mi voice spring 2006
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Mi Voice Spring 2006TRANSCRIPT
Spring 2006 No. 103
mivoice
People and their stories Good Night, Sweet Dreams
Melbourne Marathon How you can get involved
INSIDE Features Well Ways National Rolling out a demonstration and evaluation project
Registered with the Department of Human Services Print Post Approved 350190 / 00023 ISSN 0816 7877
For people with a mental illness, their families and friends
well waysHelping family & friends find better ways
Business Review Weekly, in its edition of June 29- July 5
2006, ran a story entitled “Costly compassion”. The article
described Australia’s not-for-profit sector as ‘fat, lazy and
inefficient’. The BRW article quotes Don D’Cruz, who it calls ‘a
commentator on charities and non-government organisations’,
saying “They don’t want to be transparent because they don’t
want to be second-guessed or questioned about how they
spend their money”.
The truth is that money in the community sector has always
been sparse and many not for profit organizations have
lacked both the expertise and the capacity to engage the
expertise, to meet the increasingly complex reporting and
management requirements. There is a growing demand in the
sector for greater accountability and demonstrated efficient
management of service delivery. Managing these expectations
and ensuring the greatest expenditure is provided for direct
services to people, rather than overheads, has been a struggle
for organizations and has seen either growth or mergers
where overhead costs can be better spread.
MI Fellowship has grown to meet need and in doing so has
been able to increase efficiencies. Growth remains a key
strategic direction. The Board has concentrated on building
its expertise and capacity to meet community demand for
transparency and good governance. Our strategic plan clearly
sets out directions to the end of 2008 and includes program,
financial targets and areas for targeted development.
Over the past two
years, we have been
working towards
meeting Quality
Improvement &
Community Services
Accreditation (QICSA)
standards. There are 19 standards involved in three main
sections: 1. Building quality organizations; 2. Providing quality
services and programs; and 3. Sustaining quality external
relationships. The process involved a rigorous review of all
our systems and processes, including wide consultation with
people who use our services.
I am pleased to report that, following a comprehensive audit
by QICSA in July this year, we were found to have met all the
standards and have achieved “Leading Practice” standard in
three standards: Leadership and management; Collaboration
and strategic positioning; and Community and professional
capacity building. Formal accreditation will be conferred in
September this year.
I thank all of you who have contributed to the process of
accreditation and quality improvement in this organisation so
far – participants, members, supporters, volunteers and staff.
The outcomes are far from academic. They form the essential
evidence that shows that this organization is far from ‘fat,
lazy and inefficient’ and still has firmly in focus its vision and
mission – to improve the lives of people with a mental illness,
their families and friends.
IndexVietnamese Week at O’Meara House 3
A mother’s story about living with mental illness 4
‘Good Night, Sweet Dreams’ creative writing 5
Board of Directors – new and returning Directors 7
National Well Ways 8
Melbourne Marathon returns 9
2.
From the Chief Executive
Blue wren… creative writing from an O’Meara House guest
Nestled within the branches of a Banksia tree, a brightly
coloured blue wren gazed out as a group of people
approached, dragging a large blue box behind them.
Some of these people had white sticks protruding
from their mouths with rising smoke, giving off a
strange aroma. The little blue wren flew to a higher
perch to have a closer look. He watched them
very carefully. ‘A curious gathering of humans’,
he thought. Wagging his long tail from side to side, as was his
custom, he watched as they all gathered around the flat wooden
object, bringing out strange shaped objects from their blue box
and placing them in a pattern on the flat wood. Then once this
was complete they began their familiar custom of strange sing
song noises, each taking turns whilst placing what appeared to
be foods in their mouths. ‘Humans eat curious food’ thought the
little wren. They seemed pleased to abide
in the forest even though he instinctively
knew they would leave soon. Although he
had witnessed this human custom on many
occasions, this particular group seemed
somehow different. He felt these humans had
all been through many experiences, very difficult
times, yet there seemed to be a common thread
running through them,
a kind of silent knowing that made them all feel at ease.
