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Mi Voice Autumn 2011
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1 in 5 will be affected with mental illness. 5 in 5 can help. Be one of them. See back cover for details.
mivoice
autumn 2011
issue 121
advocacy matters what the new Government’s promised p6-7
Woodcock lecturer announced p4
MI Fellowship Victoria gets physical p4
Registered with the Department of Human Services Print Post Approved 350190 / 00023 ISSN 0816 7877
We are pleased to see that the incoming Victorian Government has taken up many of the key initiatives called for by MI Fellowship Victoria (see full details on page 6), and has indicated a willingness to investigate new ways of supporting people with mental illness in the community, where people live the majority of their lives.
At the national level, mental health organisations have some work ahead of them in the next 12 months as the Federal Government begins to establish Medicare Locals around Australia, which will see allied health services, including psychological services, planned and coordinated by local doctors’ networks. MI Fellowship Victoria will be working to ensure that mental health services support all aspects of a person’s life, as well as their medical needs.
Board changesSome members may recall that just on two years ago I indicated publicly that I believed it would be of benefit to the organisation for another member of the Board to have the opportunity to take on the role of President. At that time, the Board requested that I stay on for a limited period and I was happy to agree to this. Now, given the increased emphasis on national issues, I have made the decision to accept the role of independent Chairman of Mental Illness Fellowship Australia.
I am delighted to announce that Paul Montgomery has stepped into the role of President of MI Fellowship Victoria, and that he will ensure that the organisation continues its work in the interests of the Victorian community. A MI Fellowship Victoria Board member since 2006, Paul has chaired the Finance, Audit and Resource Committee and is also Chair of the Royal District Nursing Service. He is a highly experienced business manager and is currently company director of a number of private companies.
I am very pleased to be maintaining my relationship with MI Fellowship Victoria as Patron, so members can expect
from our president
2
We enter 2011 with a new State Government and a new policy arena that gives cause for both hope and renewed advocacy opportunities.
mivoiceautumn 2011
to continue to see me at MI Fellowship Victoria events and around the MI Fellowship Victoria offices from time to time.
Reflecting on our achievements I am exceptionally proud of what MI Fellowship Victoria has achieved since I joined the Board in 2000. I have had the pleasure of working with a talented and committed team of Board members, executives, staff, participants and members to progress our advocacy and organisational agendas.
We have grown from an organisation with an annual income of $5.7m in 2001 to $17.3m last financial year. Our advocacy work has influenced policy deliberations and settings at the State and Federal levels, as has been demonstrated by the commitments made by the new Victorian Government.
We have progressed an investment strategy that has enabled us to develop new products and services that are innovative and best practice. Our family education program, Well Ways, is now recognised and delivered nationally; our employment service, My Recruitment, is a registered national service; we have government funding to pilot an innovative public/private housing model; and we have embarked on an extensive revision of our day programs.
At a Board level, we have put in place a structure that has enabled the organisation to set strategic goals, with clear mechanisms for achieving them, in order to meet the needs of our members, and the needs of the wider community of people who have mental illness and their families.
It has been a privilege to play a part in MI Fellowship Victoria’s journey, and I look forward to watching its continuing growth and success.
The Hon. Robert Knowles AO
It is a great honour to step into the role of President of MI Fellowship Victoria. On behalf of the organisation I thank Rob Knowles for the tremendous contribution he has made, and for guiding us to a position where we can make the most of the opportunities that will emerge for us during the year.
I am delighted that Rob will maintain his relationship with us as Patron, and that we will continue to benefit from his passion for improving the lives of people with mental illness.
We look forward to keeping you informed of our progress over the year, and always welcome your views on the issues we are addressing.
Paul Montgomery
A word from incoming President Paul Montgomery
3mivoice
from our chief executive
People with mental illness have the capacity
to participate in life as fully as anyone
else, but deep, systemic barriers prevent
individuals from having the life they could.
MI Fellowship Victoria works in areas which
are often ‘exclusion zones’ for people with
mental illness: employment, housing and
education. We are continually seeking ways to
create access to those parts of life that most
people take for granted.
