documents obtained under Freedom of Information laws. “Further, the majority of members who suffer from a mental disorder either have never deployed or develop the disorder prior to deployment.”
‘SELF ADVOCACY WORKSHOP’
2 DAYS and FREE WORK BOOK
Wednesday 22nd & Thursday 23rd April 2015 10am to 4pm
Doin’ It For The Troops Cathy Jackson, The Repat Foundation / 26 February 2015 Please support Australia’s returned Veterans by purchasing a copy of Doin’ It For The Troops. This DVD is only $24.95 + postage which is great value. Every single cent raised goes towards helping our returned Veterans who suffer from PTSD and their families nationally. I’ve put the play list below for you to have a look at so you can see how many wonderful artists came on board for this project. The DVD was completely made from sponsorship money and donor money which is how we are able to give back 100% to our returned Veterans. Doin’ It For The Troops DVD. Narrated by award winning artist Amber Lawrence and with the following play list this is a DVD that everybody would like to own. One hour and 39 minutes of wonderful entertainment. The DVD begins with a live to camera speech from General Peter Cosgrove (Ret’d) – now Governor General of Australia Shout – Performed by Kylie Minogue & John Farnham Shadow Boxer – Performed by the late Doc Neeson Poster Girl – Performed by Beccy Cole By The Light of the Moon – Performed by Chelsea Basham I Still Call Australia Home – Performed by all Artists in East Timor (John Farnham, Kylie Minogue, the late Doc Neeson, Gina Jeffreys, James Blundell, Jack Jones & Rachel Thorne Missing Heroes – Performed by Adam Harvey Lay Down Your Guns – Performed by Jimmy Barnes Jingle Bell Rock – Performed by Kylie Minogue and The Living End The Anzac – Performed by Adam Brand Touch – PerfT Touch - Noiseworks Rockin’ Robin – Performed by Kylie Minogue The Man Across the Street – Performed by Amber Lawrence Battle Scars – Performed by Guy Sebastian featuring Lupe Fiasco Diggers of the Anzac – Performed by John Williamson – this song is used as a backing song to a Montage that includes various artists who have sung to the troops overseas including Diva Demolition, Beccy Cole, Doc Neeson, John Williamson and many more You’re the Voice – Performed by John Farnham, Kylie Minogue, Doc Neeson, Gina Jeffreys & James Blundell Come Back Home – Performed by Dianna Corcoran I’ll See Ya – Performed by Simply Bushed What About Me – Performed by Shannon Noll (only part of the song) – this is Channel 7 News footage of when the troops returned to Townsville in 2008 Dancing With Elvis – Performed by Gina Jeffreys And The Band Played Waltzing Matilda – Performed by Eric Bogle Take a Long Line – Performed by the late Doc Neeson and John Farnham, Kylie Minogue, Gina Jeffreys, James Blundell, Jack Jones and Rachel Thorne Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again – Performed by the late Doc Neeson and the others as listed above There are also live to camera short speeches by Prinnie Stevens, Rear Admiral Ken Doolan (Ret’d), Michael Chugg, Lehmo, The McClymonts and Angry Anderson. Contact The Repat Foundation on 8275 1039 or go to www.therepatfoundation.org.au to order your copy.
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Registrations are Now OPEN for The MHS Conference 2015 “Translating into Reality”
Best
Practice
Join us in Canberra this August as we celebrate 25 years of TheMHS Conferences.
Don’t miss out on the celebrations! There will be a film festival, poster art exhibition, publication of TheMHS Journey over 25 Years and launch of TheMHS Online Resources Library containing proceedings, awards, keynote presentations, conference summaries, blogs, webcasts and more from the past 25 years. In 2015, TheMHS Conference will explore the topic "Translating Best Practice into Reality". Come together in Canberra to be part of the dialogue about best practice. What does it mean in the mental health sector, and how can we translate best practice into effective strategies to help people living with mental health problems?