After the humans had eaten, a few white sticks in their
mouths and lit their sticks with fire, whilst others placed
the left over objects back in the blue box. They then began
to walk back up the path. The little blue wren wished them
well and flew off into the open sky.
mivoice SPRING 2006
SPRING 2006 mivoice
News bitesAccreditation The first week in June was a busy one for
the four Reviewers from Quality Improvement
and Community Services Accreditation (QICSA).
MI Fellowship had invited them
to conduct a thorough audit of the organisation
against two sets of standards:
• Quality Improvement Council
Health and Community Services Core Standards
• Psychiatric Disability Rehabilitation and Support
Services (PDRSS) Standards
They had four days to get to know us and come to some
conclusions about how MI Fellowship could further ensure
excellent levels of service to people with a mental illness,
their families and friends.
Before the Reviewers came, we had to conduct an in-depth
self-assessment against the standards. A team of staff
representing the different programs and levels of the organisation
got together to assess our operations against these standards.
Around 20 meetings were held until every single area of each
standard had been considered. All this self-assessment was all
written up in a 40,000 word document called the “Quality Journal”
and submitted to QICSA prior to the review.
The QICSA Reviewers’ traveled to nine
different MI Fellowship sites, interviewed
50 participants, 50 staff, a handful
of volunteers and students. By the end
of the week the Reviewers had heard
hundreds of opinions and experiences
of MI Fellowship’s programs.
By 3.30pm on the last day an eager audience of staff and
participants gathered at Fairfield Place to hear QICSA
announcing the results of MI Fellowship’s first External
Review. The good news came – we had passed every single
one of the 17 standards we were being benchmarked against.
This was an unusual achievement for any organisation going
for their first review. Not only that, we had also attained
a “leading practice” commendation in three areas – an
exceptional achievement for first timers. The areas are
leadership and management, collaboration and strategic
positioning and community and professional capacity building.
Rather than coming to the end of accreditation, the QICSA
process has only just begun. The External Review is just one
part of an ongoing cycle of continuous quality improvement.
�.In April this year, Madeline Trahair, Respite Services
Coordinator – Northern Region was contacted by Hai
Nguyen (a group facilitator from Action for Disability in Ethic
Communities ADEC) about the potential of working together
to meet the needs of a group he had identified as missing
out on current respite services. Together, Madeline and Hai
developed a culturally appropriate and flexible program that
would meet the needs of this particular community, resulting
in the first Vietnamese Week at O’Meara House in June.
“We discovered that many of the proposed participants had
not been on a holiday since arriving in Australia” said
Madeline. The Vietnamese generally have a strong sense
of community and it was noted that separating carers from
consumers was not desirable. This resulted in a mixed respite
option that staff and participants felt worked exceptionally
well. An O’Meara House staff member noted “We were
impressed with the connectedness of the group - the way they
looked after and supported each other, discussed issues, and
made decisions as a group”. Banter during meal times and
insistence by guests that staff join them at the table enabled
a valued culture exchange where guests used some English,
and Hai interpreted the rest.
The activities undertaken, determined by the group,
included bowling, movies, op-shopping and visits
to Healesville Sanctuary, Puffing Billy, Werribee Zoo
and Mansion. And, of course, there was plenty of time
for rest and recuperation. The group indicated they’d like
to try ‘Aussie cuisine’ so a staff member cooked kangaroo
steaks, which were tried by almost all of the guests.
However, it didn’t tickle everyone’s taste buds!
Overall, a very successful cross-cultural collaboration was
established between MI Fellowship and the Vietnamese
community. The partnership was created out of an identified
gap in present services and in order to best provide for the
multicultural society in which we live. We hope to continue
to develop these relations and make this an annual event.
Vietnamese Week at O’Meara House
O’Meara House guests for Vietnamese week
Melissa Macphail, MI Fellowship’s Quality Coordinator
A mother’s storyOur son was a typical and happy child who played sport,
dressed-up and played pirates and knights and went with
his dad to watch his favourite footy team. Then, five years
ago, he had a psychotic episode. He was 17 and it occurred
as a result of stress. He had just had major and traumatic
surgery and his father was having some health problems.
