Mental Health Awareness Week
October 6th to 11th 2014
2 Northern Advocate
Monday, October 6th to 11th, 2014
Mental Health Awareness Week 2014
Mental Health Awareness Week Encourages people to keep learning
P
eople maintain greater mental wellbeing when they “Keep Learning” which is the theme for this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week from 6 to 11 October. Keep learning, embrace new experiences, see opportunities and
surprise yourself. To celebrate this week in Northland mental health support agencies will be holding a range of events in Kaitaia, Kaikohe, Hokianga, Kawakaka, Dargaville and Whangarei. We hope by taking part people will discover fun ways to Keep
Welcome Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW) is a nationally celebrated event that highlights the positive aspects of mental health and wellbeing and runs from Monday 6 October until Saturday 11 October, 2014. Mental Health Awareness Week is about raising public awareness and better informing the community about the challenges and successes of those experiencing mental illness and addictions. Northland District Health Board funds the Mental Health Awareness Week activities. In order to change discriminatory attitudes and behaviours a range of activities are supported to promote rights, and challenge organisations and communities not to discriminate. Please support the activities marking Mental Health Awareness Week 2014 in Northland. The District Health Board’s role is to understand the health needs of the people of Northland, and to provide services to best meet those needs. Over the last three years Northland has experienced a 12% growth in the numbers of people accessing mental health and addiction services. In the last year 1 in 28 people in Northland (3.6%) accessed specialist mental health and addiction services, higher than the national 1 in 35 (2.8%). Approximately 7,000 people will use DHB specialist mental health and addiction services in a year and half of this group will be ongoing regular users of
Learning and connect with others. This publication has a range of articles and good self-help suggestions to show you how to gain new skills and to connect with others. We hope you find these helpful. World Mental Health Day on 10 October
is endorsed by the World Federation for Mental Health and will be marked in more than 150 countries. Below is a list of the Northland events. We look forward to you joining the activities in your area. For more details contact the people named.
to Mental Health Awareness Week 2014
services. Increasing numbers of younger people have co-existing problems, i.e. involving a combination of mental illness and addiction issues. Globally as well as in New Zealand unmet mental health needs are the single greatest contributor to poor health and social outcomes at an individual, family and population level. It is likely the prevalence of mental illness and addiction in Northland will continue to rise above national trends due to socioeconomic deprivation in the region and the higher percentage of Maori population. There is strong evidence that early detection and treatment can minimise the impact of Mental Health and Addiction issues, while significantly improving the long term health, social and economic outcomes. Increasing access and building greater resilience for youth and adults with high prevalence conditions such as addiction issues, anxiety and depression are a key priority for mental health and addiction services. New service developments such as the perinatal infant mental health, and youth forensic services, reflect the drive to identify and intervene with mental health issues as early as possible. Northland DHB has a commitment to the provision of services that are person centred, build resilience and promote recovery. ‘Good mental health has to be everyone’s business’ and there will be greater effort to provide education, awareness raising and early intervention through local communities, schools,
employers and primary healthcare services. This will involve DHB specialist services working in a more integrated and collaborative way with others agencies.
Mental Health Awareness Week 2014 Events Northland/Te Tai Tokerau Day of Week October 2014
From
Title
Monday 6th
Northpoint Trust
10.30am to Hikoi 10.30 (meet at RSA), then family 3pm fun date at Kaikohe Pioneer Village, Respect Awards, fun sports & games
Wednesday 8th Hokianga Health
Thursday 9th
Friday 10th
Saturday 11th
“Proud to support Arataki Ministries and Mental Health Awareness week” Tarewa Mega Centre, Whangarei
Phone 438-1802
Email sales@barrells.com www.barrells.com
John Wade Group Manager Mental Health and Addictions, Northland District Health Board
Start Time
Location
Contact
Kaikohe
Mark 09 4012522
Community Music & 10am to 2pm Rawene Town Health Day Hall
Venus 09 4057342
Arataki Ministries Dargaville
Sports Day – Fun games for all
10am to 2.15pm
Alyson 09 4394651
Ngati Kahu SS
Hikoi and Music in Park
10am to 3pm Old Pak n save carpark Kaitaia
Marihi 09 4061441
Ngati Hine Health Trust
Whanau day, Train ride & BBQ
10am to 3pm Kawkawa
Jacqui 09 4041551 xtn 710
Supporting Families
1st day of 2 day Children’s program on mental health education, ages 7-13 years. Bookings Required
9am to 3pm
Royal Foundation Sholay 0800 of Blind, Kamo 789 134
Ngati Kahu SS
Respect Awards
11.30am to 2pm
Dalmatian Hall Kaitaia
Supporting Families
2nd day of 2 day Children’s program on mental health education, ages 7-13 years. Bookings Required
9am to 3pm
Royal Foundation Sholay 0800 of Blind, Kamo 789 134
Ringa Atawhai & Like Minds Like Mine
Free Health Expo promoting healthy lifestyles
Northern Wairoa Powhiri War Memorial 8.30am Hall Dargaville Expo runs 10am to 2pm
Wendy 021 959438 Annette 021 2168835
Ringa Atawhai
Movie – “Dark Horse” Some free tickets available
1.30pm
Dargaville Town Hall
Wendy 021 959438 Annette 021 2168835
Arataki Ministries Whg
Waka Ama Challenge
10.30am to 2pm
Town Basin Whangarei
Rhonda 09 4303044
TTTWON
10.30am to Happiness Project Interactive Display – 2pm bring a photo & your creativity to add to our wall
Town Basin Whangarei
Denise 0211 823926
Selwyn Park Dargaville
Marihi 09 4061441
Recovery Solutions Information Stall
10.30am to 2pm
Town Basin Whangarei
Trish 09 4370467
Arataki House
7pm to 9pm
Whg Central Baptist Church
Christien 09 4375538
Disco
Monday, October 6th to 11th, 2014
Northern Advocate 3
Mental Health Awareness Week 2014
