Issue: DECEMBER 2013
Mental Illness Fellowship NQ Inc
Mental Health and Discrimination in Insurance, Do You Have a Story?
mhca.org.au / 21 Aug 13
In Australia, people with an experience of mental illness may not be able to access insurance in the same way as the rest of the population. A prior history of mental illness can mean that someone is denied insurance cover, asked to pay a higher premium, or has their claim rejected. This is particularly the case in relation to travel insurance, life insurance, total and permanent disability insurance and income protection insurance. For the past ten years, beyondblue and the Mental Health Council of Australia (MHCA) have been working hard to encourage the insurance industry to change their policies and practices to improve access to insurance for people who have experienced mental illness. Unfortunately, change has been slow to happen, and we need to do more to get a fair deal for people who experience mental illness. beyondblue and the MHCA are now building an awareness and advocacy campaign, and need your support. How insurance companies potentially discriminate against people with mental illness Generally, under state and federal anti-discrimination legislation, insurance companies can legally discriminate against someone with a disability if their actions are reasonable, having regard to actuarial or statistical data on which it is reasonable to rely. At federal level and in some states if there is no such actuarial or statistical data, insurers can rely on ‘other relevant factors’, which may be particular to the individual. These factors could include medical opinion, opinions from other professional groups, actuarial opinion and commercial judgment. Unfortunately, beyondblue and the MHCA regularly hear stories from people which suggest that insurance companies are not using the right data or considering the full range of relevant factors in dealing with people who disclose an experience with mental illness. continued on page 2
ARE YOU CYCLONE READY? Check out our Cyclone Preparedness section on page 10 for checklist, tips and tricks and other important information. Make sure you and your family are ready this season!
MIFNQ Holiday Closure Please note that MIFNQ Corporate Services will be closed from the end of business on Friday, December 20th 2013 and will reopen at 9am on Monday, January 6th 2014.
From all of us at MIFNQ, have a wonderful Christmas and a very Happy New Year!
159 Kings Road Pimlico QLD 4812 PO Box 979 Hyde Park QLD 4812 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.
Page 2 of 20 Continued from previous page For example: A history of one mental illness can mean that people are refused insurance for another, unrelated mental illness. It is hard to imagine someone with a history of (say) stomach problems being excluded from cover associated with a broken leg, yet insurers regularly treat people with mental illness in ways that would be unacceptable for people with physical ailments.
A person who has a history of depression may be refused increased coverage for an income protection insurance policy, even though they have never taken a day off work because of their mental illness, and have a doctor’s opinion stating that their mental illness will not impact on their performance at work. ♦ Policy wording commonly refers to symptoms of and risk factors for mental illness (e.g. ‘stress’, ‘insomnia’) as substitutes for mental illness. ♦ Insurers have been known to attribute a mental illness to a person in the absence of a diagnosis, such as when someone has seen a counsellor or psychologist. These kinds of practices demonstrate a basic misunderstanding of mental illness on the part of the insurance industry and we think it is unlikely that there is reliable statistical evidence to support them. However, the commercial nature of actuarial judgments (decisions made by the insurance company about the risks posed by people in different categories) means the data is not accessible, which makes it hard to determine whether insurers are using data upon which it is reasonable for them to rely. Many people also report that insurers have not considered their personal circumstances when assessing applications and claims. In our experience, this suggests that ‘other relevant factors’, such as the type of illness, its severity, the individual’s treatment or recovery plan and/or effects on income-earning capacity, are often not taken into account in such decisions. Some of the practices of the insurance industry contradict their stated policies or protocols. While insurers might assert that they do not reject applicants or claimants solely on the basis of having a mental illness, in our opinion the experiences of individual people demonstrate that such discrimination is common. What can we do about it? beyondblue and the MHCA believe that much needs to be done to ensure that people with a mental illness can enjoy fair access to the insurance market. For example: ♦ An independent study on the data that the insurance industry currently holds about the risks associated with mental illness for different kinds of insurance ♦ Training for insurance workers so they can deal effectively with people who disclose a mental health issue and assess risk appropriately ♦ A guide to insurance policies for people with a mental illness that are mental health-friendly ♦ Changing underwriting practices to reflect a more accurate understanding of mental illness ♦ Removing inaccurate and misguided clauses relating to mental illness in insurance policy documents While these are all important, the most important thing in achieving change right now is for as many people as possible to come forward and tell their stories about ways in which insurance companies may have discriminated against them because of their experience of mental illness. To read the full article or for more information, visit www.mhca.org.au ♦
Where to Go for Help Kids Helpline
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Contact Us Email: livingproof@mifnq.org.au Facebook: Living Proof – Positive Stories of Mental Illness
Twitter: LivingProofQLD Phone: 1800 455 455
Townsville Philippa Harris, Queensland Education & Training Manager P: 07 4725 3664 Street Address: 159 Kings Road, PIMLICO Q 4812 Postal Address: PO Box 979 HYDE PARK Q 4812
Regional Queensland Alison Fairleigh, Rural Coordinator P: 07 4725 3664 E: AFairleigh@mifnq.org.au
Sunshine Coast Judy Kiellerup, Regional Coordinator (SQ) P: 07 5442 1651 Postal Address: PO Box 5080 NAMBOUR Q 4560
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Choir of Unheard Impress in Brisbane
Voices
The choir of Unheard Voices recently travelled to Brisbane where they delighted the audience at "A Place to Belong Conference". The Choir was invited to sing at the opening of the conference and to run a workshop on How to Run a Choir for People with a Mental Illness. The hands-on workshop was run by members of the choir and was an incredible experience for all. An encore performance was requested with the Choir being asked to close the concert with song. The group recently launched a Book and DVD called "The Best is Yet to Come" and was on sale at the conference. The book is a collection of personal stories, and recalls the five year journey of the choir. It also has a DVD with it that highlights the journey of the choir. It is available for purchase from us for $20.00 and the funds raised will keep the choir continuing to bring their love of singing and the belief in the healing power of song to others. To purchase the book & DVD call 4951 2955 to arrange your copy from Margie Ward. Here is a sample story from the book: How did it all begin….. Margie Ward and Wayne Freemantle selling the Book at the recent Conference.