At the time we did not know how serious it could be.
There was the pressure of the last two years of high school;
and other normal adolescence life pressures.
He was admitted to hospital for a week and then visited
a youth service as an outpatient. Over the next couple
of years he made a good recovery, graduated from high
school, and passed the first year of a Bachelor of Social Work.
He was discharged from the Youth Service with a small dose
of medication. We assumed that he had recovered completely
and would not need any further support because nobody told
us otherwise.
Two months after discharge from the outpatient youth service,
he changed and increased medications and, as a result,
entered a vicious cycle of getting better for a while and then
relapsing. This distressing period lasted for nearly two years.
There were times when we were frightened and worried,
uncertain what the next day would bring or how we
would manage.
For us, as parents, it was extremely hard to see our son
in emotional pain and be unable to help him. He had lost
everything: his part time job, his studies, his ability to enjoy
life, and his friends. Different medications created side effects
including weight gain, neck stiffness, numbness and insomnia
(which greatly affected all the family). He spent his days
at home unmotivated, smoking and waiting for time to pass,
depressed for long periods and suicidal. It was extremely hard
to hear that he did not want to live anymore, that his pain
is too great to live with.
There were times when for weeks he was too unwell and
suicidal to be left alone. There were times when his pain
and hopelessness was so great that I dreamt we could take
a plane for a holiday somewhere and the plane would crash
so everything would finally be over.
One day in desperation after a crisis, I rang the helpline
at Mental Illness Fellowship Victoria and got the emotional
support I needed. I subsequently had a counselling session
there that started to open some doors for us. My husband
attended the Well Ways program and each week brought home
valuable information that we discussed and started to put into
practice. I later did the Well Ways program and decided
to volunteer on the helpline. The assistance offered to me was
so useful that I wanted to help others through difficult times
and also do my part to ensure that this worthwhile service
continues. I now volunteer weekly and find it very rewarding.
It is difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel when
you are in the middle of a crisis. However, we have to keep
our hope alive and have faith that any situation, no matter
how difficult, can’t last forever.
It took months, but our journey has started to change from
one of desperation and hopelessness to a journey of support.
Some positive changes are starting to take place
in terms of finding the right medication, receiving
psychosocial rehabilitation and practical support.
My whole family now have our lives back to some degree.
We still have to deal with the illness and its impact, but we
now have some tools and support to be able to manage.
Our son is now stable enough to engage again in his studies
and sport. There are skills he has to re-learn, but he now
has the motivation and stability to try. The most important
lessons we learnt as carers is that the more you understand
the illness and the health system the more acceptance you
gain; and the more you ask for help, the more power you have
to make a difference in your life as a carer and in the quality
of life of your loved one with the mental illness.
Written by a MI Fellowship member and volunteer
Snapshots
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Well Ways promotional postersThe front cover of this edition of MI Voice features the new
promotional posters for the national roll-out of the Well Ways
program. We’re very excited by this new development and are
keen to hear what you think of it. If you have any feedback
about the posters, please contact Miranda England on
03 8486 4244 or email [email protected]
SPRING 2006 mivoice
People & their stories
Good Night, Sweet Dreams by Cynna KyddA kiss on the forehead and you’re alone, nothing is going
to protect you from what lurks in the shadows. A night
of sweet dreams lay ahead for those who fall asleep. Your
eyelids become heavy, your breath slows, you begin to relax.
A noise in the room awakens your senses. You are so close
to the safe haven of sleep, but your curiosity takes control.
Shapes drift around the room, fear begins to creep into your
mind. A glimpse of the creature and you are soon frozen
to the bed. What was that? Who’s there? What does it want?
A scream attempts to escape your mouth. Silence. A dash
for the door? Impossible. The creature of your imagination
is getting closer, fear runs down your spine, sending panic
through your body. What does this creature want? To hurt
you, or just to scare you? You want to be brave and stare the
creature in the face but you can’t. Isn’t there anywhere safe?
Then you remember - a place where nothing can touch you.
