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Supporting carers, relatives and friends of people with mental ill health.

EnewsletterMessage from Executive Officer

The launch of Mental Health Carers Tas has been exciting with many commenting on the positive new name and branding. Thank you!

This edition reports the events during Mental Health Week and Carers week. Most of these events would not have been successful had we not received significant in kind support from many individuals and organisations.

You are being asked to provide any comments for us to include in our submission on the Tasmanian Carer Recognitions and Support Framework.

We are excited to begin the statewide Wellness and Resilience project with the first workshop in December.

Through a request from one of our members at the AGM we are preparing a submission regarding Advanced Care Directives and issues that impact on Carers and Consumers. We intend to submit to all Tasmanian Government politicians and the National Mental Health Commission. We would like to hear your experiences and suggestions you have. You can either send an email to me or call and we can meet.

Enjoy this edition, Wendy Groot.

Message from the President

Welcome to the first newsletter published under our new name, which was approved at the Annual General Meeting on October 6th. I am delighted to have been re-elected as the President for another year and am confident that, with the support of the Board and the energy and effectiveness of our EO and staff, Mental Health Carers Tasmania will go from strength to strength over the coming 12 months.

I am very pleased to congratulate the Board members on their election and welcome three new Board members:

– Katrina Wickham, who has extensive training and project management experience. She has considerable experience and skills in quality assurance, risk management and occupational

health and safety. She is the Project worker – Quality Assurance with Aspire, A Pathway to Mental Health.

– Simon Froude, who has extensive executive, non-executive director and CEO experience. He has particular skills in marketing, public relations and communications. He is the General Manager – Tasmania for the Royal Flying Doctors Service of Australia.

– Trudy Heins, who has particular skills and experience in finance, and a strong understanding of the challenges for NFP Boards. Trudy runs her own business and is also the station sales manager for Edge radio. Trudy has accepted the executive role of Treasurer for the coming year.

The other members of the Board are:

– Elida Meadows (Vice President), currently Policy Officer with the Mental Health Council of Tasmania, with a strong commitment to addressing the needs of carers from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds;

Kate and Wendy at Road2Recovery

The Ripple Effect

This year bushfires have been in the forefront for all Tasmanians. There are very few who have not been affected by the bushfires across this State. There is no

question that those living within the communities where the fires have been have experienced an immediate impact on some aspect of their health and wellbeing, both physical and emotional.

It is one of Tasmania’s particular strengths that we all rally together to support others in need. However, the ripple effect that results can have a serious impact on family, friends, colleagues and volunteers and is sometimes overlooked. As the community rallies to support those directly affected by the fires, many place their own needs on hold. When the crisis is over, these needs come to the surface. Many will need to seek support to get through the days, weeks, months that follow.

Mental Health Carers Tasmania celebrates the compassion, strength and resilience of all Tasmanians that is so obvious during crises. But we also recognise the ripple effect. Families, friends, neighbours, work colleagues are part of this ripple effect. They might not be living in the areas where the fires have been. We encourage people to take the time to care for their own health and wellbeing. Seek out the time and space to reflect and recharge. Talk to someone and connect with the support and community services you need. Indulge and spoil yourself doing something you have not done for a while or maybe never.

The ripple effect from a stone thrown into a pond can extend far, it is the same for us all. Taking the time to be mindful of our thoughts and feelings assist us to a better awareness of how we are responding and what areas we might need to focus on. Investing a small amount of time reflecting on our own health and wellbeing is always time well spent. Celebrate your life and those who are part of your ripple effect.

People are being warned to beware of contact from anyone claiming to work for the Government who tries to make them pay an administration fee to access the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS. These claims are false. There is no need for people to pay a fee to join the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

PSYCHOSIS AUSTRALIA SURVEY

“The Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia is undertaking a project on behalf of Psychosis Australia Trust to enable the views of people affected by psychosis including carers, families and friends to be given the right amount of consideration when establishing an agenda for psychosis research in Australia.

Do you need more information or support about psychosis or other mental illness for yourself or someone you care about? Call Mi Networks on

1800 985 944. Continued overleaf...

Beware of scammers

asking for DIS fees

Wendy Groot, Executive OfficerPage 1 of 5

What is psychosis?

Psychosis is a condition where the functioning of a person’s brain is severely disrupted, affecting that person’s thoughts, perceptions, emotions and behaviour. Like any other illness, psychosis is treatable and can happen to anyone. Psychotic symptoms can occur in an isolated episode or as part of an ongoing diagnosed illness such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression or schizoaffective disorder. Want to learn more about psychosis? Download the Fact Sheet.