Manaia PHO To support Mental Health Awareness Week this year we are celebrating and encouraging connection to make the most out of life. We consider this in a range of areas. The following ideas help us to keep well. Physical Health: Our physical health is connected to our mental health - there is no health without mental health! When compared with those who are flourishing, people who have moderate mental health issues have significant psychosocial impairment and poorer physical health, lower productivity and limitations in daily living. To be physically well we need good nutrition, exercise and sleep. Here are some tips for promoting the best conditions for a good night’s sleep: • Reduce light, noise and extremes of temperature in the bedroom • Avoid caffeine, nicotine and alcohol before bedtime • Avoid a heavy meal within two hours of bedtime. However a light snack may help if you are hungry • Regular exercise late in the afternoon or early evening may deepen sleep, but do not exercise vigorously within three hours of bedtime • In order to achieve relaxation at bedtime, allow about one hour of quiet activity prior to bedtime such as reading, watching television or listening to music. Do not read, watch television or have radio/music in the bedroom • Develop a bedtime ritual such as reading or listening to music, clean your teeth, etc. so that your body knows that you are getting ready to go to sleep • Don’t go to bed too early. That is, don’t go to bed unless you are feeling sleepy. If you try to go to sleep too early before feeling sleepy you will have difficulty in getting to sleep. This may make you feel irritated and frustrated about not feeling sleepy, not falling asleep and anxious about how you will cope the next day. • Do not stay in bed if you are awake. If you go to bed when you are feeling tired and sleepy but do not fall asleep within about 15 to 20 minutes (estimated time only – do not use clock), get out of bed, go to another room and do something mundane until you feel sleepy again. Repeat the procedure until you fall asleep quickly. • Get up at the same time in the morning, as this will help to train your body clock. Do not sleep in on weekends or after a late night. • Try not to nap during the day, as this tends to reduce your sleepiness at night and results in poorer quality sleep during the night. • Do not worry if you can’t get to sleep at night because worry and anxiety will delay sleep even more. The harder you try the worse it will be. If you get very little sleep one night you will still function the next day although you may be a little more irritable and tired than usual. • Try to get about 8 hours sleep per night.
Family/Whanau Health: Our health is connected to the health of our whanau and we impact emotionally on those who care about us through our hormones, mood and behaviours. Environmental Health: Our health is connected to our environments and when we are living in harmony with our environments, we flourish. The natural environment promotes mental health and research shows when we flourish we tend to behave in ways that promote environmental sustainability. Understanding of yourself: Do you understand yourself? To answer this think about the following: • Are you running away, ever busy, ever intoxicated, ever distracted, ever unconscious? • Are you highly sensitive and overwhelmed, not coping with your feelings, with stress, with poverty, with those around you? If you have these things in your life it might be that you are traumatised and need to learn to connect kindly to yourself. How we use our mind is important and a technique call Mindfulness is a great tool. Look out for local groups and check it out on the internet. Try it out - a short introductory mediation: http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=D5Fa50oj45s Mindfulness Stress Reduction And Healing http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=rSU8ftmmhmw For children, youth and teachers: http://www.mindfulschools.org/ resources/jkz-talk/ Good reads on connectedness, references: http://www.mentalhealth.org.nz/ page/1404-good-reads Understanding how your brain works: Scientists once believed that mental ability was fixed after childhood. But over the last few decades, neuroscientists have discovered that adults’ brains are constantly changing – growing new neurons and connections – in a process known as neuroplasticity. Yes, you have the power to improve your brain. “Use it or lose it” is a true saying New cells and old can be reprogrammed as we learn and experience new things. The adolescent brain. The following YouTube site gives a detailed account of the implications of this brain regeneration for youth, parents and adults. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HlR5vtERj8 Emotional Health: And then there is emotional health. Perhaps mental health is, at least in part, a disguised term for emotional health? There is a strong distrust of feelings and emotions among Anglo Saxons, who prefer cool reasoning to passion. Kiwis tend to consider themselves friendly
and calm, urging each other to ‘suck it up’ rather than protest or show distress. • Self-awareness – You recognize your own emotions and how they affect your thoughts and behaviour, know your strengths and weaknesses, and have self-confidence. • Self-management – You’re able to control impulsive feelings and behaviours, manage your emotions in healthy ways, take initiative, follow through on commitments, and adapt to changing circumstances. • Social awareness – You can understand the emotions, needs, and concerns of other people, pick up on emotional cues, feel comfortable socially, and recognize the power dynamics in a group or organization. • Relationship management – You know how to develop and maintain good relationships, communicate clearly, inspire and influence others, work well in a team, and manage conflict. Growing Up: So, what is required as we grow up to help us be healthy and connected? Clearly, it is not just meeting our physical needs for shelter, food and warmth. We need to have our relational needs met adequately by our primary attachment figures. We need a strong physical sense of Security. This is feeling respected and protected by our carer. We need to feel valued: being understood and valued for that which is understood. We need to experience acceptance from a person who is stable and dependable. We need also to know sometimes that this Adult is also vulnerable and has similar experiences to us. This is mutuality. We need to be allowed Self-definition: to be truly ourself and to have that self-valued and celebrated, without competition or conflict. Also, to make an impact, so they show they are genuinely affected and genuinely changed sometimes by what we do, feel or say. We need sometimes to take the initiative and sometimes to be led and have them take responsibility for bringing up a subject or making
something happen. And we need them to accept our expressions of love. There is another side to growing up which is about something hard to accept: just how unconscious we are. Most of the time till about the age of 7 years, when we may start to argue and want explanations, we are like tape recorders, automatically absorbing what is said, shown and done around us. Later we replay these tapes in our behaviour with others, again automatically without thought. We are conscious only in new situations when our presence and attention is required. For instance if I ask: ARE YOU CONSCIOUS NOW? The chances are you will be. But were you conscious a few moments ago? Some estimate we are conscious 5 % of the time only, although training such as mindfulness can increase this. For further information please contact Graz Amber, Manaia PHO 09 4381015
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Proud to support Mental Health Awareness week
4 Northern Advocate
Monday, October 6th to 11th, 2014
Mental Health Awareness Week 2014
The Happiness Project – a picture is worth a thousand words One of the most popular activities undertaken this year by members of the Northland Consumer Network (TTTWON) was the Happiness Project.
