mi voice summer 2010
DESCRIPTION
Mi Voice Summer 2010TRANSCRIPT
1 in 5 will be affected with mental illness. 5 in 5 can help. Be one of them. See back cover for details.
mivoice
summer 2010
issue 120
our new radio show p4
advocacy mattersmental health and the election p6-7
MI Fellowship awards -meet the winners p11
Registered with the Department of Human Services Print Post Approved 350190 / 00023 ISSN 0816 7877
It was pleasing to see so many members and friends of MI Fellowship at our Annual General meeting this year.
Prior to the AGM the election for Board Directors
resulted in there being equal number of candidates to
positions, therefore all nominees, Paul Montgomery, Kevin
Abrahamson, Darrel Drieberg and Julian Freidin were
deemed to be elected.
I again had the pleasure of presenting the MI Fellowship
Awards to people who have made a great contribution to
the work of MI Fellowship and mental health more broadly.
Given we were amidst a State election, it was timely to
have Patrick McGorry, Australian of the Year as our key
note speaker at the AGM. His address emphasised the
need for more high quality mental health services across
the country.
Indeed it has been an exciting time for mental illness
in Australia over the last few months. First the Federal
election raised the profile of mental health with increased
community concern and debate around the need for
greater investment. However, the focus of the debate was
clinical funding and not the life-long needs of people living
in the community with mental illness.
The Victorian election offered a new opportunity to bring
greater impetus to the need to extend community mental
health services.
The MI Fellowship Call to Action – Victorian Election 2010
took up the challenge calling on our members, supporters
from our president
2
The last quarter has seen a wealth of activity from MI Fellowship and other organisations.
www.mifellowship.org
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contents from our chief executive p3 | hear us on 3CR p4 | your questions answered p5 | people and their stories p5 | advocacy p6-7 | politicians breakfast p8 | SEW Eurodrive – our $1 million partner p9 | news bites p10 | awards and board p11 | Front cover photo: James Braund
summer 2010
The Hon. Robert Knowles AO
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and others with an interest in mental health to lobby political
parties facing election and make recovery for people with
mental illness, their families and friends a reality.
“Support for recovery and social inclusion has been at the heart of our campaign with calls for more resources...”
Development and promotion of the Call to Action was
underpinned by the work of the Board’s Policy and Advocacy
Committee in developing and promoting our policy agenda.
The committee is now working on its next policy statement
around police responses to mental illness.
Support for recovery and social inclusion has been at the
heart of our campaign with calls for more resources for raising
community awareness of mental illness and funding for
consumer and family education programs and an injection of
investment into housing and support options that respond to
the individual needs of people with a mental illness.
Overall, we continue to call for more staff, more funding and
more understanding of the needs of people with mental illness.
In closing I would like to take the opportunity to wish you
all Season’s Greetings. We look forward to working with
you during next year to both deliver and advocate for better
opportunities for people with mental illness and their families.
Our theme in 2011 will be improving the physical health of
people with a mental illness. Please join with us again to add
your voice and your concerns to our advocacy work.
3mivoice
from our chief executive
Mental Health Week sometimes feels
like it’s a double-edged sword. Every
year, I’m always incredibly pleased at the
outpouring of community support for people
with a mental illness. And every year, I can
see stark reminders of why we need a
Mental Health Week in the first place.
Although, I am particularly proud of
MI Fellowship’s activities this year, I am
also reminded that mental health as an
issue continues to be at a crossroads in
this state and it’s only because of the
continuing hard work coming from a wealth
of people that we’ve managed to achieve
all we have so far.
I get to meet some of those people each year
at the Open Mind Fiesta, our biggest event for
Mental Health Week. The fact that they turned
out in droves this year, despite appalling
weather, really shows how willing Victorians
are to express their support for people with
a mental illness.
Our other major initiative for Mental Health
Week this year, the play Inside Out, helped us
to reach out to people right across the state.