Your sanctuary. You dive under the blankets, quickly, before
the creature follows you. Safe. Sleep soon drifts in without
another thought of the creature that lingers in the room.
It’s amazing how your mind can play tricks on you when you
are a child. Lucky children believe that something so simple
as a blanket can protect them.
No-one now to kiss me on the forehead.
I am once again faced with the nightmare of sleep.
All alone.
No creatures in the room.
Relief!
Tonight is going to be different.
Sleep will come as easily as when I was a child.
My eyelids start to close.
Relaxation takes over.
Sleep is near.
Not a sound to be heard, nor a shape to be seen, no one else’s
presence but for my own. The creature appears!
Just like when I was a child
But this time it isn’t in the room with me.
It is in my head.
Weakness has taken control. This creature now runs my
thoughts, my mind and my emotions. To think, that I allowed
this creature into my life. My mind wasn’t strong enough –
I wasn’t good enough. This creature has the strength to
destroy everything, including me. It is all my fault. I should
be happy, this creature shouldn’t have got in. All I can think
is what’s wrong with me, why is it following me? Helplessness
takes over, there is nothing to be done. Tears are smothering
me and no matter what I do there is no surviving the flood
�.
of water which surrounds
me. This pool of water,
I have once again created
all by myself, may silence
the creature along with me.
Why can’t I make it stop?
There is no life boat out here
to save me.
The blanket.
Safe. As a child you don’t
wonder if the creature is still
there, the feeling of safety is enough. Sleep however is far
away, the demon is still there and there is no way of getting
it out of my head. This is one creature the blanket cannot
protect me from. Panic has taken over. I don’t know what to
do. It is just me and the creature under the blanket. Enough
people have had to put up with this creature controlling me.
I don’t want to hurt them anymore. Is there no way to escape
this creature I have created in my head?
That is it. The creature is in my head, it’s MY creation. I gave
it control, I let it in. A blanket on the bed is not going to save
me. My friends and family aren’t going to save me. No matter
how many times I tell myself to stand up to the creature I still
find it lurking around waiting for a moment of weakness.
I promise I will not give up. No matter how many times I
return under the blanket I will make this creature disappear.
This creature has a name, it is known as depression.
Just the name scares many people. Especially people who
don’t have to battle with it every day and night. Maybe if we
all didn’t shudder at the mention of the word, this evil
creature in our lives wouldn’t exist. A blanket can protect
children, but as adults we are faced with expectations,
perceptions of what other people think and the desire
to be normal. It is sometimes hard to act childishly,
but this is a time that you need to.
Cynna Kydd (nee Neele) lives in Preston, Victoria. She is
an elite netballer, having spent two years at the Australian
Insitute of Sport, and the last seven years playing in the
National League and more recently representing Australia.
Recently Cynna developed depression which affected her
so emphatically that her family and friends thought she
might never play elite netball again. It was during this
depression that she wrote “Good Night, Sweet Dreams”.
Having acknowledged her illness, Cynna is now back
on track and playing well.
Cynna Kydd playing for the
Melbourne Phoenix
mivoice SPRING 2006
�.
With the state election pending, we have a great opportunity to assess the attitudes and plans for mental health services of all parties and candidates standing for election. Already you, our members, have made a significant contribution
by identifying key areas of concern, the impacts those areas have on your lives and the outcomes you would like.
The Senate Select Committee report, the ‘Not for Service’ report of the Mental Health Council of Australia and Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Committee, and more recently the report prepared by the Boston Consulting Group for the state government, “Improving Mental Health Outcomes in Victoria: The Next Wave of Reform”, all identify the need to strengthen the support offered to people with mental illness living in the community, to stop the ‘revolving door’ syndrome that treats people only when they have become acutely unwell.
MI Fellowship has prepared a ‘Call to Action’ which challenges all aspirants to state office to make real commitments to addressing mental health service issues in the next
parliament. In it we back up the call of the Prime Minister for the states to match the Commonwealth’s commitment of $1.8 billion dollars over the next five years. We have invited each of the parties fielding candidates to prepare a short response to our asks which we will distribute to you. Your work at a local level with your local candidates will help to strengthen our case.