We are pleased to welcome Pat Corrigan, Joe Parks and Pat Dudgeon as keynote speakers in Canberra. Join us as we discuss what best practice means to you! For more information and to register online go to www.themhs.org Dates: 25 – 28 August 2015
Location: National Convention Centre Canberra
Theme: Translating Practice into Reality
Best
Mental Health Services Crisis Diffused As Federal Government Announces Funding Renewal abc.net.au / 2 April 2015
In a move worth $300 million, mental health services will have their funding renewed for a further 12 months.
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Dr. Rufus May – Living With Voices
Media Release / January 2015
The announcement made today by Health Minister Sussan Ley follows a campaign by Mental Health Australia, after some mental health services began to shut down, unsure of future funding. Hundreds of contracts were due to end on June 30.
Ms Ley said the 12-month extension would allow services to continue to be delivered while work continued on the current Mental Health Review.
Health Minister, Sussan Ley
She said negotiations would commence immediately, with priority placed on frontline services.
"This review will allow Government to form long-term plans to ensure our high-quality mental health services continue to provide the right care, at the right time in the right setting," she said. "However, most people also recognise that to achieve this, improvements need to be made in the way mental health is organised and funded in Australia and it's important this opportunity for positive reform isn't rushed." Ms Ley added that extending existing funding for another 12 months would provide frontline mental health services with clarity and certainty.
Mental Health Australia chief executive Frank Quinlan said the funding extension was a great relief, both for mental health workers and the people they help.
"It's great news for people with mental illness and people who care for them and because it gives us a little more certainty over the coming 12 months," Mr Quinlan said.
He said it also gives the mental health body "an opportunity to sit down with the Mental Health Australia Chief Government and plan the sort of long-term Executive, Frank Quinlan reforms that I think we all agree are necessary in this space".
"We think the $300 million that's been announced today goes a very long way to covering the sorts of concerns we have in the short term," he said.
However, while welcoming the news, he stressed that short-term funding arrangements needed to end. "That sort of uncertainty gives no comfort to people who rely on these services and programs and gives no comfort to the workforce who deliver them." Ms Ley said the Government was committed to working with the mental health sector to deliver effective, efficient and high-quality services. She said the Government was currently working through the findings of the review and it would be released soon.
Dr. Rufus May – Living With Voices – Understanding Voice Hearing, and Promoting Recovery – A Workshop for Mental Health Professionals, Consumers and Carers. Dr Rufus May works as a consultant clinical psychologist in the UK’s mental health services.
Rufus provides training in holistic approaches to recovery for mental health problems including hearing voices, unusual beliefs and extreme mood states. Rufus organises self-help groups and public education meetings about different approaches to emotional wellbeing. His passion for this area is rooted in his own experiences of mental breakdown, psychiatric treatment and recovery in his late teens. Rufus’ work was featured in the channel 4 (UK) documentary, “The Doctor Who Hears Voices”, which achieved acclaim and also debate about his creative approaches to supporting recovery.
When: 9:00am to 4:00pm Friday 24th April 2015 Where: CentralQueensland University NQN House, 524 Flinders Street West, Townsville Cost: $99 ex GST Concession $60 exGST Details: Dave Facer Mobile: 0417 104 488 Email:david.facer@hearingvoicesql d.org Open to: Professionals, carers, family and friends, individuals
Dale’s Story beyondblue.org.au / April 2015
My name is Dale English I'm 69 years of age, turning 70 next year, I'm a person who enjoys a good chat and a lot of fun.
Dale English, advocate Behavioural Therapy - CBT
for
It was 16th of March, 2002, when I was diagnosed with acute clinical depression. My husband and I fought every day and I cried every day for a year.
Cognitive We called in to see my brother
one Saturday afternoon, and I started to cry and I couldn't stop. And he said “You need some sort of help”. And I said, “Well, there's no help available”. And he then suggested a psychiatrist.
That was a very interesting process, she put me on to an antidepressant she said this will take about six weeks to kick in but in the mean time I’d like to talk to you about Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and the CBT has been just wonderful. The biggest thing I discovered was, that I always thought a feeling came first, and then a thought. So I thought that the feelings were creating the way I was thinking, but it wasn't. It was the distorted thinking that was creating the distorted feelings which created distorted reactions. So that was the best thing that I ever learned, in the first place.