Music is the key – it gives us the voice, the courage, the confidence to be heard.... It gives us a place to belong…
Five years ago I was asked to teach a group of people to sing. Not just any group of people, but a group of people who all experience mental illness and had all become secluded. I think the word ‘comatose’ was used to describe them. I had at that stage no experience or association with the people who had been given such a label. But I loved a challenge, and more than anything, I was passionate about singing. My belief in the healing power of song drove me to just do it. I began the journey as an outside, coming in to bring my positivity and love of song to those who had virtually lost their voice. I wanted more than anything to give them the opportunity to experience the freedom and empowerment of singing. In the beginning it was difficult with each of us learning. We had to develop trust and understanding in what I was doing. Eventually the confidence in what the participants were learning and beginning to achieve, created the sound of singing. Many hours and hours of singing, breathing, learning words, notes, sounds, songs and learning to be near and around, close and inside the safe space of others let us to finally have a ‘Choir’. The choir form, and songs began to take shape and member’s voices began to fill the air with recognizable sounds. Margie Ward
In this Edition Mental Health and Discrimination in Insurance, Do You Have a Story?........................... 1 Choir of Unheard Voices Impress in Brisbane......................................... 3 CEO’s Update .................................... 4 Committee Chatter ......................... 5 Virtually Here ................................... 6 Hearing Voices Congress ............. 7 Champions of the Cairns Clubhouse Recruited...................... 8 Using Technology to Save Young Indigenous Lives.............................. 9 Are You Cyclone Ready? Get Yourself Prepared! .......................10 Be Active for Your Mental Health ................................................12 Calendar of Events – December 2013 & January 2014 ..................13 Biggest Cause of Anxiety, Depression: Traumatic Life Events ................................................14 OECD Snapshot ranks Australia second in world in antidepressant prescriptions ...........15 Beyond Blue says skipping a lunch break puts mental health at risk .................................................16 Eating Disorders Among Men May Be More Common ...............17 Coffee Break ....................................18 Mi Networks AUSTRALIA ..........19 MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION FORM..................................................20
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CEO’s Update As we draw closer to the end of 2013 I want to reflect on MIFNQ’s activities over the last 12 months and look at the potential for the Fellowship in 2014. We have certainly had a year of uncertainty! From changes to State government funding, to the ongoing saga of the new building and to the unknowns around the National Disability Insurance Scheme and how this will address the needs of people with a mental illness and their families. Yet throughout the year there has been a pervading feeling of optimism as MIFNQ develops its strategies to deal with these uncertainties. For me the strengthening of MIFNQs’ internal process and systems including our information technology upgrade and the ability for MIFNQ to respond flexibly to external forces have been important. Externally our strengthening relationship with the Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia and our partners across the state have been obvious signs of an organisation on the ascendancy. Some wonderful things have been happening including the growth and development of our Living Proof program which is now a flagship early intervention strategy creating positivity wherever it is delivered. The excellent work occurring in rural and remote areas and the formation of partnerships to deliver wellbeing workshops in rural areas across the state have really made a difference to many people. Our three Clubhouse initiatives are progressing in different ways but with a common goal and Townsville members recently viewed potential Clubhouse premises. Seed funding for the Cairns Clubhouse has been confirmed by Warren Entsch, MP, Member for Leichardt, who has been a strong and committed force behind the refunding of the Hub as well as seed funding for the establishment of the Cairns Clubhouse. In Mackay we are still moving towards alternative premises that will be better suited to Clubhouse. Recently we received the good news that the Cairns Mental Health Carers Hub would be refunded by the Commonwealth Government. This is a huge relief to all those carers and family members who will continue to benefit from the quality services our mental health professionals deliver. My thanks to all who supported MIFNQ in its bid for ongoing funding for the Carers Hub, without your support this would not have happened. MIFNQ staff continue to avail themselves of professional development and training activities that ensure our programs and activities are delivered to the highest standard. Our corporate services area that resources and supports service delivery has been restructured to provide improvements to our internal support to staff. Financially, despite funding shortfalls and the tenuous nature of government funding, we continue to operate as a viable and sustainable organisation. The management committee of MIFNQ has recruited two new members, both from Cairns- Karyn Weller and Bruce Rampton- and we said goodbye to Sandi Winner from Mackay who has served us well for several years. Donella Pickles, our consumer representative on the management committee has also stepped down after many years of participation in the governance of the Fellowship. However we are still seeking new committee members, particularly from the Mackay area as we need to have a committee that is representative of the regions in which we operate. Finally, I would like to wish everyone: MIFNQ staff, members, participants, volunteers, our sector partners and management committee members a safe and peaceful Christmas and New Year. We look forward to another challenging and rewarding year in 2014 knowing that we are creating a better place for people with a mental illness, carers, family and friends.
Jeremy Audas Chief Executive Officer
Jeremy Audas, CEO
MIFNQ Office Locations TOWNSVILLE (Head Office) 159 Kings Rd, Pimlico Q 4812 PO Box 979 Hyde Park Q 4812 P: (07) 4725 3664 F: (07) 4725 3819 E: townsville@mifnq.org.au FREE CALL: 1800 455 455
MACKAY 14-16 Wood St, Mackay Q 4740 PO Box 729 Mackay Q 4740 P: (07) 4041 2543 P: (07) 4951 2955 F: (07) 4953 0509 E: mackay@mifnq.org.au
CAIRNS Suite 7,129a Lake St, Cairns Q 4870 PO Box 816N Cairns Q 4870 F: (07) 4041 2872 E: cairns@mifnq.org.au
SUNSHINE COAST Living Proof PO Box 5080 Nambour Q 4560 P: (07) 5442 1651 F: (07) 5442 1651 E: coolum@mifnq.org.au
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Committee Chatter We at the Fellowship wonder at times whether the governments realise the importance of maintaining and expanding our much needed services. We hear the language of waste and efficiency, and talk of balancing budgets. We know all too well about efficiency and budgets. But what about the importance of balancing our society – of meeting the needs of everyone, even at the expense of others whose needs are less and means are greater? We have verbal, but not written confirmation of some of next year’s funding for services, old and new. We await the formal letters and try to keep our organisation strong without the absolute certainty needed to plan, to employ and to spend and deliver our programs. In his CEO’s column for this publication, Jeremy advises that he has received the strongest verbal assurances of funding, from the politicians most passionate about what we do, that these assurances will be confirmed. We do not doubt the support of individual politicians, but still await outcomes from governments. I might sound pessimistic. I feel we have done all we can to influence those outside our little Fellowship – those whose decisions ultimately determine what funding is available to us to use for what purposes. Perhaps Christmas will lighten my mind. I am confident that together, with Jeremy’s leadership, we can guide our Fellowship through these troubled times. I know that we have done all we can within the Fellowship to be prepared for the challenges that 2014 holds for us – both known challenges and those that have yet to arise. We have made progress towards allowing those two wonderful stalwarts of our Fellowship to gently reduce their involvement [but not end it!] so that they might get on with other aspects of their lives. I write here of course about Philippa Harris and Barbara Anderson. We cannot imagine the Fellowship without them, so we will beg them to continue in different, reduced roles as we develop and grow our services. We have also sought and recruited new members of our Management Committee, both to replace those leaving, and to add to our range of skills and knowledge. We lose Tanya Parks, Donella Pickles and Sandi Winner, though we will keep in touch with these wonderful people. They still have more contributions to make. We welcome Karyn Weller and Bruce Rampton to our group, and appreciate what they bring to our board table. And we still seek others to keep our group growing stronger in these difficult and demanding times. We hope for a more caring environment to re-emerge in the new year – from governments, the media and the community at large. We hope that this will result in greater certainty of funding so we can continue to reach out more into our communities. May all of you Fellowship people have a safe and peaceful Christmas and New Year break, surrounded by the love of family and friends, and comforted by the hope of greater certainty and support in 2014. Postscript – Today [Friday 13th] we learned of some funding extensions from Queensland AND Federal funding for the Cairns Clubhouse, as well as further verbal assurances about the Cairns Hub funding. So perhaps my gloom can be slightly lightened.