Senator Lyn Allison, who chaired the Senate Select Committee on Mental Health will give an address at our Annual General meeting on October 20 and will offer us her assessment of the current state of Victoria’s mental health system.
My term of office on the Board expires on October 13 as do those of three of my colleagues. Each of us has nominated for re-election. See elsewhere in this edition for details. Louise Milne-Roch will chair the Board meeting on October 13 when the results of the Board elections will be announced. At that meeting, office bearers for the coming year will be elected by the new Board. I encourage you to attend the forum and AGM. MI Fellowship has a long tradition of strong member voices which ensure that all its work reflects the lived experience of people with a mental illness, their families and friends. Without your voice, MI Fellowship has no mandate to advocate for reform.
Your participation in the AGM adds to that voice and makes a real difference.
From the President
About one in five Australians will experience depression
at some time during their lives, and that is just one
of a range of mental illnesses, many of them poorly
understood.” The committee released its report in March
this year, calling for massive increases in funding and
a nation-wide roll out of up to 400 highly accessible
community based mental health centres, as part of a
radical overhaul of mental health services. We are delighted
that Senator Allison has agreed to be the guest speaker at
our AGM, which is an important night for MI Fellowship to
report back to members about the previous financial year.
It’s also the night where we present our annual awards,
recognising the people who make a contribution to the lives
of people affected by mental illness.
WHERE: MI Fellowship, Fairfield Place, 276 Heidelberg Road, Fairfield
WHEN: Friday 20 October at 5.30pm
Forum featuring Senator Lyn Allison and Annual General Meeting
Mental Illness Fellowship Victoria will host our AGM at
Fairfield Place on Friday 20 October. The AGM will feature
an address from our special guest speaker, Senator Lyn
Allison. Senator Allison is the Chair of the Senate Inquiry
into Mental Health issues. When the committee called for
public submissions, Senator Allison said “Most people
know someone personally affected by mental health issues.
SPRING 2006 mivoice
�.
The Hon. Robert Knowles - PresidentRob is a farmer and Company Director. He currently is the
Chair of the Mental Health Council of Australia, Chair of
the Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia, Chair of Food
Standards Australia New Zealand and on the Board of the
Victorian Trauma Foundation. He is a former Victorian Minister
for Health and has a strong interest in services for consumers
and their families and carers.
Mr Graeme Pocknee - Vice PresidentGraeme has professional experience as line manager, in-
house change manager, and contracted consultant and
educator spanning the banking and financial services,
aerospace, agriculture, petroleum, chemicals, electricity,
coal, water, automotive and professional services. Graeme’s
interest in the mental health area is based on both personal
experience and professional experience.
Mrs Diane Brown – Honorary - SecretaryDiane lived in Wodonga for 15 years prior to moving to
Melbourne in 2001. She has worked for an Albury law firm for
the past 15 years and continues to work for them from her
home office in Melbourne. She has family experience
of mental illness and convened the Wodonga Support Group
for five years. Diane is a past member of the Melbourne
Health Research and Ethics Committee.
Mr Neil Cole – board memberNeil Cole is Associate Professor in the Monash Medical
School. Prior to joining Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre
Neil worked for five years at the Mental Health Research
Institute as the Head of the Depression Awareness Research
Project. Since the start of 2005 he has been working at the
Alfred Psychiatric Research Centre researching the link
between creativity and mental illness. Neil is a former lawyer,
a member of the Victorian State Parliament for over a decade
and, in the 1990s, the Victorian Shadow Attorney-General. Neil
is a playwright and has had seven plays produced in Victoria,
New South Wales and Queensland. Neil has had a long-
standing involvement with MI Fellowship, especially
through TJ’s day program, where his plays
have been produced.
Board of Directors – profiling our new and returning Directors
Park Bench© Observations of Daily life
Created by Peter Barker ‘Park Bench’ is a cartoon series, looking at life and social issues, provided by Peter Barker, who has lived with schizophrenia for over twenty years.