MIFA and PAT need your help to complete three surveys over a period of about 8 weeks to help us understand your priorities. Some of you may have participated in one of these projects with us before where we gradually refine our list of priorities with as many people as want to join us.

Follow this link to our site to register your interest and complete the first survey.

Do you need more information or support about psychosis or other mental illness for yourself or someone you care about? Call Mi Networks on 1800 985 944.

Mental Health Carers Tasmania welcomes Dianne Hayes

as the new project worker for the North

Diane was born in the U.K and relocated to Tasmania in 2008 with her Tasmanian born husband and four children. Prior to settling down, Diane lived and worked in Germany, France, Australia, New Zealand and Japan.

Diane is currently teaching Yoga at Launceston Yoga Centre and also Beginners Yoga and Yogabugs (yoga for children) through Active Launceston. Diane is also a Drumbeat Instructor (youth intervention program devised in W.A) and works in schools and rehabilitation settings using drumming as a therapeutic tool.

Diane set up T.E.S.S (Tasmanian Eating Disorders Support Service) in 2008 following investigation into what support and treatment were available in Tasmania for those suffering with an eating disorder. Diane’s background is as a professional counsellor – mental health.

Diane has also set up a community drum circle which meet monthly to share their passion for drumming and for receiving the bonding and therapy that it provides.

Diane is currently volunteering for Time Out (Youth Suicide Project) and Advocacy Tasmania.

Diane’s favourite quote is: The mind is like a parachute, it works best when remaining open…

Wellness and Resilience Project

The aim of this project is to assist those with the role of carer in maintaining their own health and wellbeing so that they remain effective in their caring role.

Although challenging the need to take on the role of carer can lead to personal growth and a sense of empowerment and an awareness of an individual’s own untapped resources.

MHCT are running FREE courses across Tasmania in 2013 that aim at increasing knowledge, especially of recovery principles and skills.

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Currently a seriesof 3 workshops are planned: (see the workshop outlines and dates below)

1. Recovery for carers – how to keep yourself well using recovery principles

2. Managing stress

3. Building resilience

Each workshop stands alone. However attending all 3 will allow participants to consolidate knowledge and skills. To allow for catering and to ensure venues are appropriate bookings are required.

Volunteer facilitators: an important element of the project is to encourage workshop participants to become volunteer facilitators and deliver these courses in their locations. A background in training and delivery of courses is not essential as training and support will be given, a genuine interest and attendance at each workshop is necessary.

If you would like further details or to book a place please feel free to contact the Project Officer on 6228 7448 or via email projectofficer@mentalhealthcarerstas.org.au.

If there is interest in running workshops in other areas please contact the project officer as it may be possible to run a course.

RECOVERY FOR CARERS (10am – 3pm)

The aim of the workshop is to provide carers with a tool kit of skills, knowledge and understanding to give to them confidence and capability in their caring role.

The day will involve a mix of discussion, information sharing and reflection with a focus on:

- Exploring and applying recovery principles and how they can be used to keep yourself well and provide enhanced support to those you care for.

- Exploring the role of a carer

- The impact of change

- Communication skills, particularlyelements of face to face communicationgiving feedbackcreating a feedback looprespectfully and confidently expressing your needs

- Goal setting to stay well, begin to build resilience and apply recovery principles

MANAGING STRESS FOR CARERS (21/2hr)

The aim of the workshop is to provide carers with a tool kit of skills, knowledge and understanding to give to them confidence and capability in their caring role particularly in the identification and management of stress

The workshop will involve a mix of discussion, information sharing and reflection with a focus on:

- The difference between pressure and stress

- The advantage of pressure

- The physical, emotional and behavioural impacts of stress

- Practical actions to minimise the impact of stress

- Relaxation and breathing exercises

BUILDING RESILIENCE FOR CARERS (21/2hr)

The aim of the workshop is to provide carers with a tool kit of skills, knowledge and understanding to give to them confidence and capability in their caring role. Resilience is our ability to bounce back and create a positive framework out of a difficult situation. Resilience allows us to be more supportive to others whilst increasing our sense of control and optimism

The workshop will involve a mix of discussion, information sharing and reflection with a focus on:

- What is resilience, what resilience isn’t?

- What does resilience sound and look like?