Overwhelmingly, Inside Out’s message of understanding, hope and recovery came through in feedback from members of the audience with one audience member saying “I was left feeling ‘not so alone’.”
The fact that the Victorian tour of Inside Out
drew the play’s biggest audiences ever may
be due to its ability to present the family
dynamics surrounding mental illness in a
sympathetic light.
Overwhelmingly, Inside Out’s message of
understanding, hope and recovery came
through in feedback from members of the
audience with one audience member saying
“I was left feeling ‘not so alone’.”
Inside Out also provided us an opportunity to
meet with carers and consumers who were
not using our services and increase referrals
to our programs and carer support groups.
Yet for all this good news, there is still so much
to be done. As we head towards the holiday
season, thoughts turn to home. For many
people with a mental illness, access to suitable,
affordable housing remains a critical issue.
Indeed, housing was the key issue in our
election campaign. But it will not stop now
that the election is over and done. We
will be following up our efforts by seeking
opportunities to maximise our influence on
housing in every quarter we can.
At this time of year, it is time to reflect
upon the family, friends and the personal
relationships we hold dear. My best wishes
to you for the festive season. Looking forward
to having you back with us for 2011.
Mental health isn’t just an issue for one week only.
Elizabeth Crowther
The painful truthKey figures on the physical health of many people with mental illness:
• People with a mental illness have a death rate approximately 2.5 times the rate of the general population
• People with a mental illness have a life expectancy approximately 20 years less than that of the general population
• People with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder are more than twice as likely to have diabetes than other patients and also more likely to experience heart disease and stroke
• People with a mental illness require 23 per cent more dental treatment and are 36 per cent more likely to require a tooth removed than other members of the same socio-economic community
With such figures in mind, MI Fellowship is declaring 2011 to be the Year of Physical Health. Keep reading MI Voice for more details about this as we develop our program of activities.
Source: Lancet journal,
University of WA, VICSERV,
Disability Rights Commission
summer 2010
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MI Fellowship’s new radio show can be heard on Wednesday afternoons between 5.00pm and 5.30pm. Tune your radio to Melbourne’s 3CR community radio on 855AM.
social inclusion
The voice of people in Melbourne with a mental illness just got a little louder with the launch of our brand new program on Melbourne’s 3CR community radio station.
Launched on October 13, just in time for Mental Health Week, the program is Melbourne’s first regular radio broadcast created by, and for, people with a mental illness. Covering issues as diverse as research, politics, art, culture and community, the 3CR program offers a new outlook on the world and an outlet for people with a mental illness to share their views.
“People with a mental illness are used to the media portraying them in the worst possible light, and it can really make you feel shut out of media and public debate,” says Julie Anderson, MI Fellowship’s Consumer Participation Coordinator. “Through this initiative, we aim to finally give the mental illness community a chance to push back and show the world that our views are just as well thought out and important as anyone else’s and, in some situations, even more so.”
The program is a project from MI Fellowship’s consumer participation program which aims to engage people with a mental illness in self-advocacy and promote mental health awareness to the broader community.
The show is the work of a small team of volunteers who have been working with 3CR to get their radio skills up to speed over the period of a few months. As the program progresses though, MI Fellowship is hoping to expand the team to take on even more views from people with mental illness.
“We want consumers to feel that this is really their program,” says Julie Anderson, “which means that if you think of an improvement we can make, don’t just write us an email about it, join in as we put the program together each week and show us what you’ve got.”
“We’ve got room for all types of people so if you just like music but hate interviews or want to learn how to work the audio mixing equipment of be an on-air announcer, let us know!”
People with mental illness who listen in can give feedback on their experience and tell Ben how they could be involved with the program. Email to [email protected]
quiet please, we’re on the air
mivoice
Ben Rinaudo is one of the hosts of our new radio show
summer 2010
listen in
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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.
What programs are available for young carers of people with a mental illness?