Bob James President
Bob James, President
MIFNQ Management Committee President
Bob James
Vice-President (vacant) Secretary
Jenny Chapman
Treasurer
Sandra Hubert
Committee Members
Alf Musumeci Karyn Weller Bruce Rampton
Promoting Recovery Through Services in the Community
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Virtually Here
Welcome Aboard Australian Geographic Magazine/Nov-Dec Issue
We’ll be more reliant on the virtual world to form communities, share news and do business with like-minded people around the globe. In a cramped tractor cab in Victoria, just after the sun has risen enough to shake off the pre-dawn grey, a 63 year-old station manager is tweeting about the heavy rain overnight. In NSW, a fourth-generation cattleman sympathizes as he checks his fences; it’s been a tough winter. From her home in Ayr, in northern Queensland, Alison Farliegh follows the interaction with interest. She has been working towards this online community since 2008, when the suicides of three men from her community derailed her teaching career. Alison now works with the Mental Illness Fellowship North Queensland and is a co-founder of Rural Mental Health, which teaches farmers about social media and uses blogs, Twitter and Facebook to increase awareness of mental illness and counseling options. When the people who need help live hundreds of kilometres from their closest neighbor, technology is extremely useful. “Many farmers are living below the poverty line,” Alison says, “They can’t afford the petrol to go into town or talk to anyone about it, and all this compounding stress leads to mental health problems and thoughts of suicide.” But, with a little motivation from Alison, many farmers have formed online support groups, sharing their experiences and even turning to counseling, “They’re having the exact same conversation they would be having over the back of the ute, but now it’s online,” Alison says.
We would like to send a warm welcome to Ainne Hickey and Jan Grigg. Ainne started with us in November in the role of Office Administrator and is responsible for IT amongst other administrative tasks. Jan started with us in December in the role of Accounts Officer and is responsible for assisting the accounts department. Welcome aboard Ainne & Jan!
Congratulations The team at MIFNQ would like to send a big congratulations to Suzy O’Reilly, a Counsellor in our Cairns office and the Coordinator of the Cairns Living Proof Program, on being awarded a $30,000 scholarship from the NAHSSS (Nursing and Allied Health Scholarship and Support Scheme) through SARRAH (Services for Australian Rural and Remote Allied Health) to assist in the completion of her Masters in Psychology.
Professor Gerrard Goggin, of the University of Sydney, is an expert on how digital technologies will change our lives. He says such online communities are just one way we’ll use the internet to connect, do business and seek help. In 2012, 37 percent of the world’s population used the internet frequently, a more than fivefold increase since 2000. As this grows, people will spend more of their time in this virtual world. No longer limited by geographic location, we’ll be able to tailor our news, friends and hobbies to suit us. “Technologies are being woven into the texture of people’s everyday lives,” Gerrard explains., “ What I predict happening is the real blend of in line and offline. I don’t think people will separate virtual and real life as much as they did a decade ago.” And instead of being brought together by proximity, he says, people will use shared interests to form “neighbourhoods” online – just as Alison’s farmers have. “They’ve really found their tribe, people who understand them and what they’re going through,” Alison says. The trend has changed her life and she believes rural people worldwide will adopt it. “For me that’s what connectivity is all about,” she says, “It doesn’t matter who you are, how poor you are or where you come from. On the internet everyone is empowered and everyone has the voice.”
Suzy, born and raised by two deaf parents, is bilingual in Auslan (Australian Sign Language) started a career at 14 as an Interpreter and had NAATI (National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters) at the age of 16. Suzy developed a particular interest in interpreting for Indigenous people who are deaf and now works as a therapist to Deaf children and adolescents as well as counselling to hearing children. Congratulations Suzy! Very proud to say that Suzy is part of the team at MIFNQ!