T
he Happiness Project involved participants taking a photo everyday of something that makes them happy, brought them joy, or just reminded them of something they were grateful for. The project was spread over 100 days, and at the end the photos were made up into a book. The books provide a personalised resource that
people can look back on when they are struggling and be a lasting reminder of moments, images, or any of the other things that have brought them happiness in their daily lives. The goals of this project were to help people focus on the positive things in life, rather than dwelling on the negative thoughts that can sometimes crowd our minds and
produce a low mood. The project is hoping to present some of their images publicly during Mental Health Awareness Week. This project has been a real success with the regular meeting and sharing of images becoming so popular that a decision was made to continue with the project beyond the planned end date.
Here are some reflections on the Project by several of the participants Dawn’s story “Trying to find out what makes you happy makes you think hard about these things. Taking photos even though they didn’t mean that much to me at the time, other people see them differently and this enabled me to see the positive in them. This makes you aware that you can be happy, gives you a positive focus on life. As the project progressed, I found it easier to find things around me that make me happy. Now that the project has finished I find that I have a more positive outlook on day to day life.” JJ’s story “The Happiness Project has been going for 100 days. When I first started the group it made me more aware of happy moments in my life. This has been very therapeutic, seeing other peoples’ happy snaps. I look forward to the next 100 days with the Happiness Group.”
Bubbles are such fun
Andy’s story “Feeling bored one day and looking for something that would interest me, I asked my friend what she does to pass the time. She said she was part of a photography group at TTTWON. She also said that it might be something I might like because of my artistic abilities I arrived there with the idea of learning about how cameras work, how to take photos and how to print them. Well I was so wrong. I sat there watching and listening as people had their photos displayed and they were talking about their feelings of happiness and joy from the photo displayed. I thought “Wow, that’s very different to what I imagined and very interesting!” I had not experienced true happiness for many, many years. To me, being happy was all about getting drunk and stoned and the feelings that I related to most easily were anger, sadness and negativity. After this first group meeting I felt that I really wanted to give this new way of looking at things a good go. This was more than just taking a heap of photos and looking at them. It was expressing my feelings of happiness and joy which was the reason I took the photo. It became something that I practised every day. Since I have been with the group for a while I have met people who are genuine and through them, their photos and sharing, I have got to know a lot more about them. I am a lot happier than I have ever been in the past. I understand that happiness can be found in lots of things around me and usually it is just the simple things – like a photo – that can put a smile on my dial.”
Monday, October 6th to 11th, 2014
Northern Advocate 5
Mental Health Awareness Week 2014
The chickens are nesting under the house in the nest I made for them.
Onlooker’s story - outside looking in “I wasn’t a part of the project but I was privileged to be around when the group got together to load the photos onto the computer and discuss points and issues that had come up for them. The discussions quickly widened in scope to include subjects such as ‘the nature of happiness’ and ‘what is joy’. With many of the participants, this project has changed the way they view the world and their place in it. And then there are the photos and the way the simple act of recording something, brings you happiness again and again, long after you press the shutter button. I think everybody should have a chance to be a part of a ‘Happiness Project’. It has such a restorative effect on the soul and all because somebody asked: ‘What makes us happy?’”
So what are the outcomes? Some themes emerged from all the photos that made people happy. These included: connections with friends and family; caring for pets; observing and getting out into nature; harvesting produce; memories; watching children; being playful; helping others; making and listening to music; sharing food with others; taking good care and treating oneself occasionally. You will have your own “happy place” – and it is good to go there and reap the positive feelings that follow. We would love you to come to the Town Basin on the 11 October to see some of the images and to contribute your own ideas and experiences to the Happiness Wall. It will be on the canopy bridge over the Waka Ama Challenge.
