Mental Health and Wellbeing

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS & ASSISTANCE

CHAPTER 5 / VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

A NOTE FROM THE WELLBEING OFFICER

The prioritisation of health and wellbeing is of significant importance following growing concerns regarding mental health within the legal community. The legal industry is known for its intense pressures, competitive nature and stressful environments, so it is important that we continue the conversation on mental health and learn how to promote our own wellbeing as well as others’. By supporting individuals who are experiencing or working with these issues, we can create a nurturing environment combating prejudice and reticence.

In this guide, we have collated many Mental Health Awareness & Assistance opportunities that you can get involved with. These opportunities will give you the ability to make a difference in this developing area of law by facilitating positive change to the legal community’s mental health and wellbeing.

We encourage you to read this section of the guide and learn more about all the opportunities on offer. In addition to this, the LSS will be implementing many formal and informal health and wellbeing events that you can attend. You can stay up to date by following our social media sites, or by getting in touch with me at wellbeing@monashlss.com.

Below is a list of resources for yourself, family members and colleagues that I encourage you to check out:

Law Institute of Victoria – LIVwell Program: https://www.liv.asn.au/Professional-Practice/Supporting-You/Health-and-Wellbeing/ LIVwell-Program

Monash University Mental Health Resources: https://www.monash.edu/health/mental-health/resources/

Monash Counselling: https://www.monash.edu/health/counselling

Natalie Barbazza Monash Law Students’ Society Health and Wellbeing Officer

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BEYOND BLUE

What is Beyondblue? Applying

Most Australians have had some experience with anxiety, depression or a related condition, whether they’ve experienced it themselves or had family, friends or work colleagues go through it. Beyondblue’s work is aimed at achieving an Australian community that understands depression and anxiety, empowering all Australians, at any life-stage, to seek help.

Beyondblue takes a public health approach, which focuses on improving the health of the whole population, across the whole lifespan. It tailors approaches when working with specific population groups, and work in a range of settings – including educational settings, workplaces, health services and online – in order to be accessible to as many people as possible. If you would like to become a beyondblue Volunteer, you will need to complete an online registration. You will then have access to the Volunteers Hub, where you can complete the volunteer induction program and view and apply for volunteering opportunities.

Apply online at: https://www. beyondblue.org.au/get-involved/ volunteer-with-us/volunteer- registration.

Contact

W: www.beyondblue.org.au/ E: volunteers@beyondblue.org.au P: 1300 22 4636 A: PO Box 6100, Hawthorn West VIC 3122

What tasks will I undertake?

Volunteering roles include: • Representing Beyond Blue at events • Handing out Beyond Blue information resources • Collecting donations for Beyond

Blue • Attending conferences and expos • Attending community festivals • Cheering on Team Beyond Blue at events

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THE BUTTERFLY FOUNDATION

What is the Butterfly Foundation? Applying

The Butterfly Foundation represents all people affected by eating disorders and body image issues including those experiencing the illness, their family and their friends.

Butterfly provides information, research, education and support, whilst advocating for improved services from both government and independent sources.

The Butterfly National Helpline ED HOPE is Australia’s national support service for eating disorders and body image issues. The Butterfly Foundation's specialist counsellors offer free information, screened referrals and brief counselling. If you would like to register your interest to be a volunteer when opportunities arise, please fill out the Expression of Interest Form here: https://thebutterflyfoundation.org. au/support-us/volunteer/volunteer- expression-of-interest-form/.

Please note that Butterfly’s Volunteer Program is subject to applicants having a formal interview as well as conducting relevant checks.

Contact

W: www.thebutterflyfoundation.org.au E: info@thebutterflyfoundation.org.au P: (02) 9412 4499

For more information, please visit www.thebutterflyfoundation.org.au Am I suitable for volunteering?

Butterfly offers volunteering opportunities for all individuals who share a desire to make a difference.

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MENTAL HEALTH FOUNDATION OF AUSTRALIA (VICTORIA)

What is the Mental Health Foundation of Australia (Victoria)?

The Mental Health Foundation of Australia (Victoria) (MHFA) is the oldest Mental Health Association in Australia. It is an organisation of professionals, sufferers, families of sufferers, related organisations concerned with mental health and concerned members of the public.

The aims of the MHFA are to: • Promote mental health and attitudes to mental health • Establish collaboration with governments, individuals, and health related agencies, groups and organisations • Make recommendations regarding mental health policy, implementation and services • Encourage and initiate mental health research • Encourage the highest standards in training and practice for the mental health professions • Establish and support organisations which provide service, support and advice to the community • Stimulate the development of informed public debate and opinion on mental health issues • Work to remove the stigma associated with mental illness

What tasks will I undertake?

The MHFA can always use your skills to help achieve their mission, which is helping people who have mental health problems, their families and the people treating them. Tasks will vary but working as a volunteer is a good way to gain first-hand experience in mental health work.

Am I suitable for this role?

You should volunteer at MHFA if you are keen to do challenging work that has an impact on improving people’s health.

Applying

To apply, fill out a Volunteer Form at http://mhfa.org.au/CMS/VolunteerProgram.

Contact

W: http://mhfa.org.au/ P: 9826 1422 A: Suite J, 450 Chapel Street, South Yarra VIC 3141