Mental Health Australia CEO Report and Mental Health News October 2019

Member Profile

JobCo. Employment Services Inc. is a community based not-for-profit employment service provider which has been delivering a comprehensive range of employment solutions to employers and jobseekers in the Melbourne and metropolitan region since 1994. JobCo’s mission is to ensure that any person seeking employment services, training, counselling or support is assisted. For all clients they will provide a unique and individual experience of service where people feel listened to and supported in overcoming barriers, achieving equality and meaningful inclusion into their local community. Their values are reflected both in the services they provide and in the investment of staff from a broad range of disciplines and cultural backgrounds.
Website – www.jobco.com.au Facebook – www.facebook.com/NDISatJobco

You can access the complete report via the link below:

https://mhaustralia.org/civicrm/mailing/view?reset=1&id=1274

Tandem eNews 22 October 2019

Working in Tandem for a compassionate mental health system

Thank you to all the participants, presenters and Tandem members who contributed to making this year’s conference such a great success!

More than 150 family and friends (carers), consumers, researchers, service providers and allies make their way to Abbotsford Convent during Carers Week to discuss the ways in which Victoria’s current mental health system can become a more compassionate, safe, inclusive, fair, funded and integrated haven for  healing.

Tandem would like to also thank, stall holders – Wellways, MIND Australia, MHCC, HACSU and Headspace who joined the Tandem team to share in a laugh, lend a supportive ear and provide information and advice to attendees throughout the day. We would also like to thank Tandem team members Rebecca and Lisa who ran a highly sought after wellbeing breakout room where participants were able to take time out and also participate in reiki and meditation sessions.

Facilitated by Compassion Coach and Facilitator Kim Koop AM the day stared with an inspiring Welcome to Country led by Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Elder, Perry Wandin from Wurundjeri Woi wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation. Followed by an introduction by Parliamentary Secretary Anthony Carbines, a taped message from Minister Martin Foley, and insights from Tandem’s submission to the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System from CEO Marie Piu.

You can access Ms Piu’s presentation here.

A heartfelt speech by Acute and Perinatal Services Manager, Andrew Tomlinson from Mercy Health followed, on life as both a carer, and a mental health service provider, which resonated with many people in the room.

Keynote speaker Debbie Ling presented insights from her PhD investigating the relationship between the perception of common humanity and compassion in healthcare workers.

You can read Ms Ling’s paper here and access her slides from the conference here.

Based on the critical areas identified by you requiring urgent improvement in Victoria’s mental health system, highlighted in Tandem’s submission, the conference was then divided into four main headings: Inclusive, Fair, Safe and Funded.

Quotes from carers have been taken from the Tandem Submission to The Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System and consultation process. 

The article above is an excerpt from Tandem eNews.  You can access the complete newsletter via the link below:

https://mailchi.mp/5e4d8a52954b/dfxn4oqrm0-1382945?e=34088e3417

Alfred Health Carer Services Friday Extra 25 October 2019

Butterfly Foundation:
Free Carer Support Groups – Online – 1st & 3rd Wednesday monthly, 6.30 – 8pm AEST
The group is focused on how best to support your loved one through their recovery journey and will discuss topics related to making positive change and self-care.
Learn more here

Free Carer Skills Workshop – Online – 5 November for 6 weeks
Caring for a person with an eating disorder is a long-term and skilled commitment. Yet families are often expected to provide care without any training or support.
In this six-week workshop, facilitated by qualified counsellors, you’ll develop practical skills to support your loved one with an eating disorder in their progress towards recovery – all in the comfort of your home.
Learn more here

You can access the complete newsletter via the link below:

https://mailchi.mp/eee288b03034/friday-extra-20-july-3104009?e=b98a7291db

Inner South Family and Friends Carers Week Film and Lunch 13 October 2019

We are celebrating Carers Week on Sunday 13 October at 10am with a film at the Palace Como Cinema, corner Toorak Road and Chapel Street South Yarra and lunch at Zen Charcoal BBQ in Toorak Road across from the cinema.