After my first visit I wanted to share with my husband rather than keep it all to myself, and I'm glad I did. I changed a lot of things I used to do in my life and the way in which I did them. I moved house from the perfect show home, into a 20year-old timber house. It wasn't perfect, so I didn't have to strive to keep it perfect.
I gave up golf. I played for 35 years, I don't play at all now, I don't even belong to a golf club. But the reason I did was it was a concrete way of saying, “I'm good” because there's the scorecard that says, “You have had a par round”. And that worked for me for so long and the perfectionism did. But it, it wasn't enough really because it didn't really make me happy. Because I'd given up golf, I needed to get outside and do something, and I kept looking out the window at them playing croquet just across the road from us, I thought, “Now, I should try that”. And so I did. I just love my croquet because I can laugh if I've had a bad shot, I can laugh. My talking circles, of course, is the other thing that's been wonderful. I belong to a group of about 20, who talk about a lot of different topics which we research. It's not an opinion group. It's a talking circle. People think we sit in a circle, but it isn’t, the topic goes around because they're sort of topics that can't be resolved, so that’s been very good for me.
Older people have a lot of difficulty with recognising depression because some of them come from war time and post-war, in which case they needed to be very strong and couldn't show weakness. But it's not a weakness of character. It is an illness.
I really think the first place to go is to your doctor. If you're not happy with that, beyondblue is there for you and for everybody, and they have a website, they have a toll-free number, it’s all there for you. So do it.
I often reflect with my husband on what life was like before and what life is like now, and for me, there's absolutely no comparison. But how it is now is wonderful. I have 20 years left and I want them to be the best they possibly can be. And with happiness and contentment and good mental health. I think I’m going to have a great time.
The bunch of friends I have now are better than I've had all my life and some of them do go back 50 years. I can only impress upon people that what's out there now since the early '80’s is so much better than anything anybody ever told you about before that. So look for the help because it is there and it's wonderful.
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National White Wreath Day 29th May 2015
whitewreath.com / 2 April 2015
In remembrance of all victims of suicide National White Wreath Day is held by the White Wreath Association on May 29 in remembrance of all suicide victims. Services are held nationally to commemorate this important event. Thousands of white wreaths are laid in remembrance of each individual who has died tragically by suicide circumstances.
We have to come to terms with the trauma of thousands of men, women and children suiciding every year. The hurt felt by those left behind by these tragedies is no less traumatic than other kinds of medical and social tragedies; yet society’s response and the help offered is vastly different. It seems that most people do not care or understand that the families and friends of suicide victims are just as deserving of understanding and respect. White Wreath has been creating an awareness in the wider community on misconceptions about suicide/mental illness and the lack of appropriate treatment readily available to people who feel suicidal. How to get involved?
On White Wreath Day on May 29 we invite people who have lost loved ones or close friends by the tragic means of suicide to lay wreaths and include photographs, flowers, poems and sentimental memorabilia to honour their loved ones. White wreaths and tags will be available at the services in your state.
Visit the White Wreath website, www.whitewreath.com or email white.wreath@bigpond.com if you wish to make a donation.
Comment: 'I Can Cope' or 'Just Snap Out Of It' Not The Key To Mental Wellbeing sbs.com.au/news / 25 February 2015
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Art Therapy Building Confidence
abc.net.au / 12 March 2015
In a move away from traditional medical treatments for psychiatric patients, pencils and paintbrushes are becoming the new drug for patients at Bawu Living Skills Centre in Cairns. Among the many activities on the weekly timetable, clients enjoy two-hour art therapy sessions with a qualified art teacher every Wednesday.
Anxiety is a mental health issue, not a personality trait - and we need more people to understand and acknowledge that.