We also highlight particular issues that exist
within those exclusion zones, in an effort
to bring attention and change to areas of
inequity and injustice that are hidden from the
wider community’s view.
For the next two years our focus will be on
physical health and wellbeing: healthy minds
through healthy bodies.
The poor state of physical health among
people with mental illness has been
recognised as a serious public health issue for
a number of years now. People with mental
illness suffer from more chronic illness, more
heart disease, more dental disease and die
earlier than the rest of our community. The life
expectancy for people with mental illness is
approximately 20 years shorter than that of
the general population.
It’s time to address the barriers that keep people with mental illness from good health. It’s time for mental health to get physical.
We know that around 75% of people with
mental illness smoke. We know that weight
gain is a serious health risk for people on
antipsychotic medication. We know that there
are low participation rates in physical activities
among people with mental illness.
What we don’t yet know is how best to
engage people in their own health activities.
During our two-year focus on physical health
we will be investigating how we can make
health activities a natural and integrated
part of people’s everyday lives, and we will
be working to remove the barriers that are
currently preventing this.
The changes that we are seeking to kick-
start over the next two years will be done
in partnership with participants and carers.
We will be taking steps together – as an
organisation and as individuals – towards
improved physical health for people with
mental illness. This could mean changing the
way a service is delivered, or trying a tai chi
class for the first time.
We have another year of important work
ahead of us, and I thank you for, and look
forward to, your continuing support.
Healthy minds through healthy bodies –our focus on physical health and wellbeing.
Elizabeth Crowther
MI Fellowship Victoria and the arts
After the success of last
year’s stage production
Inside Out at capturing
the experiences of a
family affected by mental
illness, MI Fellowship
Victoria is continuing
its work in the arts to
improve understanding
of mental illness.
We will be partnering
with the Melbourne
Theatre Company in May
to promote the Pulitzer
prize-winning musical
Next to Normal, which
explores a woman’s
loosening grip on reality
and follows her through
a journey of diagnosis
and rehabilitation.
See the details on page 5.
autumn 2011
8 10
www.mifellowship.org
contents from our chief executive p3 | Woodcock lecture 2011 p4 | your questions answered p5 | Melbourne Theatre Company’s Next to Normal p5 | advocacy p6-7 | adventurers’ scrapbook p8-9 | Amanda’s class act p10 | dancers dig deep p10 | Board news p11 |
Internationally acclaimed researcher and speaker
Associate Professor Sharon Lawn will present the
2011 Woodcock Lecture, sharing best practice
strategies and approaches for promoting physical
health and wellbeing for people with mental illness.
Prof Sharon Lawn is renowned for her work on how to
work effectively to engage people with a mental illness
in smoking cessation programs, and for her work in
consumer peer leadership and health promotion.
Sharon is also an expert in the area of Chronic Condition
Management and Self-Management. She coordinates a
post-graduate program in chronic condition management at
Flinders University, South Australia, and has led multiple projects
in this area across the Australian primary health care sector.
Sharon’s lecture will discuss the physical health challenges
facing people with mental illness, and present research
findings and case studies on what works to build motivation
and create a sense of self-efficacy in people who are
managing health issues.
The lecture will be followed by a series of presentations from
consumers about the steps they have taken in their lives to
improve their physical health and wellbeing.
4
Woodcock Lecture 2011 – Dr Sharon LawnFollowed by a panel discussion 6-8pm Tuesday 17 May 2011ANZ Pavilion, Victorian Arts Centre. This is a free event presented by MI Fellowship Victoria.
physical health and wellbeing
Woodcock lecture 2011
mivoice
mark your diary
autumn 2011
Dr Sharon Lawn
17 MayMI FellowshIp VIctorIa woodcock lecture
Talking about physical health and wellbeing can be
challenging for workers and consumers who are
more familiar with discussing issues of mental health.
A pilot project recently commenced by MI Fellowship Victoria is finding ways of better integrating physical health support with its existing psychological and social support services.