My happy place-a quiet soak in a hot bath
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Mental Health Awareness Week 2014
Mental Health ‘First Aid’ for Home & Business Environments (Taken from the South Australian Model) The 3 R’s: 1. Recognise distress 2. Respond appropriately (and promptly) 3. Assist in the recovery and restoration of the person’s ability to function 1. Recognition of Distress • We all have different personalities and react differently to the many situations in day to day life that can lead to distress, e.g. relationship difficulties, conflict, trauma, loss of friend, job or home • A person may feel anxious, depressed, suicidal, angry, or may experience frightening or incomprehensible reactions • A person may become tearful or agitated or aggressive or confused. They may be able to describe how they feel, or we may have to interpret this from what they are doing • This distress could be a sign of emotional/psychological injury or illness and the person should
receive care and attention as with any physical injury or illness. 2. Respond appropriately Safety First! Actions you can take: • Remain calm • Be clear about the goal of any action or intervention • Be aware of your role and responsibilities and your personal limitations • Clear thinking and self-control is essential • Remember the A, B, C’s: • Assess the situation or circumstances: • Be cautious • Check the emotional “vital signs” – the person’s level of agitation, behaviour, clarity of thinking, and degree of self-control • If safe to do so, attempt to talk to the person • Tell them that you would like to help
• Ask them if there is anyone they would like you to contact • Speak calmly, clearly and in short sentences • Listen carefully and actively to what is being expressed • When delusional ideas / beliefs are being expressed, do not argue or try to convince them otherwise - it won’t work • Stay with them until help / assistance / support person arrives. Do not leave the distressed person alone, except to seek help • Contact a health service and seek their advice. (See below) • In certain circumstances, it may be necessary to contact emergency services (ambulance / police) to provide assistance.
Places to get help: • Contact the person’s family to check what they know and would do • Assist the person to report their symptoms to their GP • Call the DHB’s Mental Health Crisis team – 09 404100 for Northland during office hours, reports symptoms and ask for advice / someone to help • If after office hours, call the mental health line 0800 22 33 71.
3. Assist in the recovery • Stay involved • Be a friend... all of these actions will assist restoration of the person’s ability to function • If an emergency call 111.
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Alzheimers Northland Dementia - How will you know?
Dementia occurs as a result of physical changes in the brain which affects memory, thinking, behaviour and emotion. Its most common form is Alzheimers disease. If you notice someone close to you has: • Changes in Memory • Difficulty with familiar tasks • Changes in concentration • Changes in Motivation
They may have the onset of dementia. Encourage them to see their GP who can refer them to Alzheimers Whangarei for assistance with: • Information and education • Support Groups • Individual and family support • Companion services
For further information contact Alzheimers Northland. Phone: 09 438 7771 Email: northland@alzheimers.org.nz
Making life better for all people affected by dementia | kia piki to ora mo nga¯ tanga¯ta mate po¯rewarewa
Monday, October 6th to 11th, 2014
Northern Advocate 7
Mental Health Awareness Week 2014
Arataki Ministries Ltd
is a charitable company, is a non government organisation (NGO) that supports people who experience mental illness.
e are a social service of the Whangarei Central Baptist Church, and have worked in this field since 1991. We support 140 people who live in their own homes in Whangarei and Kaipara Districts, and we provide 24/7 supported accomodation to 14 people in our homes in Whangarei. All our work is done under contract to the Northland District Health Board. “Support” means that we help people to live well by supporting goal setting, money management, dealing with the health system, transport, understanding their illness, increasing contacts with family/ whanau, finding and keeping good housing, and doing meaningful daily activity – whatever it takes to build a good quality life.
We consider that all people are of equal value, that good relationships and hope are fundamental needs, and that recovery is available to everyone. The elements of life which lead to good mental health are universal: physical resources such as air, water and food; security needs such as safety, warmth, food, clothing, shelter and work; social needs such as belonging to family/ whanau, having friends and mates; spiritual needs including understanding of selves, our place in life, and our access to God if desired; plus esteem needs such as recognition for useful tasks; and resilience needs based on good understanding of self and one’s ability for self advancement.
W
We are excited to be involved in Mental Health Awareness Week, 2014. All the activities of the week are designed to promote understanding that people with mental illness are everywhere, are valuable people, and have the same needs as so called “normal” people – therefore any form of discrimination is unhelpful and unnecessary. The activities of the week are public events which promote connection, activity, opportunity to give to others, and are learning opportunities. Our website www.aratakimin.com further explains the work we do, how we do it, who is eligible, and how to contact us. Robert Coats, Manager
A Day in the Life of a Community Support Worker What is it like to work all day with people who suffer from mental illness? What follows describes, in diary form, a day in the life of a Community Support Worker employed by Arataki Ministries Ltd – a charitable company. The names have been changed to protect privacy. Arataki Ministries Ltd is a social services work of the Whangarei Central Baptist Church. It provides, under contract to the Northland District Health Board, support to people with significant disability resulting from mental illness. It does this both in 24 hour supported rehabilitation homes and by Community Support Workers (CSW) visiting clients in their own homes during normal office hours. It is this community support which is described below. 8.30
Office. Catch up on paperwork from visits with clients yesterday. Phone Jeremy to confirm a shopping trip tomorrow.