Gita Mammen draws on her strengths when volunteering at Richmond’s art program, Creative Space.
your questions answered:
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“I’m there primarily for the art,” says Gita Mammen, who
started volunteering with MI Fellowship’s art program in
May, “that I’m also a psychiatrist comes a distinct second.”
When Gita started looking for an organisation to volunteer with
earlier this year, she wanted to draw on her core strengths: art
and writing. Luckily, her call to MI Fellowship coincided with our
new art program launch at the Stables in Richmond. Soon, Gita
became a regular attendee at Creative Space sessions, acting
as a resource for some of the other group members.
“An aspect that really excites me about the group is the
unencumbered sense of creativity. Formal art classes can
sometimes actually constrict creativity, leaving a person with the
notion that there are specific ways of making art. Creative Space
places no emphasis on the correctness of otherwise of technique.”
While Gita is on-hand to offer support and advice, she is also
quick to point out where she draws the line (figuratively speaking!).
“With art, you can’t tell people what to do, it’s got to come from
them. If participants want to have a conversation with me about
how to mix acrylics or work with watercolours, I’m there for them.
If they just want to try it out for themselves, I support that too.”
“Martin (Di Battista, who coordinates Creative Space) does an
excellent job at facilitating the group and structuring it. I’m just
there to help out any way I can.”
pathwayspeople and their stories
summer 2010
“Ironwood” an artwork by Gita Mammen
This edition’s question was submitted by Daphne
from Footscray. This answer is provided by Tina
Bourekas, Manager, Quality and Service Development,
Rehabilitation Services.
Young people caring for family members with a mental illness
are just like any carer in that they can often feel alone in their role
and worry for the safety of their loved ones. On top of the usual
roles that come with being a carer though there are the additional
factors that young carers have to negotiate.
Sometimes there is anger that they are in a position of caring for
someone who would otherwise be caring for them and frustration
at not being able to do things they may want to, like attending a
party or visiting friends. Often the caring role competes with the
need to manage school and homework.
Unfortunately, young carers may also have difficulty accessing
services and may feel overlooked if services are directed
exclusively to the person with the mental illness.
If you’re a young carer, one of the most important things is to
make time for yourself. Spending time with friends, making sure
you sleep and eat well and talk about your experiences goes a
long way to keeping yourself healthy.
Your school may have a counsellor who can help and some
schools even have groups for young carers.
See if your local mental health services (like MI Fellowship) offer
a respite option for families. This can free up time to focus on
school activities and recreation. If your mental health service
takes a “whole of family” approach, they may offer counselling to
help develop caring and coping strategies.
You may also like to talk to other carers about how they manage
their role. A good place to start would be
MI Fellowship Helpline on 8486 4222.
Do you have a question that you want answered?
Send an email to [email protected] with
“Your Questions Answered” in the subject line.
art with heart
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.
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Making mental health count
The outcomes
Although the ALP sought to make health a key point of
difference with the Coalition, mental health got lost in the
cross fire. The Health and Hospitals Reform Agreement
with the states and territories was the central plank in
Labor’s health plan with hospital reform and electronic
health records leaving very little for its poor cousin. The
agreement resulted in just $116 million for mental health
out of the total $5.4 billion in extra funding promised for
health over the next three years.
The Coalition sought to exploit this failing by releasing a $1.5
billion mental health policy that drew praise from the experts
and generated widespread favourable media coverage.
Although a good start in terms of the amount of funding
and its specific support for young people, the Coalition
policy focused too heavily on the provision of acute
hospital beds and sub-acute clinical services. There was
remarkably little funding for community based mental
health services and support.
In the final weeks of the campaign Labor committed to
$277m of extra funding for suicide prevention programs.
MI Fellowship maintains there is little point investing
at the acute end of the system – the psychiatric wards
attached to hospitals – if there is no capacity for people
to be appropriately and safely discharged from hospital
with community based care and support. The lack
of supportive accommodation options, in particular,
undermines recovery.
The mental health system relies on community based
care and support. This is where the focus of government
and policy makers should be.