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Hearing Voices Congress
Lyn Tyson/16 Dec 2013
The World Hearing Voices Congress was hosted in Melbourne in November as was attended by more 650 people including a few MIFNQ employees. The Congress was led by people who hear voices apart from only being able to hear what people are saying. The event was led by Voices Vic with many organisations, including the Victorian Government, giving funding and volunteer support. The World Congress was held in Cardiff in Wales in 2012. Some of the attendees were psychiatrists and other specialised people who do not hear voices as part of their lived experiences, but most of the special people were those who work as “Peer Workers,” that have professional qualifications such as psychologists, psychiatrists, and social workers all of whom have the lived experience of being “voice hearers.” Don’t laugh, that is how these matters are talked about. One man put it to me, that “I feel very special. I hear things no-one else hears”. The format was changed from the usual papers being presented with the main format was forums led by very erudite people with a topic for discussion followed by comments and questions from the floor and from other sources. There were also papers delivered by people who have developed expertise in the area of working with “voice hearers” and as “voice hearers” themselves. Following this fabulous input, people could select one of the various workshops or minor sessions led by experts in the field (once again, all voice hearers) which were lively, informative, and full of ideas and energy. There was a huge contingent of people from cultures where hearing voices is just a part of the everyday life. This was evident from the Maori visitors and workers, the aboriginal workers from Australia, and, those from United States Native American populations. One psychiatrist said he did not realise that hearing voices was an illness until he was studying medicine. His Native American family had been hearing voices and understood what the meaning was all his life, he said he did not know his hearing them was thought to be an illness. It was clear that most of those attending who were voice hearers had learned how to cope with and live with the voices they hear daily. It was acknowledged that voice hearers are often the victims of trauma, especially sexual trauma. It was advocated that a worker should be willing to ask the question and be prepared to hear the answers. However, not all those who have experienced trauma wish to speak about it but research has shown that people like to have the recognition that trauma has occurred. One psychiatrist told us that he preferred the word “wounded” to that being used “trauma”. In one forum, “The Pros and Cons of Medication”, it became clear very quickly that no one was against medication. What concerned people was medication being used as a chemical restraint as a way to control the person from what was thought of as violent tendencies was overprescribed, was not used in minimum dosages and the side effects were not taken into consideration. There was a major concern that a number of medications were being used for the same individual at the same time to achieve the same effect, another form of overprescribing. Further, people found that often the side effects were more horrible than the psychotic illness or the symptoms which the medication was being prescribed to alleviate. I have never believed in diagnosis. I have found that everyone has their own version of whatever it is they are experiencing. Interestingly, this whole notion was reflected very strongly at the congress. So many people said they had been diagnosed with Schizophrenia and they disputed that diagnosis. Some of the other disputed diagnoses were bi-polar disorder, schizo-effective disorder and the diagnosis of psychotic illness. There were innumerable ways for the attendees to give feedback to the Congress organisers, people could stand up and speak, write on a white board, write in a book or speak to people situated around the Congress to ask questions, provide input on Congress content and ongoing conversation topics.
A raffle was held to raise funds to send a selected person to Recovery House in Scotland and the prizes were bears which had been made to look like some regular Congress attendees like Ron Coleman, Rufus May and Will Hall. The raffle was fun and made some funds towards the project. The Hearing Voices congress was worthwhile and there was a huge amount of energy aimed at bringing those experiencing voices as contributing and participating members into mainstream society.
Letters to the Prime Minister Check out the following letter from our very own Lindy Bishop that was included in a collection of letters submitted to the Prime Minister by Alan Fels, Chair of the National Mental Health Commission. Lindy’s letter accompanied several others from organisations such as Richmond PRA, National LGBTI Health Alliance, Business Council of Australia, Australian Secondary Principals Association and Batyr. Dear Prime Minister, ARE YOU LISTENING TO US? Is our system UNWELL and not CONFORMING to our needs? As consumers and carers do we need to start a RISK ASSESSMENT on the system? As a person of lived experience that is employed in the mental health system I recognise the amazing work of individuals and organisations but I am also constantly reminded that our system needs much improvement. I work and connect with people, consumers and carers and I listen to the struggle and frustration of a system not listening to them. Consumer and Carer participation needs to be improved. Consumers and carers must be encouraged to be involved in all functions of the mental health system. From Funding to service delivery we need to be respected, heard and represented in all areas of decision making. Only then can we call our system a wellbalanced system that supports recovery. Yours sincerely, Lindy Bishop
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Champions of the Cairns Clubhouse Recruited A cross section of Cairns community leaders met for breakfast in August to learn about the Clubhouse concept and to be invited to support the development of a Clubhouse in Cairns. Along with bi-partisan political support there was commitment from business leaders, James Cook University representatives and senior Queensland Health clinicians at the breakfast hosted by Mental Illness Fellowship - North Queensland.
Queensland Health Psychiatrist Dr Alison Overland, on the far left, Justice Jim Henry, the Honourable Warren Entsch MP, Mr Bob Norman Chair of the Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health District and Ms Gail Seymour President of Cairns Rotary enjoying the Cairns Clubhouse Champions breakfast.
To give people a better understanding of the Clubhouse model, Mr Leif Oldert, the Director of the Stepping Stone Clubhouse in Brisbane and a Stepping Stone Member presented to the group and answered queries. Both the Honourable Warren Entsch and Mr Curtis Pitt spoke very favourably of the Clubhouse concept through personal exposure to the issues facing people with a mental illness and Mr Entsch committed to seeking federal funding to establish the Cairns Clubhouse. The recently established Steering Group formed by MIFNQ to guide the development of the Cairns Clubhouse were also introduced and the groups Chair, Supreme Court Judge Justice Jim Henry, outlined progress and invited attendees to become “Champions” of the Cairns Clubhouse. The aim of the Champions is to have a group of key stakeholders from the community who will contribute ideas, advice and assistance to the development of a Clubhouse in Cairns. This group operates as supporters of the activities of the Cairns Clubhouse Steering Group and now includes;
The Council & International Men’s Day Glenda Blackwell/28 Nov 13
A great day was had with Helen West (volunteer) and Glenda Blackwell manning a stall for MIFNQ at an expo for Council staff for International Men’s Day. HandUp were also there.
Men and women came through during the day, many interesting conversations and much information about our service given out. The theme of the day appeared to be health and fitness – physical and mental. People could have their blood pressure and sugar readings done, get information on healthy eating, find out their metabolic age, and talk to us at MIFNQ about maintaining mental health. The Council hope to offer this expo as a public event next year and we’ll be there.
Mr Curtis Pitt MLA Mr Gavin King MLA Mr Michael Trout MLA Mr David Kempton MLA The Honourable Warren Entsch MP Cairns Hospital & Health District Chair Mr Bob Norman Cairns Chamber of Commerce President Mr Ron Tong Cairns Rotary Club President Ms Gail Seymour QLD Health Psychiatrists Dr Alison Overland & Dr Vega Frittelli JCU Professor Paul Gadek & Board Member Mr Ian Jessop
Adrianne Hicks (far right) Cairns Support Hub Manager, alongside fellow attendees at the Clinical Collaborative Forum in Brisbane this past month.