9.00
Pick up Pauline and Ingrid to take them to the RedHub client
education centre for 3 hours of craft and rehab programme. Checked on their mood and sleep patterns during conversation in the car. Ingrid feeling a bit down. She hasn’t seen her son. Was expecting him to arrive over the weekend. Sat and talked for 5 minutes in the car about her feelings. There may be good reasons why he did not come. She can ask him next time. Identify the good things in her life as an encouragement. She went away happy that she has thought it through. 9.30
Visit a new client, Beverly, who is living in a friend’s garage. Has done so since her discharge from the ward. We visited Housing Corporation and a local real Estate Rental Agency to apply to rent a house. Talked about budgets, money for rent payments, what type of house would suit her needs (she hopes to regain custody
of her 18 month old baby boy) and where it could be situated. Dropped Bev at home (her garage). 10.45 Visit Joan. Cup of tea and a chat. Recently had a bout of depression. Son has been helpful and supportive. She wants to take Ingrid shopping and buy her a new track suit. Great. Shows she is thinking of other people’s needs. Encouraged her to take the initiative for herself and contact Ingrid and arrange a time. Also suggested that she does not spend too much! 11.40 Cell phone call from Arataki Ministries office. They have received a call from a client who sounded very low and unresponsive. In the light of the events of the last two weeks with Carla -- she has been depressed and showing concern about her future -- I decide to visit straight away. 11.47 I find Carla almost asleep on the couch. She says she wants to end
her life. I ask how she might do that. She tells me she has taken all her pills. I identify the pills taken and call the hospital mental health ward. They tell me that the type of pills and number taken should only make her sleepy and a little slow for a day or so. It is not life threatening. Sigh of relief! But, someone needs to stay with her and keep her awake. If she goes to sleep call an ambulance to get her to the hospital A+E. I call the On-Call mental health nurse (DAO) to inform them of the situation and ask them to visit and assess Carla especially due to her desire to commit suicide. They say they will visit immediately. 12.15 I remember to call the RedHub Centre and apologise for not picking Pauline and Ingrid up (they finished their session at 12.00. I’m late!); also call office and ask for Continued
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Monday, October 6th to 11th, 2014
Mental Health Awareness Week 2014 2.45
Continued from page 7 them to get the girls home as I am tied up with an emergency. I stay with Carla waiting for the DAO (2 hours!) I talk to Carla to keep her awake and to identify the concerns she has. Carla says, when asked what would happen to her son if she was successful in suicide: “Oh, I would take him with me.” Oh dear! That’s a real danger – I will need to tell the DAO. I share my lunch with Carla. 2.15
3.30
DAO arrives and commits Carla to the ward due to her suicide potential and to keep her son safe. We arrange for Carla’s mother to care for the son and to pick him up from school. I help DAO take Carla to hospital.
I now suddenly feel rather stressed and in need of a debrief. I go back to the office and spend ½ hour with my Team Leader going back over the events of the day, checking that I have done everything I could, and that I did OK. With this help I put the incident in perspective and attempt not to feel responsible for decisions the client has made. Off we go again. I visit Mason who is doing volunteer teacher aid with a school boy who needs extra supervision to learn. Mason feels that he is not welcome in the school staff lunch room. He feels they look at him and talk behind his back about his illness. We
discuss how we can get around the problem. We do a reality check: “Have the staff been told you have a mental illness? Is this concern real? Is it helpful to think about something that is not likely?” We decide that it is not real. “Can you remember that for tomorrow at morning tea time?” “Yes, I will give it a go.” “Good on ya mate!” 4.30
Call into the office and write up the file notes of the day’s activity.
5.00
Ring the hospital to check on Carla. I will visit and reassure her that her son is OK.
5.15
Visit Carla in hospital for 10 minutes. She seems better in her mind but still sleepy.
5.45
Spend some time with ward staff to give them the info I’ve gathered leading up to Carla’s admission to the ward. Go home emotionally exhausted. I need to talk to hubby about today. We have a prayer together. Today has been hard but I have made a difference. Never the less I don’t think I will go out to home group tonight! I don’t want to relive the day again.
The work of a Community Mental Health Support Worker is important. It puts staff deeply into the lives of our clients, even if for them it is only 1 hour a week. But, it is also stressful and sometimes CSWs need help to see the good we do. Community Support work is done by a number of agencies across the whole of NZ.
Hokianga Health Enterprise Trust Hokianga Health Enterprise Trust is a registered charitable trust formed in May 1992, but Rawene Hospital, the physical base from which it operates, has been improving the health and wellbeing of the people of the Hokianga for more than 100 years.
T
he membership of the governing committee of the Trust reflects the very strong community focus across all aspects of its management and service delivery. Twenty members are elected by the community ( two members from each of ten clinic areas) and there are four iwi representatives, with two each representing Te Runanga a Iwi o Ngapuhi and Te Runanga o Te Rarawa. Two staff representatives are also part of the broad based governance of the Trust. Around 70% of the Trust’s membership are of Maori descent. Mental Health Services are fully integrated with Hokianga Health’s primary care services and Northland
District Health Board’s mental health services, providing a seamless service where the needs of patients, whanau and community are at the centre of care, and where barriers to access are minimised through no charges at the point of need, and the provision of outlying services. There are seven General Practitioners, providing care at nine outreach clinics plus Rawene. The NDHB Mid North Mental Health and Addictions team provide a range of specialist nursing and counselling services to Hokianga Health clients. Lyn Foster is the Manager of Community Health Services, including Mental Health Services, and says the role
Northpoint Services Trust – Servicing the Mid North
“I
t’s almost an old school approach in one sense, a model that other services have dropped - but we’ve retained it because that open ethos is the key to making the dual sides of our funding and services work as well as they do.
“There are two sides to our funding, which makes our operating model quite unique in the North. We have a Ministry of Social Development (MSD) contract in addition to a Northland District Health Board (DHB) contract. Most other Mental
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part of our team. They work alongside tangata whaiora (clients) to provide ongoing support to achieve their goals and aspirations for independent living in the community. We have a primary mental health co-ordinator with 3 support workers. We also have a social worker, and a GP with specific experience and interest in mental health services seconded as a Medical Officer Special Services (MOSS) who oversees our mental health services and does outreach clinics with clients. As our client base is predominantly Maori we also offer a wide range of culturally appropriate services such as Awhi Tangata Whaiora to support the restoration of mana, tapu and noa.”
Mark Turner, who manages the Kaikohe-based operation describes Northpoint as a ‘drop-in centre’, but one with a significant difference.