Beyondblue recently released data that shows just half the Australian population knows anxiety is not part of someone’s personality; and only 60 per cent understand anxiety is not just stress. And that makes me, well, anxious. Because that’s a lot of people who’ve got a very wrong idea. Speaking of lots of people, Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows 26 per cent of people experience an anxiety condition in their lives, with nearly 3 million currently experiencing an anxiety disorder, making it more common than depression. To put that in perspective, 2.83 million people watched the AFL Grand Final which was the highest rating TV show in Australia last year. This isn’t an isolated problem. But one of the most insidious things about mental health problems is how isolating they are. They have a terrible way of cutting you off from other people at a time when you need understanding and support so very much. And I get it. If you’re the friend or partner or colleague of someone with anxiety, it’s frustrating to have to deal with their getting stressed for seemingly irrational reasons. Anxiety is tiring to deal with. Believe me, it’s even more tiring when you’re the one suffering. Imagine being on tenterhooks, lightheaded but leaden with dread, stomach full of butterflies erupting in waves of nausea, tingling in your limbs and an inability to sit still for even a moment. And those are just some of the possible symptoms. When it wears off, it feels how I imagine it would be to have gone ten rounds with Muhammed Ali after running an ultramarathon. (I say imagine, because I’ve never actually been in a boxing ring or jogged anything longer than a fun run.) What I do know is that that some days I battle anxiety, but I’m not an anxious person. I have no fear of speaking in public nor traveling alone in foreign countries. I’ve thrived working in the pressure cooker of ministerial offices and newsrooms, and had the time of my life jumping out of planes and abseiling down cliff faces. Certain situations, though, cause me more worry than they should. And so I’ve learned how to manage this through exercise and meditation and reaching out for support when I need it. Different tactics and treatments work for different people, but the principle is essentially the same as how an asthmatic might take medication, identify and avoid their triggers, and take up exercise to increase their lung capacity (an approach that worked remarkably well for one Kieren Perkins).
Clinical nurse Chris Holland said the free art therapy classes were popular with clients because of their informal nature and group focus.
"For a lot of them, since having their first episode of psychosis, it's been hard for them to try and integrate back into the community," Mr Holland said. "Some of them might suffer from a lack of motivation or sometimes paranoia. "Being able to come down here and make friendships with other people with mental illnesses is really positive for them." Clients are able to express themselves through various art forms which Mr Holland said gives them the chance to relax and take their mind off the pressures of everyday life.
"Sometimes it's just about thinking about something different for a while and then walking away fresh and with a different perspective," he said. Sarah Deron said the art classes had given her confidence and she hoped to enrol in an art class at TAFE in the near future. "I have bipolar and I find the classes slow down the mind," Ms Deron said. "It's very beneficial for my depression.
Canberra Student Tomasina Purcell Helps Teens With Mental Health Issues canberratimes.com.au / 5 April 2015
Tomasina Purcell was just nine years old when she began worrying excessively about the inevitability that she and her loved ones would eventually die. These obsessive thoughts consumed her until she had no energy to care at all. "I was just so exhausted of being so scared, so the mindset became 'I just Nursing student Tomasina Purcell, don't care if I die'," said Miss Purcell, who is in her final year of studying nursing. Miss Purcell also began struggling with an eating disorder where she would uncontrollably indulge in food until she felt ill and then over-exercise until the guilt subsided momentarily. This vicious cycle, the anxiety and her overall sadness was a "recipe for chaos", she said. "My options were either I go into a doctor and I talk to someone, or I die," she said. She was 15 years old when she went to see a doctor and said she just sat there and cried. She was diagnosed with anxiety and depression, but said she felt better after speaking to a professional. She assumed her recovery would be speedy and "sky-high". But she soon began viewing her journey as ongoing rather than secular, and that is how the past six years have been for her. "I think often within our society there is the belief that happiness should be a given and it's not, it's a mindset," Miss Purcell said. "You have to work for happiness. When you constantly strive to be happy, you forget to be happy in those moments. But when you strive to be grateful, happiness just follows naturally." She had been on various medications and seen several psychologists. Now aged 21, Miss Purcell is in her final year of nursing, soon to specialise in mental health. Although she is in a good place right now, she stills struggles with anxiety. Despite this, Miss Purcell has taken on the brave and inspirational challenge of visiting Canberra high schools to share her story and raise awareness of mental health, with the aim of destigmatising mental illness. "Had I had someone quite relatable come in and speak to me at a younger age, maybe those habits could have been broken," she said. One stereotype Miss Purcell was passionate about changing, particularly among young people, was that people suffering from depression were weak. "I've worked in hospital with people who can't walk, who just have nothing and I think I need to be so much more grateful for what I have. But I remind myself that this is something I really struggle with and I'm allowed to admit that," she said. Miss Purcell was also determined to change the idea of people being defined by their illnesses. "No, 'John' is not a schizophrenic. No, John has schizophrenia, he is still a person," she said. After speaking to the year 11 students at Merici College, one student approached Miss Purcell and told her that the presentation saved her life. "I realised then, that this is what I'm here to do," Miss Purcell said. "This is the purpose of my life." Lifeline 13 11 14. For more information about anxiety and depression, go to youthbeyondblue.com.
