Enewsletter Message from Executive Officer The Ripple Effect Supporting carers, relatives and friends of people with mental ill health.
yearCarers bushfires have been in The launch of MentalThis Health Tas has been exciting with many commenting theallpositive new the forefrontonfor Tasmanians. name and branding.There are very few who have not Thank you! been affected by the bushfires
This edition reports the events during across this State.Mental ThereHealth is no Week and Carers week. Most of these events would not question that those living within the communities have been successful had we not received significant in where the fires have been have experienced an kind support from many individuals and organisations.
immediate impact on some aspect of their health You are being asked to provide any comments for us and wellbeing, physical emotional.Carer to include in our both submission on and the Tasmanian
Beware of scammers asking for DIS fees People are being warned to beware of contact from anyone claiming to work for the Government who tries to make them pay an administration Kate and Wendy at Road2Recovery 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 Message fromScheme. the President Disability Insurance
and Support Framework. ItRecognitions is one of Tasmania’s particular strengths that we together to the support others in need. We all arerally excited to begin statewide Wellness and Resilience project witheffect the first workshop in December. However, the ripple that results can have a serious onfrom family, colleagues and Throughimpact a request onefriends, of our members at the AGM we are preparing a submission regarding volunteers and is sometimes overlooked. As the Advanced Care Directives and issues impact on community rallies to support those that directly affected Carers and Consumers. We intend to submit to all by the fires, many place their own needs on hold. Tasmanian Government politicians and the National When crisis is over, these come to the Mentalthe Health Commission. We needs would like to hear your surface. Many need to seek support get experiences andwill suggestions you have. Youto can either send an email to meweeks, or call and we can through the days, months thatmeet. follow.
Enjoy this edition, WendyTasmania Groot. celebrates Mental Health Carers 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. TheyFroude, might who not be in theexecutive, areas where Welcome to the first newsletter published under our – Simon hasliving extensive PSYCHOSIS AUSTRALIA SURVEY have been. We encourage people toHe take new name, which was approved at the Annual General the fires non-executive director and CEO experience. Meeting on October 6th. I am delighted to have been has particular skills in marketing, public relations the time to care for their own health and wellbeing. re-elected as the President for another year and am He is to thereflect General Manager Seekand outcommunications. the time and space and “The Mental Fellowship Australia is the confident that,Illness with the support ofofthe Board and – Tasmania for the Royal Flying Doctors Service of recharge. Talk to someone and connect with the undertaking a project on Psychosis energy and effectiveness of behalf our EO of and staff, Mental Australia. support and community services you need. Indulge Australia TrustTasmania to enable of people Health Carers willthe go views from strength to – Trudy Heins, who has particular skills and andexperience spoil yourself doing something you have not strength over the coming 12 months. affected by psychosis including carers, families in finance, and a strong understanding done while or maybe friends to betogiven the rightthe amount of Iand am very pleased congratulate Board members of for theachallenges for NFP never. Boards. Trudy runs on their electionwhen and welcome three an newagenda Board for her own business and is also the station consideration establishing The ripple effect from a stone thrown into sales a pond members: manager for Edge radio. Trudy has accepted the psychosis research in Australia. can extend far, it is the same for us all. Taking the –
Katrina Wickham, who has extensive training
Do and you project need more information or support management experience. She about has psychosis or other mental illness forinyourself considerable experience and skills quality or assurance, occupational someone you risk caremanagement about? Call and Mi Networks on health and safety. She is the overleaf... 1800 985 944. Continued Project
worker – Quality Assurance with Aspire, A Pathway to Mental Health.
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executive role of Treasurer for the coming year.
time to be mindful of our thoughts and feelings The other members of the Board are: assist us to a better awareness of how we are – Elida Meadows (Vice President), currently responding and what areas we might needPolicy Officer with the Mental Health Council Tasmania, to focus on. Investing a small amount ofoftime with a strong commitment to addressing the needs reflecting on from our own health wellbeing is of carers culturally andand linguistically diverse always time well spent. Celebrate your life and backgrounds; those who are part of your ripple effect.
Wendy Groot, Executive Officer
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.
-- Communication skills, particularly elements of face to face communication giving feedback creating a feedback loop respectfully 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
RECOVERY FOR CARERS (10am – 3pm)
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.
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 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
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
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-- Relaxation and breathing exercises
Workshop dates Location Huonville Launceston Oatlands Ulverstone Hobart St Helens Sorell
Recovery for Carers Feb 7 Feb 11 Feb 13 Feb 15 Feb 18 Mar 8 Mar 18
Managing Stress / Building Resilience Feb 26 Mar 7 Feb 20 Mar 11 Feb 25 Mar 26 Mar 27
Additional workshops are being scheduled for April & May.
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. Page 4 of 5
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
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 -- 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.
‘Succeeding Together’
We are a member of the Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia
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We are funded by the Department of Health and Human Services
1 St John’s Ave, New Town TAS 7008 North (03) 6349 1121 South (03) 6228 7448 North West (03) 6441 5280 Tuesday–Friday: 9am– 2pm 24 hour answering machine
www.mentalhealthcarerstas.org.au