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Federal Election 2010summer 2010
$5.4bextra funding promised for health
over the next three years.
for mental health for next three years.
only $116m
The Federal election held in August 2010 brought forth
very little for mental health and even less for mental
health services delivered in the community where people
with a mental illness and their families live their life.
MI Fellowship through its membership of the Mental
Illness Fellowship of Australia (MIFA) participated in the 40
Thousand People Missing Out on Mental Health Services
national campaign highlighting the 40,000 Australians who
miss out on key government mental health services each
year based on the Federal Government’s own estimations.
A campaign document was developed focusing on the
lack of growth across the five key areas identified by the
2007 Australians Talk Mental Health survey: housing and
support, consumer and carer education, social security,
access to employment and the need for greater investment
in mental health research. The document was sent to all
Federal politicians, the media and other key organisations.
A key outcome of the debate leading up to the federal
election was the increased community awareness of the
urgent need for action on mental health. This was driven
through media interest in the work of 2010 Australian
of the Year Professor Patrick McGorry as well as the
dramatic resignation of Professor John Mendoza from
his role as Chair of the Australian Government’s National
Advisory Council on Mental Health.
Another key element raising mental health as an election
issue was the grass roots campaign conducted by Get
Up to bring Australians together to discuss mental health
issues. MI Fellowship’s Julie Anderson joined others from
around the country in speaking on a cold night to a Get
Up inspired gathering at Melbourne University.
ADVoCACY MATTERS
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Our call to make recovery a reality – invest in community mental health
Federal Election 2010summer 2010
State Election 2010
In the lead up to the Victorian state election, MI Fellowship conducted a statewide campaign calling for action to provide more services for people with mental illness in the community where they live.
The Call to Action mapped a positive reform agenda
to improve the health and wellbeing of people with a
mental illness with an emphasis on a home for living
and education for a road to a better life.
MI Fellowship’s campaign highlighted distress caused
by the lack of support to people with mental illness, their
carers and families provided through the mental health system.
Five key areas of investment were identified:
1. Increased intensive rehabilitation and support and in
particular seven more prevention and recovery care units
and 25 new extended care beds in the community sector
2. Doubling of community based support packages from
around 3000 to 6000 with 1000 packages targeted to
people with high risk and complex needs
3. The need for innovative housing solutions. Here MI Fellowship
proposed a demonstration project that secures 50 one
bedroom units, with 50 tailored packages including support
and care in the private sector, designed to back people with a
mental illness on the disability support pension.
4. Greater support for education for people with mental
illness, their families and friends. The education package
sought included the extension of Well Ways to more
consumers and carers in Victoria, a demonstration
project addressing the needs of carers from culturally
and linguistically diverse communities, including the
preparation of Well Ways Diversity and the delivery
of increased specialised intensive general education
programs for people with a mental illness seeking to
reengage with education.
5. An awareness raising campaign to build understanding
of mental illness and reduce stigma.
Focussing the campaign on marginal regional seats, all stops
were pulled out to promote the MI Fellowship campaign.
An election kit was produced for distribution to members,
supporters and was uploaded to the website. The kit
included the Call to Action booklet, a sample letter for people
to personalise and send on to politicians and the media,
talking points for letters and calls and texts to talk back radio,
and contacts for key politicians and the media.
The Call to Action was launched on-line. A Youtube video
featuring Catherine Bleasedale, a carer and campaigner
from Kyabram was also used to highlight the need for better
services – particularly housing and support – for people with
a mental illness and their families. The video highlights the
lack of services, which is even worse in rural Victoria.
time for actionCatherine’s message says it all: we need “more staff, more funding and more understanding” to make a difference to people managing the impact of mental illness in their lives.
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Chat for Change brought together members of the major political parties with advocates and experts from the mental health sector to have a serious discussion about the state of mental health services in Victoria at the moment and what the sector will be asking of all parties this November.