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of Community Health Nurses is pivotal to the success of service delivery. “We don’t have a mental health registered nurse directly employed here, so we place great reliance on the broad-based knowledge of our generalist Community Health Nurses. They are very highly skilled, and adept at identifying issues across all aspects of health, including mental health. We rely on them to pick up on problems, or potential problems for clients and allow early intervention, if required, by the appropriately skilled members of the wider mental health team. “Our Community (Mental Health) Support Workers are also an essential
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Health Service providers just have the DHB contract. “Our MSD contract is brilliant because it allows an unbroken pathway for those who no longer have need of the services provided by the DHB contract to transition into confidence and skillsbuilding activity. Our people can continue on under the MSD contract to improve those communication and core work skills that they may have lost during their illness. So I guess you could say we are a drop-in centre, but to the power of 2!” Northpoint offers courses in numeracy and literacy and advice on CV preparation. Clients can also develop their art, gardening and home-craft skills. The service is funded for 52 clients under the DHB contract and 80 through the MSD contract but often provides for clients in excess of those numbers. Northpoint also holds an Ongoing Resourcing Scheme (ORS) contract with MSD. This funds support work with young people who are out of school between ages of 18-21, and who have been through special education relating to conditions such as autism. Much of the skills development work at Northpoint is conducted in the big, cosy, ‘shed’ that provides the centre’s physical
focus. The interior has lots of little areas where those with a particular interest can get on with it, either alone or with likeminded friends. Northpoint ‘buys in’ the teacher resources needed for the range of programmes offered. Every day’s a good day at Northpoint – Monday is educations day, Tuesday is sports day, Wednesday is trip away day – kicking off with a Zumba class and then it’s off to enjoy mini-golf, or the beach for a swim and BBQ. Thursday offers a blend of sport and education, and on Friday we have water aerobics in a heated private pool in Kerikeri. Northpoint clients also initiate many of the group activities themselves, and are actively encouraged to do so. An example was a sports day involving nearly a hundred participants from similar services in the area. It went so well another was held and now these major gatherings are regular events on the calendar. The sports days are driven by the energy and enthusiasm of mental health consumers themselves, rather than being prescribed by the management and staff of the organisation. Mark Turner says one of the other big advantages of having the Ministry of Social Development contract is that it allows
Monday, October 6th to 11th, 2014
Northern Advocate 9
Mental Health Awareness Week 2014 Northpoint to form strong and effective relationships with a wide range of likeminded services and private businesses. “It also fits with my personal philosophy that health sector services need to talk to each other, understand each other’s strengths and needs and put all that together to work to maximise the positive difference we can make for our clients. For example, Northpoint has a contract with a local garage who have a contract with the local District Council,
and we valet their cars. This has to be fulfilled professionally like any other commercial contract. It is proper work – not a charitable ‘make work’ process. We have to provide a certain number of hours of employment to honour our contract. All of our work is self-funding. We also mow lawns and from out of that revenue we’ve got to maintain our lawnmowers. It is not as though we make a lot of money out of this. We’re just paying our clients the basic wage
What is TTTWON? Te Taitokerau Tangata Whai Ora Network - otherwise known as TTTWON (The network of Northland people seeking wellness).
T
TTWON is a Charitable Trust governed by consumers of mental health and addiction services. Its purpose is to give consumers a collective voice so that their issues and perspectives are heard, and to promote the needs of consumers to enhance their recovery. The TTTWON network has grown rapidly to now have over 260 Northland consumers as members. TTTWON collaborates with Arataki Ministries who are contracted for this purpose by the Northland District Health Board (NDHB). It has been said that, “nothing generates change better than people who know how they want to be treated.” Therefore TTTWON works to equip consumers for their recovery journey with information on illness, treatment options, successful recovery journeys, and how to take charge of one’s own recovery. So how does TTTWON do its work? Arataki Ministries employs two Networkers to provide this service. They speak to groups; run training seminars; conduct membership meetings; and run a range of networking groups at their office, 73 Water Street. Whangarei (73 Water Street) groups currently include: Monday: Consumer Education: Consumer run on topics as diverse as anxiety; psych meds; how to get the best out of your psychiatrist; budgeting, having fun, etc. 12.30pm to 2pm. Facilitated by Kirsten* Tuesday: Happiness Project: Consumer run opportunity to have a positive view of life and events, using photographs and stories. 12.30pm to 2.00pm.
Tuesday: The Network Band. All welcome to come and listen, join in – we’ll find a place for you. Time: 4pm to 6.30pm. Facilitated by Richard Wednesday: AoD (Alcohol and Other drugs) Peer Support Group. For people in recovery from substance abuse. 11am to 1pm. Facilitated by Richard Wednesday: Deep Relaxation: helps reduce stress and anxiety: 5pm to 6 pm. Facilitated by Helen. Thursday: Music Group: For people who have an interest in singing with others. Come and listen. You are sure to want to join in! 1pm to 3pm. Facilitated by Bart and Claire. Friday: Friday Forum: Consumer run for friendship, discussions, hang out, films, outings – you decide. 12 noon to 2pm. Facilitated by Shelley and David. *Kirsten, the Consumer Education facilitator, is eminently qualified to run the Monday education sessions. She has researched and developed a series of presentations on a wide range of topics that are very relevant to the needs and understanding of Northland mental health service consumers. Her tertiary training, and own lived experience of mental illness, has made these informal interactions with TTTWON members a very popular part of the Network’s weekly programme. Want to know more? Contact Graham or Richard on 09 4384115, or visit at TTTWON office, 73 Water Street, Whangarei.
to mow lawns, do gardening, and clean vehicles and offices. We simply run a business and employ our clients as staff, but that work provides a real opportunity to rebuild confidence, self-discipline and independence in our people – work that is not always easily available in smaller rural centres such as Kaikohe.” Northpoint’s service focus extends well beyond Kaikohe however, and includes running a van to Kawakawa, Paihia, and Moerewa to bring people
in to Kaikohe and return them home again 4 days a week. Another van brings clients in 5 days a week from the local area. By necessity, a lot of Northpoint’s funding goes to vehicles as there is no bus service to the isolated communities in the north. Mark says he’s often asked to describe the services Northpoint provides and the vision guiding its work. He says he’s happy to settle with, “a home away from home to help you have a better life.”