The six-month project is being run through MI Fellowship Victoria’s Personal Helpers and Mentors Program in the Mornington Peninsula region, and aims to improve the physical health of participants at the same time as increasing the confidence and expertise of mental health workers to assist with physical health issues.
Project worker Tara Smark says that a holistic approach to all aspects of health will help to improve mental health outcomes for participants.
“We know that mental and physical health are connected,” says Tara. “Our consultations with participants, carers and
other stakeholders have identified ways we can better reflect this connection in our service delivery.”
The project will integrate physical health with outreach services by addressing physical health issues during initial assessments, adding physical health goals to individuals’ mental health recovery plans, identifying barriers that prevent people from taking part in physical activity groups, and supporting participants to try new physical activities.
Results and findings from the pilot project will be transferred to MI Fellowship Victoria’s outreach services in other regions.
If you would like more
information on this project,
or have comments or
experiences which might be
useful to the project team,
please contact Tara Smark
on 9784 6800.
new project takes action for better health
Tara Smark, physical health and wellbeing project worker.
How can we address the physical health challenges facing people with mental illness?
MI Fellowship Victoria’s successful 2010 presentation
of the award-winning play Inside Out has encouraged
us to partner with the Melbourne Theatre Company to
promote the Australian premiere of the hit Broadway
musical Next to Normal.
Winner of the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and a 2009
Tony Award for Best Original Score, Next to Normal is a
touching and surprisingly funny examination of mental illness
and its effects on a family. Called “a musical for a life out of
tune”, Next to Normal is about a woman lost to herself and
her family. Starring Kate Kendall and Matt Hetherington, it
promises to be a highlight of the MTC season.
Preparing for just another day, suburban mother Diana
Goodman makes the family’s lunches and cannot stop. The
piles of sandwiches signal her gradually loosening grip – on
her life, on her family, on her sanity. Soon, there is a doctor,
a diagnosis and a course of treatment, yet the cause to this
case of ordinary madness lies beyond medicine and therapy.
MI Fellowship Victoria’s promotional partnership with the MTC
continues our association with the arts, providing consumers,
families, friends and carers with news and benefits from the
world of theatre, music, film and the visual arts.
Watch our website and read MI Voice Update to learn
more about the MTC’s production of Next to Normal
at The Arts Centre Playhouse from 28 April to 28 May.
Visit www.mtc.com.au for ticket purchases.
the world of theatre beckons again
5
Visit www.mifellowship.org for news, views, events and mental health information. Who knows, you may wish to make a secure online donation while you’re there. Make sure to subscribe to our free private e-newsletter mi voice update, which keeps you in touch with us in between magazines.
How can I help my mate to quit smoking?
your questions answered:
mivoice
‘More than a triumph - it’s next to wondrous’ - New York Daily News
This question comes from Rob in Heidelberg and is
answered by Darren Freak, Manager Rehabilitation
Services, Western Region.
Research shows that people with mental illness are likely to
be heavy smokers so it’s important to remember that your
friend is probably trying to overcome a serious nicotine
addiction. If your friend is on antipsychotic medication, they
will need to get advice from their prescribing health professional
on how reducing nicotine levels will affect their medication.
You can support your friend by helping them to focus on the
benefits of giving up smoking, such as having more money.
You could encourage them to plan to take a holiday with their
savings, or to buy something that they have been wanting. You
can make them aware of the health benefits that begin as soon
as they stop smoking. Within a day of quitting, more oxygen will
be reaching their heart and muscles; within two months they will
be coughing less. You could also encourage them to set targets,
such us reducing the number of cigarettes or setting a timeframe.
The Tobacco and Mental Illness Project in South Australia
has tips to help people get through cigarette cravings. They
recommend going for a walk, listening to music, sipping on
orange juice, going somewhere you can’t smoke, and using
nicotine replacement therapy. The project runs a helpline
on 08 8200 2009.
The Victorian Quitline on 137 848 offers advice from
8am-8pm Monday to Friday. MI Fellowship Victoria has
trained QUIT facilitators on staff. Call Darren Freak on
9680 1600 for more information.
Do you have a question you want answered?