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Using Technology to Save Young Indigenous Lives www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/newsmedia / Nov 15 2013
Indigenous suicide rates five times higher than nonindigenous youth. ♦ New mobile app designed to provide culturally-relevant psychological care. ♦ Clinical trial launched by Yawuru man Patrick Dodson in Broome today. Suicide rates in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are amongst the highest in the world. Despite increased funding and implementation of new prevention programs, very few indigenous people will seek help before acting on suicidal thoughts. Black Dog Institute, in partnership with WA-based suicide prevention group Alive and Kicking Goals, is launching a trial of the world’s first suicide prevention app designed especially for use by indigenous people on mobile phones or tablet devices. Called iBobbly (a name derived from a Kimberley greeting), the app delivers treatment-based therapy in a culturally relevant way. Based on psychological therapies proven to reduce suicidal thoughts, it draws heavily on indigenous metaphors, images and stories drawn from local Aboriginal artists and performers. According to Black Dog Institute researcher Professor Helen Christensen, the app format leaps two of the major hurdles to help seeking – perceived stigma and geographical isolation. “We know that indigenous Australians are not seeking face to face mental health care, more than 70% of indigenous suicides occur in people who are not previously known to health services.” “Indigenous youth have a high rate of mobile phone usage so it makes sense that we engage them on technology they are comfortable with and able to use in their own private time.” “Once the app is downloaded they don’t need ongoing internet access and the program is password protected, thus maintaining confidentiality if the technology is shared amongst the community.” “The initial pilot trial being run in WA will allow us to test and refine the program. We hope to expand iBobbly access to indigenous people living in other States later in 2014.” iBobbly is funded by the Australian Government and NHMRC Centre for Research Excellence in Suicide Prevention. The program was developed in partnership with Alive and Kicking Goals, HITnet Innovations, Thoughtworks, Muru Marri Indigenous Health Unit UNSW and the Young and Well Cooperative Research Centre. Samsung generously donated 150 tablets for the trial. Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14. ♦
Mental Health First Aid Training 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 information about MHFA Australia here: 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. 2014 Dates: 7 & 8 May 2014 5 & 6 August 2014 4 & 5 November 2014 Youth Mental Health First Aid is for adults who live or work with young people. This course also addresses self-harm and eating disorders. 2014 dates: 1 & 2 April 2014 1 & 2 July 2014 9 & 10 December 2014 Both courses cover the development of a 5-step action plan for mental health first aid, managing suicide, panic attacks, psychotic behaviour and general communication skills. Training Location: Arcadian Surf Lifesaving Club The Strand Rockpool North Ward Qld 4810 Duration: 2 days Cost: $100 per person Registration Forms available online at: http://www.mifa.org.au/mental -health-first-aid To find out more contact our Qld Manager Education and Training, Philippa Harris on 4725 3664, or email training@mifnq.org.au
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Are You Cyclone Ready? Get Yourself Prepared! www.disaster.qld.gov.au/getready/plan.asp www.emergency.qld.gov.au/emq/css/cyclone.asp
Being prepared is your responsibility Preparing your family and your home for a cyclone is your responsibility. Every person who lives in the cyclone-prone areas of Queensland must recognise this and make it a priority between the months of November and April. While local, state and federal governments can spend millions of dollars every year on disaster mitigation, response and recovery, these efforts can be worthless if families do not take the proper precautions themselves. Take the time now to prepare an Emergency Plan. It is an important step to prepare for what can happen and to stay safe. Develop your Emergency Plan with the entire household and talk about: ♦ Whether you live in a flood prone area or, your home is at risk from storm tide - what would you do? ♦ If you're separated when a disaster happens (at work or school etc), how will you stay in touch and where will you meet up. ♦ Where would you go if you need to evacuate your household? ♦ Compiling a list of emergency contact phone numbers. ♦ If anyone in your family, household or neighbourhood has specific medical conditions or special needs and will need assistance: ♦ Include specific items in your Emergency Kit to assist people with communication or mobility difficulty ♦ Arrange to notify anyone with a hearing impairment of emergency warnings and other key information ♦ Arrange to assist anyone with a sight impairment or mobility difficulty if evacuation is required. ♦ Whether you need to make plans for your pets? Prepare your emergency kit Include items you would need for at least three days in case of disruption to essential services such as power and water supplies. Also, include the equipment you'll need to prepare meals with no power. Keep your kit in a waterproof storage container and store in an easy to access location. Check your kit every three months to stock up and rotate supplies to ensure provisions are fresh and safe to use. Queensland Ambulance Service recommends that families include the following in their First Aid Kit: 1 packet of plastic strips 1 roll of non-allergenic tape 2 sterile eye pads 4 triangular bandages 1 conforming gauze bandage 1 sterile combine dressing
1 stainless steel scissors 2 square gauze swabs 1 bottle antiseptic cream 1 wound closure steri-strip 1 bottle antiseptic solution 5 alcohol swabs
Other emergency supplies to have ready at home
Page 11 of 20 How to prepare your home ♦ Contact your local council to check that your home has been built to cyclone standards. ♦ Ensure your home and contents insurance covers you for storm surge, flooding and cyclone damage including clean-up and debris removal. ♦ Check the condition of your roof and repair any loose tiles, eaves or roof screws. ♦ Ensure windows are fitted with shutters or metal screens. ♦ Trim any branches overhanging your house and clear gutters of leaves and debris. General home maintenance: ♦ keep your roof in good condition and check it regularly ♦ keep gutters and downpipes clear so water can drain away quickly ♦ trim trees and overhanging branches close to the house (be aware of any overhead power lines) ♦ check and fix any corrosion, rotten timber, termite infestations and loose fittings. General home preparations: ♦ ensure your home, contents and car insurance is current and adequate. Check your policy includes debris clean up and removal ♦ identify your strongest room to shelter in place during severe storm or cyclone ♦ identify where and how to turn off the main supply for water, power and gas ♦ have items on hand such as water storage containers, spare fuel for your vehicle (ensure you store it safely), camp stove and fuel for cooking without power etc. If you live in a flood-prone area: ♦ store all poisons and garden chemicals well above ground level ♦ identify indoor items you will need to raise or empty if flood threatens ♦ consider alternatives to carpet and relocate power-points to well above previous flood levels (using a licensed contractor) If you live in a cyclone / severe storm-prone area: ♦ arrange for a professional builder to check your building and identify ways you can increase the structural security of your home to withstand high winds ♦ fit windows with shutters or metal screens for added protection during high winds. Be careful using portable generators. Do not use them indoors or in enclosed places such as garages or carports. This can lead to a build-up of carbon monoxide, a colourless and ordourless gas that can lead to incapacitation and death.