About Recovery Solutions Recovery Solutions is a values-based non-government organisation, which believes in: • Making a difference
• Honouring commitments
O
• Walking together
ur team is sustained by a sense of, and passion for, service to our clients and the community as we work together towards recovery. Our mission is to empower our clients to reach their full recovery potential by providing the relevant support, skills, knowledge, tools and opportunities. Our staff are totally committed, passionate and skilled, and work with people on an equal basis, without discrimination or judgement. Innovation in our services is underpinned by research and development and we are committed to investing in these areas to further embed innovation into the culture of our organisation.
The services we provide are of both a support and clinical nature and include: • Social housing
• Education and employee support
• Alcohol & other drug services
• Family and whanau support
• Child & youth services
• Peer support services
• Community support
• Primary care services
• Culturally specific support
• Residential rehabilitation
• Day programmes
• Respite care.
• Eating disorder services
Recovery Solutions works with a wide range of clients and in particular offers specialised care for clients with: • High and complex mental health needs
• Eating disorders
• Alcohol and other drug issues
• Child and Youth
• Severe physical disability
• Older adults • Traumatic brain injury
• Dual diagnosis
• Specific cultural needs.
We believe everyone is capable of living a meaningful life and are committed to helping clients to be the best they can be – resulting in improved overall community well-being and participation. Recovery Solutions, 39 Norfolk Street, Whangarei 0110, phone: 09 470 3530 fax: 09 470 3538 www.recoverysolutions.co.nz
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Proudly Supporting Arataki Ministries with “Mental Health Awareness Week”.
10 Northern Advocate
Monday, October 6th to 11th, 2014
Mental Health Awareness Week 2014
Waka Ama Racing A popular highlight of Mental Health Awareness Week From 10.00am on 11 October Whangarei’s Town Basin is going to be pulsating with hundreds of excited people participating in waka ama racing. The event is being held to conclude the 2014 celebration of Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW).
T
his will be the third time that Waka Ama racing has been a feature event of MHAW, and its continuing popularity with participants is likely to see it remain a feature event in coming years. The idea of incorporating waka racing into the week’s grew out of a desire to have a fun, physical activity that would be accessible to as many mental health consumers as possible. The organisers also wanted to have an activity that reflected the great outdoor experiences that are emblematic of life in the North. Waka racing, with its roots in Maori culture seemed the perfect answer, and so it proved. Any doubts about the choice were soon dispelled in 2012, when participants at the first event enthusiastically embraced the concept even though the weather was less than welcoming. Supervision and safety has to be a priority too, and the organisers rely on the generous support of the Parihaka Sports Club to provide their waka ama and 10 of their superbly fit and experienced paddlers. Last year the Cub assisted 32 amateur crews from all over Northland to race in the Town Basin – from upstream of the canopy bridge to the fishing boat wharf. Crews came from various mental health and addiction
support agencies from Auckland, Dargaville, Whangarei, Kawakawa, Kaikohe and Mangonui. The public can participate too, and business houses and sports clubs are encouraged to “have a go” at waka ama racing. The racing, which involves a series of heats, and finals to identify the winners, will take 3 hours to conclude. In 2013 a crew from Mangonui – Ngati Kahu Social and Health Services who had never been in a waka before – won the trophy. They assure us that they will be back to defend their title. A lady from Dargaville commented on the 2013 event: “just letting you know we had awesome day...we may not have won a race...but us women won the tug of war...wooohooo...we got home about 6ish...all knackered....but hats off to arataki and parihaka for the awesome day they put on...next year we will be geared up...wooohooo..” Such enthusiasm is typical of the response to the event and indicates the benefits of fun, fellowship, and participation. The event in 2014 is organised by Arataki Ministries and the Parihaka Sports Club. If you or your team are interested in participating please contact Rhonda at Arataki Ministries, 09 4303044.
Winners of the 2013 Waka Ama Challenge
Monday, October 6th to 11th, 2014
Northern Advocate 11
Mental Health Awareness Week 2014
Stoptober 2014 Smoking And Mental Health Smoking is common among people with mental illness. In fact, mental illness is a major contributor to tobacco consumption in New Zealand and an issue that hasn’t been properly addressed. A month-long campaign in October this year, Stoptober, offers a chance to reflect on the links between mental illness and smoking. It’s also an opportunity for smokers with mental illness to give quitting a go.