Send an email to [email protected] with
“Your Questions Answered” in the subject line.
autumn 2011
mivoice update – email newsletterStay in touch with the latest news and events in mental health. Register your details at
www.mifellowship.org/news-subscribe.shtml. It’s free, private and you can unsubscribe at any time.
6
MI Fellowship Victoria and its members campaigned hard in the lead up to last November’s Victorian election, calling for more services to support people with mental illness in their homes, in their families, and in their communities.
mivoice
a new Victorian government
We take a look at the commitments made by the Coalition, and the issues to watch over the next 12 months.
pre-election commitmentsBefore its election, the Coalition Government made commitments to a number of MI Fellowship Victoria asks:
ADVOCACY MATTERS
autumn 2011
The ask The commitment
7 new Prevention and Recovery Care (PARC) units in rural and metropolitan areas.
$9.7m for 3 more PARCs, plus a trial of a women’s specific PARC.
25 new Secure and Extended Care Unit (SECU) beds for individuals with highly complex needs.
$18m for 20 new SECU beds.
Increase the number of home-based support packages across Victoria from 3,000 to 6,000.
$19m investment in clinical and support services in the PDRS (psychiatric disability rehabilitation and support services) sector.
A housing demonstration project to trial subsidised private rental housing in locations around Victoria.
Will work with MI Fellowship Victoria to develop a housing demonstration project.
Improve understanding of mental illness among consumers and their families by expanding the proven Well Ways peer education program.
A commitment to carers that may offer opportunities to expand the delivery of the Well Ways program.
Increase opportunities for education and employment for people with mental illness.
$0.9m for Pathways to Participation project.
Awareness raising campaign focused on education with schools and the police.
Agreement in priciple but no funding commitment.
other funding commitmentsThe Coalition also made a number of other mental health
funding commitments, including the following:
• $10m for mental health research
• $15m for additional 20 mental health hospital beds
• $890,000 for dedicated housing officers in government
Area Mental Health Services
• $12m for 3 new mother baby units in regional Victoria
to address post natal depression
• $4m for a suicide prevention campaign targeting people
who are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender
• $1.04m for central coordination of clinical beds
7mivoice
a new Victorian government what’s in store for mental health?
MI Fellowship Victoria staff member Ben Rinaudo hands over the keys for a new Ford Focus Zetec to delighted Christmas raffle winner Marion.
The raffle raised close to $80,000 which is being used to operate services that would otherwise not be viable. Thank you to everyone who supports our fundraising efforts. Look out for our next raffle which will be drawn 16 June 2011.
And the winner is...
autumn 2011
rehabilitation, carers, workforceIn terms of general policy directions without specific funding
attached, the Coalition has indicated a clear commitment to
better resourcing the psychiatric rehabilitation and support
services sector; to increasing the mental health workforce;
and to supporting carers through the ongoing funding of
carer organisations.
Mental Health Act reviewMental Health Minister Mary Wooldridge recently extended to
the end of February 2011 the deadline for public comment on
the draft revision of the Mental Health Act (1986). A review of
the Act began in 2008 with the aim of ensuring that Victoria’s
mental health legislation properly protects human rights,
particularly in relation to the Victorian Charter of Human
Rights and Responsibilities which was introduced in 2006.
It is unclear what the new Government’s intentions are in
relation to both the new Mental Health Bill and the Charter
of Human Rights. It will be important to monitor the progress
of the draft legislation and ensure that the rights of people
with mental illness are adequately protected by law.
MI Fellowship Victoria has lodged a submission with the
review following consultation with its members, participants
and workers.
law and order concernsThe Coalition has come into Government on a particularly
strong law and order platform, with public commitments to end
home detention, end suspended sentences, and take harsher
action on bail abuses. This less tolerant approach is particularly
concerning for people with mental illness who currently
make up 30% of people in prisons. MI Fellowship Victoria is
continuing its work with Government and the police to increase
understanding of the needs of people with mental illness.
the verdictIndications so far are that the new Victorian Government
recognises the benefits and value that will come from a
stronger community mental health sector. MI Fellowship
Victoria will be monitoring the roll-out of new policies and
keeping members and readers informed of what these are
likely to mean for people with mental illness, their carers
and families.
new mental health ministerThe Hon Mary Wooldridge, member for the electorate of Doncaster since 2006, is the new
Victorian Minister for Mental Health. Ms Wooldridge was previously the Shadow Minister for
Environment and Climate Change. She has chaired the Commonwealth Advisory Committee
on Homelessness, and been a Director of the Breast Cancer Australia Network. Most
recently she was the CEO of the Foundation for Young Australians. The former Australian
Federal Minister for Health, Michael Wooldridge, is Ms Wooldridge’s brother.