The film ‘Ride Like a Girl’

Key art for Ride Like A Girl

As a little girl, Michelle Payne dreams of the impossible: winning the Melbourne Cup — horse-racing’s toughest two-mile race. The youngest of 10 children, Michelle is raised by single father Paddy. She leaves school at 15 to become a jockey and after early failures she finds her feet, but a family tragedy, followed by her own near fatal horse fall all but ends the dream. But with the love of her dad and her brother Stevie, Michelle will not give up. Against all the medical advice, and the protests of her siblings, she rides on, and meets the Prince of Penzance. Together they overcome impossible odds for a shot at the dream: a ride in the 2015 Melbourne Cup, at odds of 100 to 1. The rest is history.

Ride Like A Girl is the incredible true story of Michelle Payne.

Total cost for film and lunch is $5 with pension card, $10 for non-pensioner.  Bookings are essential on 9076 4722 or email isfaf@alfred.org.au.

We thank Alfred Health Carer Services for funding the lunch and Carers Vic for funding towards the cost of the film.

Inner South Family and Friends Support Group Meeting 7.30pm Tuesday 8 October 2019

Guest Speaker Rohani Bixler Estate Planning Lawyer, with an interest in Carer Issues, Wills and Succession Planning for Carers of Individuals with Mental Health Issues will discuss:

“Ensuring the best of opportunities for our loved ones when we are no longer able to look after them”

Venue: Uniting (formerly Prahran Mission), 211 Chapel Street Prahran, between High Street and Prahran Town Hall

All welcome, no need to book. Light refreshments are available from 7.15pm. There is no charge, but a small donation towards supper is always appreciated.  Please come early, especially if coming for the first time.  You can contact our office on 9076 4722, or by email at isfaf@alfred.org.au, or by calling Judi directly on 0425 723 746 if you have any questions or difficulty with transport.

You can access more news about ISFAF via the link below:

ISFAF News October 2019

Alfred Health Carer Services Friday Extra 27 September 2019

Circus Oz – Aurora – 5 October in Melbourne
To celebrate Carers Week Monash Health invites you to a family fun Circus Oz event!
Are you a family/carer of a patient or client of Monash Health accessing mental Health Services? If yes, then we have limited places available for you to enjoy a fun filled afternoon at the circus.
See the flyer for details

Carers Week High Teas – 4, 17 & 19 October
Are you a family/carer of a patient or client of Monash Health accessing mental Health Services? If yes, then Monash Health have limited places available for you to enjoy some luxury and have a High Tea Experience at Cranbourne Botanical Gardens, Fortnums or The Langham.
See the flyer for details

Carers Mingle at Parliament House – 17 October at Parliament House
Tandem, in conjunction with Little Dreamers and Carers Victoria would like to invite you to morning tea at Parliament House with the Minister for Disability, Ageing, and Carers Luke Donnellan and Parliamentary Secretary for Carers and Volunteers Anthony Carbines.

The event will run from 10am to 12pm and include morning tea.
When: 17 October, 2019
Where: Parliament House

If you are a friend or family member supporting someone with mental health issues and you would like to attend the Carers Mingle at Parliament House to celebrate National Carers Week, please email info@tandemcarers.org.au to receive your FREE ticket.

Click on the link below to access the complete Friday Extra:

https://mailchi.mp/5896cd34aa24/friday-extra-20-july-3087769?e=b98a7291db

 

Gambling Harm Awareness Week 2019

 

Gambling Harm Awareness Week 2019

October 7-14 is Victorian Gambling Harm Awareness Week. This year, we’re coming together to voice the lived experiences of gambling harm and mental ill-health. From the steps of Parliament, decision makers and gambling reform allies will hear from those directly affected.

We know those experiencing gambling harm are subject to higher rates of mental-ill health, and people experiencing mental ill-health are also more vulnerable to gambling harm. Despite this, the Victorian Government’s public health response to reducing gambling harm remains woefully inadequate.

Join us as we come together to hear from three powerful advocates on why gambling harm must feature prominently in any mental health strategy. We’ll hear from:

  • Ethan Taylor, a young Warumungu man with lived experience of gambling harm
  • Carolyn Crawford, an advocate with lived experience of gambling harm who spent 18 months in prison for taking money to play the pokies
  • Rev Tim Costello, Chief Advocate, Alliance for Gambling Reform

Any government that’s serious about improving the mental health of Victorians must also get serious about reducing gambling harm. Join us as we stand together to call for reform.