I
n New Zealand an estimated one third of cigarettes are smoked by those suffering from anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and other conditions. The rate of cigarette smoking among those with mental illness is higher than the general population. People with mental illness have higher smoking mortality rates than the general population, and smoking accounts for much of the reduced life-expectancy for those with mental illness. The question is; why do people with mental illness smoke more? The common belief is that cigarettes are used to self-medicate – as a way to cope and relieve stress. But the Royal College of Psychiatrists in the UK says that cigarette smoking is linked to a higher risk of developing depression. The Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand also says that there is a link between mental illness and smoking. Mental illness makes people more likely to smoke and smoking makes people more vulnerable to mental illness – it is a negative relationship. They cite studies that indicate smoking increases stress, anxiety and the likelihood of developing depression and other mental illnesses. Stopping smoking has been shown to diminish anxiety and reduce rates of panic attacks. Mental illness and smoking have also been linked to poverty. And, as we know, the cost of a smoking habit can be high with pack-a-day smokers spending up to $6,000 a year. Stoptober, a national quit smoking month being promoted by ASH and Inspiring Limited, is an opportunity for those with mental illness to consider taking up the challenge to quit smoking for good. It also provides a chance to talk about the links between mental illness and smoking. Throughout Stoptober, free access and support will be available for those who choose to take up the challenge to quit smoking. Those who sign up for Stoptober will be able to use the Stoptober website and mobile app to help them stop smoking. The website will also direct them towards free stop smoking treatment, which includes faceto-face, online, and phone counselling. The campaign will be running 25 Stoptober events across the country in September, encouraging people to sign up to quit for October. Stoptober is about letting people know that they are not alone in their journey to becoming smokefree. It shouldn’t be a lonely road. Some patients with mental illness have said smoking offers them relief from stresses. However, the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand says there is very little credible evidence that smoking offers therapeutic benefits for those suffering from mental illness. In fact, in cases where smoking does appear beneficial, it is because the act of smoking relieves nicotine cravings. Those cravings can be better managed with the
use of nicotine patches, gum and other stop smoking methods. Yet the myth has continued to prevail at mental health facilities that smoking offers positive therapeutic benefits. The Mental Health Foundation says the continuation of this myth further isolates and discriminates against those with mental health issues because it prevents them from enjoying the benefits of a non-smoking life. Stopping smoking can improve resilience and self-esteem as well as increase vitality and make it easier to live an active life. A team of researchers from the universities of Birmingham, Oxford and King’s College London earlier this year found that stopping smoking is associated with improvements in mental health. They say that there is a falsehood spread in mental health circles that stopping smoking will worsen mental health symptoms. Instead, they say, the effect of stopping is similar to that seen when people take antidepressant treatment for mood and anxiety disorders. All the evidence points towards the benefits of stopping. And stopping isn’t harder because you have a mental illness. Evidence shows that with the right support and medication, people with mental illness are just as likely to successfully stop smoking as those without mental illness. Nicotine replacement therapies, such as nicotine gum and patches, are shown to help alleviate withdrawal symptoms. It is important to point out that the symptoms of some mental illnesses can be confused with nicotine withdrawal. Evidence shows that stopping smoking does not worsen symptoms of mental illness, but nicotine withdrawal may make it seem that way. It’s the nicotine addiction, not the mental illness. Also important to remember is that smoking affects some medications used to treat mental illness. Medications such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, benzodiazepines and opiates can be affected. This means quitting smoking may require your dosage to be adjusted. For this reason it is important to check with your doctor what quit help may best suit you, and if your dosage of medication needs to be changed. Any signs of depression or increased symptoms of mental illness should be mentioned to your doctor when attempting to quit. Medical support improves the likelihood of quitting for those with mental illness. Prescription medications such as Champix can be used by those with mental illness but monitoring is necessary. Let your doctor know if you suffer or have suffered from mental illness and they should be able to guide you. Stopping smoking is possible with the right support, so use the support available and keep up to date with the campaign at stoptobernz.co.nz.
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Proud & Support Arataki Ministries and Mental Health Awareness week
12 Northern Advocate
Monday, October 6th to 11th, 2014
Mental Health Awareness Week 2014
Who to contact for help and support? TELEPHONE ADVICE COUNSELLING AND SUPPORT
Lifeline - Telephone Counselling & Advice Youthline
talk@youthline.org.nz
0800 543 354 0800 376 633
0508 TAUTOKO - Suicide Prevention Help Line
midday - midnight
0508 82 88 65
Rainbow Youth - Support for gay young people & their family
rainbowyouth.org.nz
Kidsline - Phone Counselling for children aged 9 to 13 years
kidsline.org.nz
0800 543 754
Whatsup - Counselling for children aged 5 to 18 years old
Whatsup.co.nz
0800 942 8787
Depression Helpline - Counsellors who can find the right support
depression.org.nz
0800 111 757
Alcohol and Drug Helpline - Information, insight & support
0800 787 797
Maori Line
0800 787 798
Pasifika Line
0800 787 799
txt 234
PRIMARY MENTAL HEALTH COORDINATORS - (Mon. - Fri. Only.) Non- urgent referrals Whangarei
Graz Amber
09 4381015
Bay of Islands
Tina Silk
027 242 0003
Bay of Islands & Kaikohe
Amanda Douglas
021 028 576
Kaitaia Ki Whakawhiti ora Pai
Richard Watling
021 222 9859
Whangaroa ki Kaitaia
Te Warati Ututaonga - Pawa
021 889 872
Hokianga
Kathryn Johnstone
021 457 721
Whaingaroa - Social Worker
Valmai Piper
021 852 276
09 405 0340
Ngati Hine Health Trust
Doreen Rihari
027 304 9536
09 430 2386
OTHER LOCAL SUPPORT
INTERNET RESOURCES The Word - Questions answered about sex, life and relationships
theword.org.nz
The Lowdown
team@thelowdown.co.nz
text 56 26
Suicide prevention intervention New Zealand The Journal - John Kirwan’s Self Help Strategy Beating the Blues
www.spinz.org.nz www.depression.org.nz www.beatingtheblues.co.nz
(see your GP)
How We Stay Well
http://www.actionforhappiness.org/poster-great-dream