Attended by MI Fellowship and other community based mental health organisations, a key purpose of the event was that parties should not repeat the mistakes of the federal election where supporting mental health was seen as only funding more clinical care. Parties were asked to increase
their understanding and support of community based recovery initiatives. After all, it’s within the community that most recovery happens.
Key speakers at the event included MI Fellowship Victoria President Rob Knowles, Kim Koop of VICSERV, Bill Healy of MIND and Dr Jayashri Kulkarni of the Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre. Consumer voices were represented by Jan Hatt, a consumer consultant with NEAMI who shared her experience with community mental health care to show how central such services have been to her recovery.
MI Fellowship’s Year of the Family obviously struck a chord with people right across the state as we saw excellent levels of community involvement in our activities during this year’s Mental Health Week.
In different locations across the state, our presentation of the award-winning play Inside Out performed to near sell-out crowds. Inside Out, which depicted the relationship between a young man with a mental illness and his mother as they journey from first symptoms to diagnosis and beyond, drew rave reviews from audience members, many of whom felt it was like watching a chapter from their own biography.
Inside Out was presented with the support of Christine Dunstan Productions and starred Benn Welford and Valerie Bader.
MI Fellowship’s other flagship event for the week, our annual Open Mind Fiesta also held its own with an estimated crowd of 30,000 people. Despite appalling weather conditions, the Fiesta crowd mingled together with over 150 volunteers and participants.
The Open Mind Fiesta remains one of the best events of the year for communities to show their support for people
with mental illness and this year was certainly no exception. Families flocked to Fairfield’s Station Street to soak up the carnival atmosphere and enjoy the acts on the main stage including the triumphant return of the Social Circus sponsored by Eli Lilly and a special performance by the carers’ choir, The Moon’s A Balloon.
The Open Mind Fiesta is presented in partnership with Fairfield Traders.
The Open Mind Fiesta brings communities together
summer 2010
chat for change
mental health week
MI Fellowship got this year’s election campaign off to an early start by participating in the recent “Chat for Change” political breakfast in September.
Catherine Bleasedale tells her story
9
dates for your diary in 2011 | Schizophrenia Week 15-21 May | Mental Health Week 10-16 October | Watch out for more updates and information on activities on MI Voice Update or visit our website www.mifellowship.org
mivoice
The number 13 is meant to attract bad luck, but there
certainly hasn’t been sign of that during MI Fellowship’s
thirteenth year of working with major manufacturer
SEW Eurodrive, who recently helped out with two
major fundraisers.
Indeed, this year the SEW Eurodrive events generated $108,375
for MI Fellowship programs, bringing the total money raised by
our partnership over the years to over one million dollars.
Money raised goes into new and existing programs for
people with a mental illness and carers that we would
otherwise not have the funds to continue, making our
relationship with SEW Eurodrive particularly valued.
SEW Eurodrive’s annual fundraisers this year took two forms;
their annual Euro Drive golf day on September 27 (not to be
confused with our other golf day in Barwon) and the annual
charity auction dinner, which was held at Tabcorp Stadium
Melton on October 2.
A highlight of the dinner dance was a presentation from a
carer, Robin Richards, who spoke passionately about her
personal experiences with MI Fellowship and the need for
continued support of mental health issues and the Well Ways
program.
Also keeping guests busy was an auction of donated items
ranging from household goods (including an apron signed by
Master Chef’s Matt Preston) to the use of a corporate box for
a day out to the footy.
MI Fellowship looks forward to continuing to work with SEW
Eurodrive for a fourteenth year and long into the future.
lucky 13
www.mifellowship.org
The end of year holiday season is almost with us once again and with it comes a time of joy and togetherness for many families. But not for all. As we get ready to wrap gifts and think of holiday feasts, it’s important to spend a moment thinking of those who aren’t as fortunate.
Each year in Victoria, hundreds of people go without the trappings of the holidays that most of us take for granted. Many are people with a mental illness who may be experiencing poor health, a lack of stable appropriate housing and without the support of family or friends.