Tune in: To your local radio & TV station for warnings, weather updates & safety announcements. Listen out: For the Standard Emergency Warning Signal (SEWS) - siren sound during a serious warning on radio & television.
Log on: To www.bom.gov.au for weather warnings, www.disaster.qld.gov.au for information on Queensland disaster Management and www.qldcouncils.com.au for for local information on emergencies, evacuation routes and assistance after a disaster. Act: Act quickly on the advice provided. Ensure all householders are aware of the warnings & advice. Check on neighbours & friends that may need special assistance. Activate your Emergency Plan, locate your Emergency Kit & activate your Evacuation Plan if required.
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Be Active for Your Mental Health
www.actbelongcommitt.com.au
Good mental health helps us to more fully enjoy and appreciate the people and environment around us. We respond better to the stresses and challenges of daily life, we are more creative, use our abilities to the fullest and make the most of opportunities when our mental health is strong. To build and maintain your mental health there are three things you can do: Act – Strive to keep yourself as active as possible, physically, socially and mentally— walk, swim, read… Belong –Connect to your community — join a group, chat to a neighbour, meet a friend… Commit – Look to the future and have a go — take a challenge, get involved, volunteer… Activity and exercise has many psychological benefits ♦ It can help reduce anxiety. People who exercise report feeling less stressed or nervous. ♦ Physical exercise helps to counteract the withdrawal, inactivity and feelings of hopelessness that are a feature of depression. ♦ Moods such as tension fatigue and anger are all positively affected by exercise. ♦ Exercising can improve the way you perceive your physical condition, athletic abilities and body image. ♦ Exercise can bring you into contact with other people Mental fitness helps us to achieve and sustain a mentally healthy state ♦ A realistic attitude gives us a sense of perspective and flexibility, and the resilience we need to endure shocks, hardship and change that are part of everyone’s life. ♦ Self-esteem and confidence comes from focusing on the qualities we have that makes us a good friend, a valued colleague, a loving parent or family member. ♦ Emotional support with family and friends builds support networks through which we receive help and, in turn help others. ♦ Mental activities such as reading a book, solving crosswords or playing a musical instrument can improve our mental agility and promotes our overall wellness. Simple ways to practice your ABC’s “Act” ♦ Exercise – regular physical activity improves psychological well-being and can reduce depression and anxiety. ♦ Enjoy hobbies – taking up a hobby brings balance to your life by allowing you do something you enjoy and it also keeps your brain active. ♦ Treat yourself well – cook yourself a good meal, have a bubble bath, see a movie, call a friend or relative you haven’t called for ages, sit on a park bench and take in your surroundings. “Belong” ♦ Invite – ask someone new to come along. ♦ Share a laugh – life often gets too serious, so when you hear or see something that makes you smile or laugh share it with someone you know. ♦ Do one thing at a time – for example when you are our for a walk or spending time with friends, turn off your mobile phone and stop making that mental “to do list”. “Commit” ♦ “Collect” positive emotional moments – recall times when you have experienced pleasure, comfort, tenderness, confidence, or other positive emotions. ♦ Learn ways to cope with negative thoughts – don’t block negative thoughts but learn how to interrupt them and not let them take over. ♦ Set personal goals – for example finish that book you started three years ago, walk around the block every day, learn to knit or play bridge, call your friends instead of waiting for the phone to ring. ♦ Keep a journal (or even talk to the wall!) – expressing yourself after a stressful day can help you gain perspective, release tension, and even boost your body’s resistance to illness. ♦ Volunteer – volunteering helps others, makes us feel good about ourselves, widens social networks, provides new learning experiences
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Calendar of Events – December 2013 & January 2014
DECEMBER 2013 – CALENDAR OF EVENTS SUNDAY Carols by Candlelight, Reid Park, TSV 7pm
MONDAY 2 Give Now Week Dec 1 – 8 givenow.com.au
World AIDS Day 8 Carols by Candlelight Fogarty Park, Cairns Esplanade 5pm
9 Townsville Senior Citizens Centre Open Day Belgian Gardens 9am-2pm
10 Youth Mental Health First Aid Course, Dec 10 & 11 FIFO & DIDO Family Lifestyle Course 5:30pm CentaCare Townsville
15
16
17
1
TUESDAY 3
WEDNESDAY 4
THURSDAY 5 International Volunteer Day
FRIDAY
SATURDAY 7 Meet a Hockey Olympian 2pm register at
6
cairnshockey.com.au
12
13
14
Stable on the Strand Dec 18 – Dec 22
18
Townsville Clubhouse Christmas Party 22
23
24
25
MIFNQ Holiday Closure Begins
Christmas Day
26 Boxing Day Public Holiday
Public Holiday
30
28 Cairns Park Run 7am parkrun.com.au to register
Salvation Army Open BBQ, Condon 11am-5pm
Christmas Eve 29 Family Picnic at Cluden Park Kids Rides and free races, 11am
27
31
New Year’s Eve
JANUARY 2014 – CALENDAR OF EVENTS SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
1
New Years Day Public Holiday
5
6
THURSDAY 2
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
3
4
Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race Ends
7
8 Elvis Presley’s Birthday
9
10
11
MIFNQ Re-Opens
12
13 Australian Open
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25 Arabic Mens Mental Health Forum Heatley Community Centre, 9am
26
Australia Day
27
Australia Day Public Holiday
28
29
30
31 Chinese New Year
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Biggest Cause of Anxiety, Depression: Traumatic Life Events www.counselheal.com/articles /Christine Hsu / 16 Oct 13
Traumatic life events are the biggest cause of anxiety and depression, according to a new study. How a person thinks about these events determines the level of stress they experience, according to researchers.
Volunteers needed for ex-inmate mental health service www.abc.net.au/news / 5 Nov 13
A Newcastle mental health service is seeking volunteers for a program that is helping patients who have been in the prison system to return to the community. The program is run by the Sunflower Centre, which is part of the Schizophrenia Fellowship of New South Wales.