Page 18 of 24
A Poem: Just One
Author Unknown 2014
One song can spark a moment,
One flower can wake the dream
One tree can start a forest,
One bird can herald spring.
One smile begins a friendship, One handclasp lifts a soul.
One star can guide a ship at sea,
One word can frame the goal
One vote can change a nation, One sunbeam lights a room One candle wipes out darkness,
One laugh will conquer gloom.
One step must start each journey.
One word must start each prayer. One hope will raise our spirits,
One touch can show you care. One voice can speak with wisdom,
One heart can know what's true, One life can make a difference,
You see, it's up to you!
Mood Food: Mediterranean Diet Linked to Better Mental Health
Page 19 of 24
Mental Health First Aid Training
newsboost.com/newsroom / 10 March 2015
University of South Australia researchers have discovered that a traditional Mediterranean style diet may do more than improve physical health; it may also improve the life quality of people with depression. Preliminary results of research conducted by the Healthy Eating for Life with a Mediterranean Diet (HELFIMED) team have found that those who adhered more highly to a Mediterranean diet were happier and reported an improved quality of life compared to those who had poorer dietary scores. A total of 82 adults with depression, aged between 18-65, took part in the study, with mental health and quality of life assessed using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS), Positive and Negative Affect Scale (PANAS), with Mediterranean diet adherence measured through a 14-item questionnaire. The results indicate that dietary intervention may improve mental health and lead researcher, Natalie Parletta, says that HELFIMED is now seeking more volunteers to further examine the ability of diet combined with fish oil supplementation to improve mental health. “Depression is a leading cause of disability-adjusted life years, and is predicted to be a top contributor to global burdens of disease by 2030,” Dr Parletta says. “Emerging evidence now suggests that a Mediterranean style diet may be beneficial for improving depression and mental health. Omega 3 fatty acids are highly concentrated in the brain and previous research has suggested they may play a role in maintaining or improving mental health and stability.” Preliminary outcomes of the research follow a recent news article on the Huffingtonpost website, which states that for the first time a report by a task force advising on new dietary guidelines, commissioned by the U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Agriculture (USDA), has included a point considering the possible role of diet in mental health outcomes. “There is a high overlap between heart disease and depression – and these are leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. If we can show that diet and nutrition can improve mental health this has wide reaching implications for empowering people to improve their quality of life and reducing the massive burden of disease,” Dr Parletta says. A Mediterranean diet consists of primarily plant-based foods such as vegetables, legumes, fruit, nuts, seeds and olives, extra virgin olive oil as the main dietary fat and fish, with moderate red wine intake and low consumption of processed food, confectionary and red meat. The researchers are now looking for volunteers aged 18-65 in Adelaide who have depression, to investigate this further. For more information please call (08) 8302 1365 or email: sansom.researchvolunteers@unisa.edu.au, or visit the website: http://helfimed.org/moodstudy
information Australia here:
The Mental Health First Aid Program is run by Mental Health First AidTM (MHFA) Australia, a national nonprofit health promotion charity focused on training and research. More about MHFA
www.mhfa.com.au
Standard Mental Health First Aid covers the most common disorders such as depression, anxiety, psychotic disorders and alcohol and drug problems. As well as the development of a 5step action plan for health first aid, managing suicide, panic attacks, psychotic behaviour and general behaviour. 2015 Dates:
24th & 25th June 2015
26th & 27th August 2015 25th & 26th November 2015 Training Location: MIFNQ Office 59A Cambridge Street Vincent, Townsville
Duration: 2 days
Cost: $100 per person
Registration Forms available online at:
http://www.mifa.org.au/mentalhealth-first-aid
To find out more contact our Qld Manager Education and Training, Philippa Harris on 4725 3664, or email training@mifnq.org.au.