In 2011, MI Fellowship will continue our focus on programs to bring equality and happiness
to people with a mental illness and to see them able to take advantage of all of the same opportunities enjoyed by anyone else. You can support our work through our current Christmas Appeal, which features on our tear off page in the back of this edition of MI Voice.
Throughout the holiday season, MI Fellowship’s Helpline will continue to be available on 03 8486 4222 on the usual days, except for the public holidays. For people in crisis over the holidays, we recommend contacting the Mental Health Advice Line 1300 280 737.
Take care of yourselves these holidays and, wherever possible, take care of each other.
summer 2010
bring the new year in with cheer
MI Fellowship’s relationship with SEW Eurodrive hit new highs this year
Our CEO Liz Crowther accepts this year’s cheque
MI Fellowship got this year’s election campaign off to an early start by participating in the recent “Chat for Change” political breakfast in September.
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band on the march
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driving for a fairer way MI Fellowship Barwon has strong links with its community
news bites
“Uncorked” shows off some of their instruments
If the hills around Wonthaggi suddenly come alive with the
sound of music soon, don’t say you weren’t told.
Wonthaggi MI Fellowship program support workers Lynn Willox
and Kathleen Wilmann have established a music group in the
area. Community support for the fledgling band has come in a
number of ways – and, it would appear, musical styles.
One of the members of the music group, Danielle, was
passionate about using a raffle to raise funds and help replace
musical instruments. Approaches to local businesses not only
netted more than $700 worth of prizes but also a swag of pre-
loved musical instruments.
At last count, the generosity included a piano accordion, two
acoustic guitar, full-size upright piano, bongos, electric bass
guitar, acoustic 12-string steel guitar with electric pick up,
electric amplifier, 9 tambourines, two triangles, three maracas,
set of bells, recorder, harmonica, double keyboard electronic
organ, a set of small cymbals and an African thumb percussion.
The group welcomes musicians of all levels of talent and tries
to link up with other psychiatric disability rehabilitation and
support services musicians where possible, though distance
makes this difficult at times.
But the current line up of Uncorked, the Wonthaggi players, did
have a terrific time attending this year’s Korumburra Buskers’
Festival in November.
If you want more information about the Wonthaggi music
group, contact Lynn on 5672 3111.
summer 2010
...the current line up of Uncorked, the Wonthaggi players, did have a terrific time attending this year’s Korumburra Buskers’ Festival in November.
Barwon Heads Golf Club put a fifth big year of support for MI Fellowship on its scorecard this october with its annual Barwon region golf fundraiser.
Each year the fundraiser grows in scale and this year more than 70 players lined up to tee off at 8.30am for a friendly but vigorously contested 18 holes. Club pro Mark Ryan once again donated his time and expertise to making the day a success.
Coming in for lunch at about 12.30pm, the players then participated in a raffle and silent auction and got the chance to hear local resident, Olga, talk about her experiences as a carer and how important supporting respite services are to her.
One of the raffle winners was so moved by Olga’s testimony that she gave her the prize she’d only just won - a deluxe set of beauty products.
It was a small gesture but a great example of how local residents have embraced MI Fellowship’s programs. Indeed, another couple attending donated a stay at their their bed-and-breakfast to a carer in need of a respite.
All up, the day raised over $5,200, which will be used to support respite services in the local area.
MI Fellowship would like to thank Barwon Heads Golf Club and their Women’s Committee for their continued support.
Members of Barwon Heads Golf Club’s Women’s Committee
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shout to the top
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MI Fellowship board member Elaine Price ensures carers’ voices are heard in the board room
“I honestly don’t remember how I first became involved in MI Fellowship,” says Elaine Price, who has been a member of MI Fellowship’s Board for six years now. “Perhaps it was via the phonebook. I just remember
looking for support and MI Fellowship being the place where I found it.”