Click on the link below for more information:

https://www.pokiesplayyou.org.au/gambling-with-lives?utm_campaign=ghaw2019_event_invite_1&utm_medium=email&utm_source=gx

Alfred Health Carer Services “What’s On” in October 2019

Celebrate Carers Week in style with a luncheon cruise around Melbourne’s beautiful bays. Enjoy a delicious meal and chat with other carers.
To make it fair for everyone, Alfred Health Carer Services will use a Ballot System to allocate tickets to this event.

Melbourne Docklands
Thursday 17th October: Midday

Express your interest by Tuesday 1st October to go into the ballot. We will contact you if you are successful.

Event for carers and the person you care for

You can access the complete “What’s On” via the link below:

https://mailchi.mp/9399d92bc348/heads-up-free-events-for-carers?e=8f7e3a8626

Carer South Newsletter September 2019

New Carer Gateway and Alfred Health Carer Services

There’s a new Federal Government initiative to support carers; it’s called Carer Gateway. We are happy to announce that Alfred Health is part of a group of support providers led by Merri Health, who will continue to deliver carer services across Victoria. The new model of delivery is designed by carers and will improve and expand services. For more information read the recent Federal Government announcement.

  • At this point, there are no changes to how you receive services from us.
  • If you need respite or support you will still call Alfred Health Carer Services on 1800 052 222.
  • We will continue to provide support to carers across the Southern region.

To explain the new Carer Gateway Integrated Carer Support Service (ICSS) Carers Victoria are running an information roadshows around Victoria. These are the events within the Southern region:-

Dandenong:   Monday 16th September: 10.30am – 11.30am
Rosebud:       Monday 16th September: 2.00pm – 3.00pm
Frankston:     Wednesday 18th September: 10.30am – 11.30am
Clayton:         Thursday 19th September: 10.30am – 11.30am

September What’s On

There are still some great seats available for these September events.

  • Moksha Yoga
  • ‘Downton Abbey’ – Cinema screening, Frankston

More details here
Call 9076 6644 to book your place

Please click on the link below to read the complete newsletter:

https://mailchi.mp/62e2212c3a58/carersouth-newsletter-september-608747?e=8f7e3a8626

Alfred Health Carer Services Friday Extra 30 August 2019

Please click on the link below to access the Friday Extra:

https://mailchi.mp/5f195798e7b8/friday-extra-20-july-3079129?e=b98a7291db

Alfred Health Carer Services Friday Extra 30 August 2019

Healthy Boundaries in Caring – 1 October in Caulfield South
Reduce the risk of Compassion Fatigue and create well-being by identifying and establishing healthy boundaries in your caring role. This is a one off interactive workshop by physiologist Joanna Aquila on this valuable topic for those caring for a loved one. Don’t miss out places are limited.
Register here

The Emotional Roller Coaster – 3 September
Grow invites carers to this workshop focused on applying the principles of First Aid (ABC-DR) to develop a personal plan for responding to your loved one to reduce risk and secure well-being.
Register here

Healthy Boundaries in Caring – 1 October in Caulfield South
Reduce the risk of Compassion Fatigue and create well-being by identifying and establishing healthy boundaries in your caring role. This is a one off interactive workshop by physiologist Joanna Aquila on this valuable topic for those caring for a loved one. Don’t miss out places are limited.
Register here

Join Us at the Movies!
A Dogs Journey – 3 September in Brighton
Downton Abbey – 24 September in Frankston
You and the person you care for are invited to join us for a free evening at the movies. See the flyers for details and call us to reserve your spot.
3 September in Brighton
24 September in Frankston

Melbourne Star Trip – 26 September
This month we take a trip to the iconic Melbourne Star. Enjoy a ride on the wheel, take in the picturesque views of Melbourne city, lunch at The Pancake Parlor and explore all that the Docklands has to offer. The fun doesn’t stop there, all kids will be given a voucher to play at the nearby arcade before returning home.
See the flyer for details

Moksha Yoga – Meditation and Mindfulness Classes – continuing throughout August and September in Bentleigh – Places still available 
Meditation and mindfulness is the gateway that leads you beyond the endless noise into an expanse of clarity and awareness, connecting you to the source of true wisdom that resides within us all. So take a calming breath, step back from the interference of the mind and tune into the deep peace of experiencing reality in its purest essence.
Assistance with in-home respite, transport and interpreters can be arranged; please make a request when booking.
See the flyer for details

Click on the link below to access the complete newsletter:

https://mailchi.mp/b8733218fc93/friday-extra-20-july-3071941?e=b98a7291db30