6 Tips to Help Live A Balanced Life With Mental Illness huffingtonpost.com / 23 March 2015
Living a balanced life is difficult for most people, but it is not impossible. Living a balanced life with a mental illness presents challenges that the "normal" (notice I used quotations) people of this world would not understand in a practical sense. The balanced life, according to scholars, theologians, monks, and people who have clout on these things, involve meditation and taking time for yourself, and guess what. They're right! Know that I am not coming from a place of transcendental hippie love and peace or smoking some joint with unspecified contents. I am coming from a place of experiencing a truth of having survived by finding my own balance in the chaotic megalithic diabolical paradigm of severe mental illness that had to be mastered from within with copious amounts of anti-psychotic medicine. As I have travelled throughout this nation talking to people with severe mental illness and how they have overcome it, specifically schizophrenia with my work on the Board of Directors of SARDAA (Schizophrenia And Related Disorders Alliance of America) I have come to understand a few truths about how we've all overcome our own mental processes. #1: Meditate One of the most powerful processes I've found in my mental health recovery was meditation. I did not begin to fight back the delusions, racing thoughts, and maladaptive thoughts until I found meditation. You don't have to do it every day, but every week will empower you. #2: Know that mental illness is not your fault. Knowing that mental illness is not your fault, your family's, or some religious condemnation is the first step to begin to overcome the mental processes taking place in your life. Read about the illness and undertake an investigative measure to understand it. #3: Validate yourself Validating yourself as a person who has good intent in the world is a worthwhile step. You have good intent and you know it. Don't let your faults or failures get in the way of whom you are. #4: Choose when to validate your thoughts Choosing when to validate your thoughts becomes an amazing ability when you've dealt with severe mental illness for a period of time. If you're going through a rough patch with some serious maladaptive thoughts you must figure out when, how, and why you allow some thoughts to be validated and others not. Choose to validate the thoughts that make the most logical sense. Do not validate thoughts that are in the moment or lack awareness of a situation. This is the most difficult tip and takes practice. #5: Surround yourself with like-minded people Surrounding yourself with likeminded people will make all the difference in the world. I'm not saying you have to surround yourself with other people in mental health recovery, but just people with a balanced approach to life who values your opinions, thoughts, and beliefs. #6: Get out of the house I did not learn this one for many years, but get out of the house! Since January I've been going to concerts and have seen Dancing With The Stars, Sarah McLachlan, John Edwards, and have been to the cliff dwellings in New Mexico. It was all amazing and helped balance my life. Get out of the house!