Elaine was first nominated to the Board after two years of intensive volunteering with Fellowship, both on Helpline (where she continues to volunteer today) and as a Well Ways facilitator. Elaine works with the Board as a representative of the voice of carers.
“Volunteering with Helpline exposes me to a huge range of consumer and carer experiences which I can then take up to the Board level to ensure that we, as an organisation, are advocating for the things that carers and consumers really need.”
As well as speaking up for carers, Elaine also sits on the Policy and Advocacy subcommittee where she’s been helping to guide MI Fellowship’s Federal and State election campaigns and on the Appointments and Governance subcommittee to ensure that MI Fellowship is operating in an efficient and ethical way.
“I think the next few years will be very exciting for MI Fellowship as we expand our existing services to do even more for carers – particularly carers who might be overlooked by other services, like young people in a caring role.”
Paul Montgomery
summer 2010
Mental Health Community Award
Bill Brown, who won for his tireless work over many years to
improve the lives of people with mental illness in the Goulburn
Valley area of Victoria. Bill’s efforts have helped improve the
care, treatment recovery and perception of people affected by
mental illness.
Mental Illness Fellowship Award
There were two winners this year:
Alex Wood in recognition of his work with MI Fellowship
stretching back to 1986. Alex has been a consistent supporter
of MI Fellowship. He has been a MI Fellowship Board member,
is now a non-director member of the Directions Committee and
attends every Open Mind Fiesta.
Estelle Malseed for contributing to MI Fellowship in a myriad
of ways over the last four years: as a Helpline volunteer and
Well Ways Duo program facilitator.
Volunteer of the Year Award
There were two winners this year:
Steve George for his commitment and work as a Well Ways
facilitator and with his local ‘Men’s Shed’ group supporting
men with mental illness.
Phyllis Mules who was nominated for her impressive work with
the Helpline team over the last four years. In particular, Phyllis’
care, understanding and accepting manner, her passion for
keeping resources up to date and her support of her colleagues.
Mental Illness Fellowship Student of the Year Award (2009)
Sam Fiumara who won Mental Illness Fellowship Student of
the Year Award in 2009 as previously reported in MI Voice. Sam
was presented with an award recognising his achievement, from
the MI Fellowship Board.
envelope please…The winners of this year’s MI Fellowship Awards, presented at this year’s AGM, are…
b
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Chief Executive : : Elizabeth CrowtherEditorial : : Hootville CommunicationsDesign : : Room44, Lisa MinichielloPrinting : : 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
buzz about townEven putting Mental Health Week aside, there hasn’t been time for many quiet moments at MI Fellowship lately
With Mental Health Week just gone, it’s been a busy time on the media front for MI Fellowship.
Between Inside Out and the Open Mind Fiesta, MI Fellowship news and activities have been featured on media outlets such as The Age,
3AW, 3RRR, ABC 774, local Leader newspapers, GOLD FM, JOY FM and regional newspapers.
And that’s before you even consider the launch of our own new radio program on 3CR!
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
what we’ve been up to
The team at Warragul moved their whole operation into a brand new building in the heart of town – making it much easier for local participants and carers to access MI Fellowship services.
CEO Liz Crowther presented at the recent Jobs Australia conference on Mental Illness, Employment and Disclosure on how job agencies can help clients manage disclosure.
We started investigating a new relationship with the ADDC to look at mental health issues across the Asia Pacific and what part MI Fellowship can play in improving services across the region.
No fewer than ten MI Fellowship staff members attended the latest TheMHS conference to exchange ideas with people from around the country on programs for people with a mental illness. Our own Ben Rinaudo, in partnership with Priscilla Ennals and Emma Cartwright presented a paper on Education: Personal stories of a pathway to social inclusion.
Finally, our respite team in Geelong and west metro has been working on a major project, taking 17 participants on a trip to Queensland’s Gold Coast including trips to Australia Zoo and the big theme parks.
thank you to our supporters
‘Crowds open minds’ Northcote Leader, 20 October 2010
summer 2010
U
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