- Building your resilience capacity

- Self- talk and resilience

- Relaxation and breathing exercisesPage 3 of 5

Workshop dates

Location Recovery for Carers Managing Stress / Building ResilienceHuonville Feb 7 Feb 26Launceston Feb 11 Mar 7Oatlands Feb 13 Feb 20Ulverstone Feb 15 Mar 11Hobart Feb 18 Feb 25St Helens Mar 8 Mar 26Sorell Mar 18 Mar 27

Specialist Drug and Alcohol Counselling and Education

Holyoake offer the following therapeutic programs:

Gottawanna is for adults seeking help for their alcohol or drug use, gambling or other addictive behaviours. This program is also delivered in Risdon prison.

Relationships in Focus is for partners, family members and friends of someone who has issues with alcohol, drugs, gambling or other addictive behaviours.

Get Real is for young people aged 12-24 who are experiencing difficulties related to their own or another person’s use of alcohol, drugs or other addictive behaviours.

Drumbeat is a music therapy intervention designed to engage young people at risk of harm from the misuse of alcohol, drugs or other addictive behaviours.

Young People’s Program is for 4-17 year olds affected by the drug or alcohol use, or other addictive behaviour of a parent or family member.

The Parent Program is for parents experiencing the stress, frustration and grief associated with their adolescent’s drug or alcohol use.

Inner Child is for people who grew up in a family affected by drug or alcohol misuse which is now impacting negatively on their adult behaviour.

Are drugs, alcohol, or other addictive behaviours affecting your life? Holyoake can help.

6224 1777 127 Davey Street, Hobart TAS 7000 Fax: (03) 6223 1476 Email: admin@holyoake.com.au www.holyoake.com.au

The Charter of Peer support

Mental Health Carers Tasmania is delighted to be able to endorse this charter.

The document reflects the importance of Peer Support and the value that this provides in the continuum of care of carers and consumers experiencing mental health issues at any time in their life. The Charter was developed and written by consumers and families/carers, with

assistance and resources from the Mutual Self Help and Support Consortium.

The Charter states “Peer support should be accessible to all who need it. Every person living with or experiencing a mental health issue has the right to access avenues to share their lived experience in a confidential, safe environment, where they are heard, respected,

honoured and understood.”

The Charter is intended to:

- Help key stakeholders to understand and appreciate the value and power of peer support as a means of preventing the

Additional workshops are being scheduled for April & May.

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escalation of mental health issues and promoting emotional, physical and spiritual well-being

- Highlight the validity and value of peer support as an integral method of service delivery for consumers and carers of mental health services

- Promote peer support services as a cost effective part of the mental health system

- Promote consumer and carer involvement, participation and empowerment

- For many people living with a mental illness, clinical health services and formal treatment services, while essential, are not the only means of seeking help. The peer support model is intrinsic to mental health and total well-being because it provides affordable and accessible assistance that is not available in any other way.

For further information or to download this publication go to www.peersupportvic.org.

Partners in Depression Program

Page 5 of 5 www.mentalhealthcarerstas.org.au

1 St John’s Ave, New Town TAS 7008North (03) 6349 1121South (03) 6228 7448North West (03) 6441 5280 Tuesday–Friday: 9am– 2pm24 hour answering machine

‘Succeeding Together’

We are a member of the Mental Illness

Fellowship of Australia

We are funded by the Department of Health and

Human Services

- Do you know, love or care for someone experiencing depression?

- Did you know those who love, care for or support people with depression can experience significant stress and are themselves at greater risk of developing mental health problems?

- Would you be interested in finding out more about a program shown to be effective in supporting the partners, family members and friends of people with depression?

The program covers a range of topics including:

- What is depression - Treatments for depression - Suicidality and self harm - How do you best support

someone with depression - Communication strategies

The program is run by health professionals and provides a forum in which to receive information and ask questions about depression and your support role, with others with similar experiences.

Partners in Depression is now available in your local area – register your interest today!

Session dates: April 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th & May 6th & 13th (Monday) 10.30 – 1pm

Venue: Anglicare (next to Bilton Lodge) 59 Cadbury Rd Claremont

Facilitators: Adele Daly, Emma Dillon – Anglicare FMHSS

Register your interest: Adele at Anglicare on 62133597 or 0488 770 641 or adele@anglicare-tas.org.au.

1 St John’s Ave, New Town TAS 7008North (03) 6349 1121South (03) 6228 7448North West (03) 6441 5280 Tuesday–Friday: 9am– 2pm24 hour answering machine

‘Succeeding Together’

We are a member of the Mental Illness

Fellowship of Australia

We are funded by the Department of Health and

Human Services

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