Supplied: Sunflower Centre, Hunter
Researchers at the University of Liverpool analyzed the responses of over 32,000 participants aged 18 to 85. Participants were asked to complete an online survey about the causes and consequences of stress. The findings revealed that traumatic life events were the single biggest determinant of anxiety and depression followed by a family history of mental illness and income and education levels. Researchers found that relationship status and social factors made small, but significant, contributions to stress. The findings also show that a person's thinking style was also important in determining the level of anxiety and depression a person experienced. "Depression and anxiety are not simple conditions and there is no single cause. We wanted to find out more about what caused people to suffer from anxiety and depression and why some people suffered more than others," lead researcher Professor Peter Kinderman, Head of the Institute of Psychology, Health and Society said in a news release. "Whilst we know that a person's genetics and life circumstances contribute to mental health problems, the results showed that traumatic life events are the main reason people suffer from anxiety and depression. However, the way a person thinks about, and deals with, stressful events is as much an indicator of the level of stress and anxiety they feel," Kinderman added. "Whilst we can't change a person's family history or their life experiences, it is possible to help a person to change the way they think and to teach them positive coping strategies that can mitigate and reduce stress levels," he concluded. Call Lifeline’s 24 hour crisis support 13 11 14 Online counseling available 8AM – midnight www.lifeline.org.au
The centre's Nadine Farrell says the forensic mental health patients are undergoing treatment at Morisset Hospital after spending many years in the prison system. Ms Farrell says the program plays an important role in a patient's recovery, but more volunteers are needed. "We train volunteers to adequately support the consumers in their recovery journey," she said. "So we match up a couple of volunteers with a forensic consumer, and they will take them out, just to get used to being back in the community again. "It's about building social skills and for some people they've been in the system for a very long time." Ms Farrell says it is very successful and has proven a huge cost saving for the state government. "Since it's been running, there have been no abscondments from Morisset Hospital," she said. "So that's a really good thing in itself, and although that's because of the work done by Hunter New England Health, we believe we've had a very positive impact on the people out there. "It is anecdotally saving the state government about $250,000 at the moment a year."
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OECD Snapshot ranks Australia second in world in anti-depressant prescriptions www.abc.net.au/news/ Lucy Carter / 22 Nov 13
The latest health 'snapshot' of the 33 OECD (Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development) nations has revealed that Australia is now the second-highest prescriber of anti-depressant medications. Australian use of anti-depressants has doubled over the last decade Iceland is the only country that has a higher rate of the use of the drugs and several health experts say doctors are under pressure and overprescribing. Professor Philip Mitchell, the Head of the University of New South Wales School of Psychiatry, says it indicates that over-prescription of the drugs is now a problem in Australia. "This concerns me that this is too much. We know that for milder levels of depression that psychological treatment, psychological therapy [is] very effective, and in Australia we do have a system for this through the betteraccess scheme, so it surprises me that the rates are continuing to go up," he said. According to the report, the rates of anti-depressant prescriptions in Australia appear to have doubled between 2000 and 201. 89 Australians in every 1,000 are now prescribed some form of daily anti-depressant, but 10 years ago the rate was closer to 45. "A number of years ago we published figures suggesting that there were reasonably healthy rates of prescribing because we saw that anti-depressants were in fact reducing suicide rates, but I think this continued prescribing is suggestive of over-prescription," he Photo: (Darren Staples: Reuters) said. "I wouldn't be suggesting that we feel that all prescribing is inappropriate but I think these rates are starting to become concerning that perhaps too much is occurring." Mental health advocate and former Australian of the Year Professor Patrick McGorry says he is surprised at the prescription rates. "In Australia about 10 years ago a better-access scheme was brought in and so access to psychologists is provided through Medicare now, which is unusual in any of these countries, so it's a bit of a puzzle why it would be going up at this rate," he said. "One factor that might be relevant is that better access was reduced in scope a couple of years ago, so the number of sessions funded under better access was reduced from a maximum of 18 down to 10. I wonder if that's playing some role here, but it wouldn't be the full explanation." But Professor McGorry says the time pressures placed on GPs may be a factor as well, something Professor Mitchell agrees with. He says the increased awareness of mental-health issues among medical professionals in combination with time pressures may result in GPs turning to the prescription pad. "My impression is that they really feel they need to be doing something but there is that pressure. We know that for many GPs they can only spend eight to 12 minutes with a patient and it's simpler to write a script for that time," he said. "But I think what these figures are suggesting is that they should be taking a little more consideration. You know, it may be getting the patient back to talk to them later but it suggests that the option of moving to the prescription pad is happening much too quickly." Both experts say a review of the Australian mental health system is long overdue.
Mental Health Risks from Fire www.bordermail.com.au / Oct 31 13
A NORTH East study has found major bushfires may promote mental health issues among men including anger, despair and depression.
Researchers Debra Parkinson and Claire Zara spoke with 32 men for a report that will be launched in Melbourne next month and revisits the experiences of men affected by the Black Saturday bushfires. Ms Parkinson and Ms Zara learned the emotions resulting from those fires remained raw among many men. The Melbourne forum will be the first of its kind to examine the often hidden effects of disasters and their aftermath on men. Ms Parkinson said those interviewed had described how the expectations related to being a man had weighed heavily on them during the bushfire disaster. Yet, she said, society needed to understand it was unrealistic to have those expectations of men. No doubt there are men who will have had a similar experience during the most recent bushfires, particularly in the Blue Mountains where homes were lost. There is the potential for some valuable insights to be garnered from next month’s forum that will allow the community to lift some of that load from men’s shoulders.