Book Review
Page 20 of 24
Margaret Sleeman / 31 March 2015
This book exposes the real issues behind mental illness and provides real-life solutions that work. Based on the extensive experience, insight and wisdom of people diagnosed with a mental illness solutions are revealed, on a personal level, on how to handle signs and symptoms, on how to deal with memories of childhood abuse, on how to conquer the urge to commit suicide, on how to develop a positive opinion of oneself, on how to manage relationships with other people including health services, on how to find meaning in life, to ultimately reaching a point of inner peace and life satisfaction. Even more importantly, real-life solutions are given for how society needs to change so that people with a mental illness are treated with justice and are provided with effective help. Disempowerment is at the core of the real issues behind mental illness and empowerment fundamental to their resolution. Therefore, surprisingly, it was found that these real-life solutions are best implemented using the framework of a mental health rights movement with empowerment as its central message. Other civil rights movements already used successfully by other groups of people are examined. It is established that a mental health rights movement has the capacity to permanently counter the profound disempowerment suffered by people with a mental illness and will lastingly improve their lives. With ever increasing numbers of people diagnosed with a mental illness and with no effectual answers in sight, finding real-life solutions that work becomes urgent. What you can do as a family member, health professional, government agency and as a member of the general population is detailed. Available as an ww.amazon.com
E-Book
from
Calendar of Events – APRIL & MAY 2015
APRIL 2015 – CALENDAR OF EVENTS
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AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH – Go Blue for Autism this month - autismqld.com.au/goblueforautism SUNDAY
5
MONDAY
Easter Sunday
12
19
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
1
2
World Autism Awareness Day
FRIDAY 3
Good Friday
SATURDAY 4 Easter Saturday
6 Easter Monday
7
8
9
10
11 World Parkinson’s Day
13
14
15
16 Youth Mental Health First Aid Evening Course
17 Live Well Forum
18
24
25 Anzac Day
20
26
TUESDAY
27
5:30pm-9:00pm
21
22 Earth Day
23
28
Self Advocacy Workshop, Townsville 29
30
Self Advocacy Workshop, Townsville
JCU Townsville 9:30am – 12:30pm
Pay It Forward Day
MAY 2015 – CALENDAR OF EVENTS MIRACLE MONTH OF MAY – Awareness for premature and sick newborn babies – miraclebabies.org.au SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY 1
3 World Press Freedom Day
4
5
Media freedom for a better future. www.un.org
6 International No Diet Day
Starlight Day
8
9
16 Deadly Families Fun Day – Pioneer Park, Townsville 23 World Turtle Day
Against Eating Disorders
11
12 International Nurses Day
13
14
15 International Day Of Families
17
18
19
20
21
22
25 World Thyroid Day
26 National Sorry Day
27
28 Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea
29 National White Wreath Day
24
2
7
10 Mother’s Day
RSPCA Million Paws Walk
SATURDAY
tortoise.com
30
31 World No Tobacco Day
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Coffee Break A S N U S G N I S I R T N E A U B D
B L U R J P Q J S J P K P C J Q A V
Y A K O T A B W B U J S W N T O I S
P D D S R D U M O E H X L A S N L D
P E I E H E T W S C W E L R O S O E
ANZAC Army Australian Bugle Call Corps
O M G M N M T N V I O K A B P N P F
P J G A E K T I G V N U C M T A I Y
M K E R W T E D N R P P E E S R L U
P C R Y Z X G A Y E J S L M A E L Q
Gallipoli Last Post Lest We Forget Medals New Zealand
Anzac Biscuits
H F X A E X R R R S M S G E L T A H
T S X N A Z O M R J K Z U R X E G E
A P X Z L J F Y O S M D B I E V Y X
Rising Sun Rosemary Service Solider Two Up
E R I A A X E V R Q N X N M Q B G Y
R O Y C N G W R N A I L A R T S U A
W C I Q D Q T H W P Q M I E P S K P
E C I V R E S N W A D R T N O M F D
J U Q A V W E A U E R C W J J S Y B
G I H W A U L L T S O L I D E R N A
Dawn Service Digger Poppy Remembrance Veterans awm.gov.au/blog/2008/04/22/anzac-biscuits/
Every year, as Anzac Day approaches, people become curious about Anzac biscuits. Maybe it's because the thought of them is a delectable relief to the sombreness of that day and all that it represents. But it is easy to make mistakes about Anzac biscuits, strangely enough. The biscuit that most of us know as the Anzac biscuit is a sweet biscuit made from rolled oats and golden syrup. These must not be confused with that staple of soldiers' and sailors' rations for centuries, the hardtack biscuit. To deal with these rather unpalatable objects first, hardtack biscuits are a nutritional substitute for bread, but unlike bread they do not go mouldy. And also unlike bread, they are very, very hard. On Gallipoli, where the supply of Four artillery drivers stopped for lunch fresh food and water was often difficult to maintain, hardtack biscuits became notorious. So closely have they been identified with the whole Gallipoli experience that they are sometimes known Anzac tiles or Anzac wafer biscuits. Hence the confusion with the sweet biscuit. There is actually nothing wafer-like about hardtack biscuits. Soldiers often devised ingenious methods to make them easier to eat. A kind of porridge could be made by grating them and adding water. Or biscuits could be soaked in water and, with jam added, baked over a fire into "jam tarts". Not at all like Mum used to make, but better than nothing.