8mivoice
Adrian Lloyd, participant
“The Gold Coast trip happened because some of us
had gone away on a camping trip in the Dandenongs
and got talking about the things we’d like to do,
places we’d like to go. We all agreed it would be great
to go to Queensland.
“We had a monthly planning day for six months before
the trip. We did the research into flights and activities.
The theme parks were fantastic and we also had free
time to explore the area and walk along the beach.
“The trip has given me the confidence to
communicate more easily with people, even people I
don’t know such as when you go to the supermarket.
As a result of the trip, a few of us have formed an
activity group and we’re planning to go fishing, rafting
down the Barwon River and abseiling.”
Vera Lloyd, carer
“This was a terrific exercise in setting and achieving goals.
Adrian had to save the money, do his research, do the
preparation. From my point of view one of the major benefits
has been the links he has made with other consumers.”
Jack Henry, participant
“We did a lot but there was time for relaxation. I walked along
the beach and swam in the hotel pool. It was the first time I’d
been to Queensland and I enjoyed everything about the trip.
“We did our own shopping, cooked bacon and eggs for
breakfast, and made sandwiches for everyone for lunch.
We went out to dinner and my mate and I shared lasagne
and pizza. It was a fantastic time and all our planning paid off.”
Roni Henry, carer
“The trip couldn’t have come along at a better time for us as
a family. Jack was extremely excited. An interstate trip like
this is not something we could really afford as a family so it
was great he got the opportunity to go on an adventure.
We spoke to him by phone when he first arrived and after
that he was fine. My husband and I were relaxed because
we could tell he was enjoying himself.
“We have been slowly increasing the amount of responsibility
we give Jack. He wanted to go on the trip so we said, ‘OK, you
get organised.’ It has been an important part of his learning.”
autumn 2011
A trip to the Gold Coast for 17 MI Fellowship Victoria participants provided a chance to turn hopes and plans into unforgettable experiences.
adventurers’ scrapbook6TIC
KET
gold c
oast
meeting the
locals
Ppathways
people and their stories
9
dates for your diary in 2011 | Schizophrenia Awareness Week 16-22 May | Mental Health Week 10-16 October | Watch out for more updates and information on activities in MI Voice Update or visit our website www.mifellowship.org
mivoice
Jim Haitas, participant
“I had never been interstate before and it was great to forget
my issues and enjoy the scenery and good company. It gave
me and my family a break from each other which was good,
and I came home feeling less stressed out and tired.
“I feel more confident in myself since going on the trip. If I feel stressed, I remember the holiday and just take myself back there for a moment.”
Ella Forbes, program worker
“The apartments we stayed in were beautiful. They had fantastic
views over the ocean, city and mountains. On a clear day you
could see to Byron Bay on one side and Coolangatta the other.
There were about five to six people staying in each apartment. It
was great to have time to get to know each other and head out
shopping or to the beach together.
“Each night we were able to have dinner at a different place.
There was a great range of cuisines to choose from. Some
of us tried Mexican, Japanese, Chinese or Lebanese. This
was cool as it’s not something we often do.”
pre-departure preparations d• Monthly planning meetings for six months
• Developed rules of conduct for holiday participants
• Booked transport, accommodation and activities
• Updated doctors’ health assessments
• Compiled personal and emergency information
• Budgeted and met regular payment plan
• Labelled and listed any medications for airport security
itinerary
Monday 4.30am departure for early flight Dinner at local pub
Tuesday Australia Zoo
Wednesday Free day Dinner at Draculas Restaurant
Thursday Movie World
Friday Return home 8more information:
The Gold Coast trip was coordinated by MI Fellowship
Victoria’s Barwon Regional Office. For information about
activities such as this that might be planned in your region,
please contact Nicole Traynor on 5229 8827.
www.mifellowship.org
autumn 20116
seeing the wildlife
catching up over dinner
_P
6
10
Amanda’s class act
mivoice
Amanda Baker set herself on a new course after returning to study.