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Beyond Blue says skipping a lunch break puts mental health at risk www.abc.net.au/news / Simon Lauder / 25 Oct 13
The anti-depression group Beyond Blue says millions of Australian workers are putting their mental health at risk simply because they are not taking time out for lunch. A survey of 800 workers, commissioned by Beyond Blue and the Australia Institute, indicates that 3.8 million Australians do not take a lunch break. Of those who say they do make time for a proper lunch break, 72 per cent said they either cut it short, postpone it until mid-afternoon or simply eat at their desks. Beyond Blue CEO Kate Carnell says it is time to reclaim the lunchbreak. "Now we know from research that it's really important to have regular breaks during the day, to get up, to move around," she said. "If you don't both your physical and your mental health suffers and interestingly so does your productivity." She says eating at a desk can cause greater problems than simply having crumbs fall in the keyboard. "Eating at your desk means you're not getting the activity you need, you're not getting up, you're not getting circulation moving and it's found that inactivity, sitting in one place for prolonged periods of time, is really not good for either your physical or your mental health." But Ms Carnell says many of those surveyed did not blame strict bosses for the loss of lunch. "Many of them are saying it's not because the boss tells them they can't," she said. "They've just got so much work to do they work through lunch." And the survey results suggest workers are not simply skipping their lunch break in order to head home earlier. "They're not taking lunch and they're working longer hours, so it really shows you that Australians aren't a culture that has lots of breaks and are bludgers shall we say," Ms Carnell said. "Australians are working longer and longer hours, more and more overtime. A lot of that is unpaid overtime. "The problems with that is it really isn't good for either your physical or your mental health, and that's the reason or one of the reasons that we're seeing increased levels of stress leave, plus stress-related workers compensation topped $10 billion in Australia." Beyond Blue is calling for Australians to work towards creating a healthier office environment. "We've all got to... be good role models and that means that in our workplaces we've got to encourage regular breaks, we've got to encourage activity, we've got to encourage workplaces that focus on reducing stress and increasing productivity," Ms Carnell said. 24 hour crisis support 13 11 14 Online counseling available 8AM – midnight www.lifeline.org.au
Supporting MIFNQ 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 http://www.givenow.com.au/mifnq
Page 17 of 20
Eating Disorders Among Men May Be More Common
Out and About
www.counselheal.com/articles / Christine Hsu / 4 Nov13
Eating disorders are not just a girl thing. any people assume eating disorders very rarely affect males, but a new study of 5,527 teenage males reveals that one in five adolescent boys feel extremely concerned about their weight and physique. Researchers said that these boys were also significantly more likely to start engaging in risky behaviors like drug use and binge drinking. "Males and females have very different concerns about their weight and appearance," lead author Alison Field, ScD, from Boston Children's Hospital Adolescent Medicine Division, said in a news release.
MIFNQ was represented at a lovely afternoon of entertainment, refreshments and networking at the Townsville Multicultural Support Group, open house for “International Human Rights Day�
While girls are concerned with thinness, boys may be more focused on muscularity. Researchers reviewed responses to questionnaires completed as part of the Growing Up Today Study. Teens in the study responded to surveys every 12 to 36 months from 1999 through 2010. Researchers found that boys tended to be more interested in muscularity than thinness, with 9.2 percent of males reporting high concerns with muscularity, compared with 2.5 percent concerned about thinness and 6.3 percent concerned with both aspects of appearance. Researchers found that boys concerned about muscularity and who used potentially unhealthy supplements, growth hormone and steroids to enhance their physique were about twice as likely to start binge drinking frequently and much more likely than their peers to start using drugs. However, those who concerned with thinness were significantly more likely to develop depressive symptoms.
Glenda attended meeting at the law courts as part of her role as representative on the Family Law Pathway Network Steering Committee. Here is a pic of the judge cutting the cake.
The study revealed that a total of 2.9 percent of all respondents had full or partial criteria binge-eating disorder, and nearly one-third reported infrequent binge eating, purging or overeating. "Clinicians may not be aware that some of their male patients are so preoccupied with their weight and shape that they are using unhealthy methods to achieve the physique they desire, and parents are not aware that they should be as concerned about eating disorders and an excessive focus on weight and shape in their sons as in their daughters," said Field. The findings are published in the journal JAMA Pediatrics.
MiNetworks Helping connect you with the information and services you need. Call us on 1800 985 944
Glenda and Pip from our Townsville office had a great time flash mobbing for Stable on the Strand on December 14th. They sang at the three large Shopping Centres in Townsville surprising onlookers with an act followed by Christmas carols. Perhaps time to think about what Christmas means for many of our clients
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Coffee Break
MIFNQ Visitors
SWEET THINGS WORD SEARCH
Look at who dropped into our Townsville office this month!
Can you find the hidden words? They may be horizontal, vertical, diagonal, forwards or backwards.
Cooper the Ringneck Parrot
Percy the Possum
Poems Q. What do they sing under the ocean during the winter? AMBROSIA, BLANCMANGE, BON BON, BRITTLE, BUTTERSCOTCH, CANDY, CANDY APPLE, CANDY FLOSS, CARAMEL, CHEWING GUM, CHOCOLATE, CONFECTION, CONFITURE, CREAM, DESSERT, FONDANT, FUDGE, GUMDROP, HONEY, ICE CREAM, JELLY BEAN, JUNKET, LOLLIPOP, MARSHMALLOW, MARZIPAN, MOLASSES, MOUSSE, NECTAR, NONPAREIL, NOUGAT, PRALINE, ROCK, SACCHARINE, SUGAR, SWEETMEAT, SWEETS, SYRUP, TOFFEE, TREACLE
A. Christmas Corals! Q. Why are Christmas trees such bad knitters?
A. Because they are always dropping needles!
their
Words of Wisdom I’m not telling you it’s going to be easy, I’m telling you it’s going to be worth it.
Wishing you a…
- Art Williams.
…and a Happy New Year! Classic Sudoku MEDIUM Each puzzle consists of a 9x9 grid containing given clues in various places. The object is to fill all empty squares so that the numbers 1 to 9 appear exactly once in each row, column and 3x3 box.
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Mi Networks AUSTRALIA 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 http://www.minetworks.org.au/ or call 1800 985 944
Living Proof – Positive Stories of Mental Illness Mental Illness Fellowship NQ Inc MIFNQ-Cairns Mental Health Carers’ Support Hub MIFNQ-Day To Day Living MIFNQInc @CairnsCarersHub @MIFNQ @LivingProof @Roads2Recovery MIFNQInc
www.mifnq.org.au Townsville has an extensive collection of books, DVD’s, CDs, VHS and cassettes for members to borrow. Feel free to come in and browse around. Library Hours: Monday – Friday 9:00am to 4:00pm
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MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION FORM
OFFICIAL USE ONLY Received: ___________________ Membership No: ___________ Entered: ____________________ Initials: _____________________
I would like to become a member of Mental Illness Fellowship NQ Inc. Membership is free.
Individual
Family
Organization
Please select the category/categories which relate to you:
Family Member Friend Health Professional Student
Someone who experiences mental illness Other _____________________________
What Program/s are you currently enrolled in (if any):
Day to Day Living Early Psychosis Mental Illness Education
MH First Aid Respite Well Ways
DONATIONS AND REQUESTS I wish to support the work of MIFNQ, I have enclosed 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: .................................................
Work: .....................................................................................
Fax: .................................................................
Mobile: ..................................................................................
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
Fax: (07) 4725 3819
Post: REPLY PAID 979 Membership Administration Mental Illness Fellowship NQ Inc PO Box 979 HYDE PARK QLD 4812