A Favourite Anzac Biscuit Recipe
1 cup rolled oats 1 cup plain flour 1 cup sugar 3/4 (three-quarters) cup coconut 125g (4 oz) butter 2 tablespoons golden syrup ½ (half) teaspoon bicarbonate of soda 1 tablespoon boiling water Combine oats, sifted flour, sugar and coconut. Combine butter and golden syrup, stir over gentle heat until melted. Mix soda with boiling water, add to melted butter mixture, stir into dry ingredients. Take teaspoonfuls of mixture and place on lightly greased oven trays; allow room for spreading. Cook in slow oven (150°C or 300°F) for 20 minutes. Loosen while still warm, then cool on trays. Makes about 35.
Mi Networks AUSTRALIA
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Mi Networks is our promise that we can help connect you to information and services you need. From the moment you walk in the door or pick up the phone, we will welcome you. We will listen and discuss your needs. Many of our staff and volunteers have some understanding of what you are experiencing, in part because they’ve experienced mental illness or have cared for someone living with mental illness. Our Promise
A place you are welcome -- We promise to treat you like a person, not a number. We will always have time to listen, question and discuss. We want to know how you are, what you need and how we can help.
Peer Support -- Many of our staff and volunteers have lived experience: either living with mental illness or as the carers of someone with mental illness. We are people with similar experiences and we will have some understanding of what you are going through.
Relevant Information -- We offer tailored and up-to-date information to assist you, your family members, friends and carers. If we don’t have the information you require, we will help you find it.
Community Networks--We are linked into our local networks and have established strong and supportive working relationships with other services. We are connected to a broad range of programs, supports and information.
A National Network --We offer a range of one-on-one and group support programs for you, your family members, friends and carers across Australia. If we can’t assist you on-site at one of our locations, we will connect you with someone who can.
Personalised Referral -- We will refer you to the services and supports that best meet your needs. This may be a program we offer or it may be provided by someone else. We will support you to find the best fit for you. For further information go to the MiNetworks website or call 1800 985 944
Mental Illness Fellowship NQ Inc MIFNQ-Cairns Mental Health Carers’ Support Hub MIFNQ-Day To Day Living MIFNQInc @CairnsCarersHub @MIFNQ @Roads2Recovery MIFNQInc
www.mifnq.org.au Townsville has an extensive collection of books, DVD’s and CDs, for members to borrow. Feel free to come in and browse around. Library Hours: Monday – Friday 9:00am to 4:00pm
Membership Application Form
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I would like to become a member of Mental Illness Fellowship NQ Inc.
Individual
Family
Organization
Please select the category/categories which relate to you:
Family Member Health Professional
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Someone who experiences mental illness Other _____________________________
What Program/s are you current enrolled in (if any):
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DONATIONS AND REQUESTS I wish to support the work of the Fellowship and I enclose a donation of:
$100 $50 $25 Other ____________________________________ Please contact me about a regular contribution I wish to donate in other ways…. __________________________________________________ Please contact me with information about helping the Fellowship through my Will YOUR DETAILS Name: ___________________________________________________________________________ Address: _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ Phone Home: _____________________________
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Email: ____________________________________________________________________________ Email Consent (please sign) ____________________________________________________________ (This consent allows MIFNQ to contact you via electronic media) Image Consent (please sign) ___________________________________________________________ (This consent allows MIFNQ to use your image on print and/or electronic media)
On completion return to: Email:
townsville@mifnq.org.au
Doc ID: MNQ002
Version: 1.10
Fax: (07) 4725 3819
Approved by: Chief Executive Officer
Post: Membership Administration Mental Illness Fellowship NQ Inc PO Box 979 HYDE PARK QLD 4812 Effective date: 16/01/2014
Review date: 16/01/2015
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The Master document is controlled electronically. One printed copy of each version is held for reference in the Quality Management System Master Document File. All other hard copies are uncontrolled.