Amanda is presented with her certificate by MI Fellowship Victoria CEO Liz Crowther.
Amanda was among nine people who graduated
with their Certificate in General Education (Adults)
at MI Fellowship Victoria in December last year. As a
registered training organisation, MI Fellowship Victoria
runs the accredited certificate course along with a
range of vocational courses. The Certificate in General
Education gives people who have experienced mental
illness the opportunity to re-gain skills and confidence
in preparation for further study or employment.
Since completing the course, Amanda has gone on to
join MI Fellowship Victoria’s Speakers Bureau and is speaking
to audiences about her illness and her recovery journey.
“I have had problems reading and writing all my life,” says
Amanda. “My case manager told me about the certificate
course and I applied and got in. It was a year of classes
twice a week which was quite a big commitment, so it is
great to have made it through to graduation.”
Information on MI Fellowship Victoria’s accredited training
courses is available from our Training Team on 9680 1615.
“Returning to study was a big commitment, so it is great to have made it through to graduation.”
The Collingwood Town Hall was jumping at the end
of last year when 160 people ‘zumba-ed’ the night
away to raise money for MI Fellowship Victoria.
Eight instructors amazed participants by dancing
continuously to the moves of Reggeaton, Salsa,
Bollywood and Samba. The Zumbathon participants
raised $3,200 for MI Fellowship Victoria.
The event was organised by Joan Audino and Maureen
Nixon to celebrate the first anniversary of their fitness
business, Danzfit, and to support a cause that has
touched their lives.
“We said when we started our business that we wanted
to make a contribution to the community,” says Joan.
“Both Maureen and I have family and friends who have
been affected by mental illness. It’s something that people
don’t talk about but we know there is a need for support
and services.”
We thank Danzfit for their kind and energetic support.
Danzfit runs classes in venues throughout Melbourne.
Visit www.danzfit.com.au for more information.
Zumba dancers raise money for MI Fellowship Victoria.
autumn 2011
dancers dig deep
11
not ready to rest his case
mivoice
After many years of volunteering his legal expertise to MI Fellowship Victoria, Kevin Abrahamson became a member of the Board at last year’s Annual General Meeting.
Kevin’s association with
MI Fellowship Victoria stretches
back to 1998 when he provided
pro bono legal counsel to the
organisation through the legal
firm Molomby and Molomby. The
firm was later to merge with Middletons who continue
to be MI Fellowship Victoria’s pro bono lawyers.
Kevin brings 44 years’ experience in general commercial
law and a long-held commitment to community service.
He’s served as an office holder on a range of charitable,
educational and business development organisations in
both metropolitan and regional Victoria.
“I spent nearly 30 years as a lawyer in East Gippsland
before I moved to Melbourne,” says Kevin. “In country
areas you do tend to have more community involvement.
I’ve been fortunate enough to work in businesses that
have held the philosophy that you should put back into
the communities where you live and work.”
Kevin is now carrying that philosophy into his retirement,
bringing not only his professional expertise to the
MI Fellowship Victoria Board, but also a background
knowledge of the organisation which his helping to inform
its future development.
Paul Montgomery
“She has a terrific ability and determination to get a job done,” MI FELLOWSHIP VICTORIA BOARD MEMBER ELAINE PRICE
In Bernie Trahair’s 14 years at MI Fellowship Victoria
she has held positions ranging from office manager, to
volunteer coordinator, to executive assistant, and – for the
past 18 months – company secretary. Now she’s moving
on to new challenges outside MI Fellowship Victoria,
taking a store of memories and life experiences with her.
“What I will remember most about my time at MI Fellowship
Victoria is the people – staff, participants, members and
volunteers – all working towards the same goal,” says Bernie.
“I have always been amazed by the time and energy people give
at MI Fellowship Victoria. Whether it’s volunteers at the Open
Mind Fiesta who come from miles away year after year, or our
Board members who volunteer hours of their time and expertise.”
MI Fellowship Victoria Board member Elaine Price says that
as MI Fellowship Victoria has grown over the years, so has
Bernie, continually extending the skills she has brought to
the organisation.
“She has a terrific ability and
determination to get a job done,” says
Elaine. “And despite her workload, she was
always there when you needed something.”
Bernie came to MI Fellowship Victoria
with little knowledge of mental illness, but
leaves with understanding and respect for
participants, carers and workers.
“In my time here I have often heard stories
that make me think ‘how do people
manage this?’ But I also know stories
of care and recovery that remind me how important
it is that MI Fellowship Victoria keeps doing the work it does.”
Thank you Bernie for your enormous contribution.
MI Fellowship Victoria wishes you all the best for your
next chapter.
thank you Bernie Trahair
autumn 2011
12
Editor : : Kerryn Garner, Mental Illness Fellowship Victoria
Design : : Lisa Minichiello, Room44
Printing : : Bambra PressMI Voice aims to keep our readers informed of the latest information on mental illness and our advocacy work. It is also our opportunity to keep potential and existing supporters and donors informed of the Mental Illness Fellowship’s activities and the difference their contribution makes.
MI Voice is the quarterly publication of the Mental Illness Fellowship Victoria, Fairfield Place 276 Heidelberg Road, Fairfield, Victoria, Australia, 3078.
Telephone : : 03 8486 4200Fax : : 03 8486 4265Email : : [email protected] : : www.mifellowship.orgHelpline : : 03 8486 4222Mental Illness Fellowship retains the right to edit articles. Please note that the opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the editor or the Mental Illness Fellowship Victoria.
© Mental Illness Fellowship Victoria. PO Box 359 Clifton Hill, Vic 3068 All rights reserved.ACN 093 357 165 ABN 93 093 357 165 ISSN 0816 7877
in other news
media monitor
MI Fellowship Victoria approached The Age newspaper about writing an article on the housing crisis facing people with mental illness. The resulting ‘Veronica’s story’ by journalist Jo Chandler was an in-depth look at the issues through one woman’s recovery journey.
The article provoked a great deal of community response including discussion on ABC Radio’s
Jon Faine program.
Last month, our CEO Liz Crowther and our Consumer Participation Consultant Julie Anderson discussed housing
difficulties for people with mental illness with Steve Vizard on MTR (Melbourne Talkback Radio).
board of directorsPresident : : The Hon. Robert Knowles
Vice President : : Mrs Diane Brown
Directors : : Mr Darrel Drieberg Mr Paul Montgomery Mr Kevin Abrahamson
Mrs Elaine Price, Ms Lyn Allison Mr Theo Krambias, Dr Julian Freidin Ms Louise Milne-Roch, Ms Jenny King
Chief Executive : : Elizabeth Crowther
what we’ve been up to
> An alumni program is being trialled in Footscray and Richmond for participants of Day Progams who no longer need the individual support of a key worker. This peer-led program will provide an ongoing social network for day program ‘graduates’ who want to maintain their relationships with MI Fellowship Victoria and with each other. For more information contact your key worker.
> Our Barwon Region staff joined 1,500 people who took to the streets of Geelong on Australia Day for the city’s second Walk Against Suicide.
> Our consumer participation consultant Julie Anderson attended the recent National Mental Health Peer Workforce Forum. The conference provided international case studies and evidence on peer positions in the workforce which will be useful in the development of peer programs at MI Fellowship Victoria. The keynote address was given by Larry Fricks on consumer-operated services in the United States.
> An article on the role of volunteering in the mental health sector by our General Manager for Rehabilitation services, Laura Collister, was published in the January issue of the journal New Paradigm.
thank you to our supporters
‘Veronica’s story’ The Age, 23 November 2010
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newsmivoice