Dates for your diary – 200�Mental Health Week – 8-15 October
Samsung Melbourne Marathon – Sunday 8 October
Open Mind Fiesta – Sunday 15 October
AGM, Awards and Annual Lecture – Friday 20 October
Volunteer thank you party – 4pm, Thursday 30 November
Spring car raffle draw – Thursday 7 December
Please find out more about all activities by calling 03 8486
4200 or visit www.mifellowship.org/newsevents.asp
Staff and their storiesMark Lamont
What’s your role at MI Fellowship?
I am employed as a Regional Manager for the eastern
metropolitan and Gippsland regions. I have been in this
role for just over three years.
What’s your favourite part of your role? There are many
aspects of my role which I enjoy. One would be working with
a dedicated group of staff to improve the health outcomes
for participants and carers.
Where have you worked prior to this role? I have worked
predominantly in the clinical mental health sector over the
past 14 years in a variety of interesting and challenging roles.
If you could say one thing to members, what would it be?
Have hope! Okay, so it’s two words.....
In one word, describe the essence of MI Fellowship? People.
This includes the many members and volunteers whose
support makes such a difference to our organisation.
What’s your most treasured possession? I better not say
as my teddy bear prefers to remain anonymous. Okay,
I’m joking....no really, I am... I promise! I think my photo
collection as it contains many fond memories.
mivoice SPRING 2006
�.
Well Ways National Demonstration and Evaluation Project
In 2005 Mental Illness Fellowship Australia obtained funding
from the Department of Health and Ageing to undertake
a Demonstration and Evaluation Project, in order to provide
a peer-based, group, longitudinal skills development and
education program for families and friends of people with
mental illness.
Well Ways: Mental illness education program, helping
family and friends find better ways is the program that
has been developed by Mental Illness Fellowship Victoria
and is currently being rolled out across six Australian states
and territories - Northern Territory, North Queensland,
New South Wales, ACT, Victoria and Tasmania, during
September-October 2006.
The aims of the project are to improve the availability
of the Well Ways program, and to enhance the service
availability in North Queensland, where an additional
facet of the Project, the piloting of a dedicated specialist
counselling service will be implemented.
Dr Robyn Clifford, of the Research and Development program
at MI Fellowship will undertake the evaluation component
of the demonstration and evaluation oversight will be provided
by Dr John Farhall of La Trobe University.
As part of the project, two important initiatives were
implemented to build on the already established success
of Well Ways, in order to ensure both its quality and
sustainability. The first was the provision of a Well Ways
facilitator training program, which was held at Fairfield
Place in Melbourne. MI Fellowship staff joined visitors
from Darwin, Townsville, Cairns, Armidale, Canberra, Perth,
Brisbane and Geelong over three days in May 2006.
Training participants were tested prior to the training and
these Demonstration Project facilitators will be evaluated,
on site, in their respective states and territories during
October 2006. Assessment will include interviews and
observation of the facilitators’ application of their training
program learnings and will be based on core competencies
established by MI Fellowship.
The second initiative is the creation and development
of Well Ways marketing materials for use by MIFA members
as promotional resources for distribution to a broad range
of agencies and organisations in each state and territory.
An essential ingredient in the sustainability of the program
is the development of a pool of trained and skilled facilitators.
All MIFA member organisations will be invited to participate
in the planned development of ongoing support processes
for their Well Ways facilitators. The appointment of a National
Family Education Coordinator as part of the project is expected
to enhance the development of a collaborative model of
Well Ways delivery between MIFA members, Area Mental
Health Services and related professional associations across
Australia. Additionally, the fostering of ongoing updating
mechanisms, informed by participant feedback, as well as
the forging and strengthening of important organisational
relationships throughout all states and territories will
enhance the delivery and sustainability of the program
throughout Australia.
SPRING 2006 mivoice
MI Fellowship is running two exciting Challenges in 200�
- Amazing Race around South East Asia 10-23 March 2007
- Trek the Great Wall of China 5-17 May 2007
Individuals interested in participating in a MI Challenge
should contact Chris Harrison on 0423 780 716 or email
Challenge yourself to make a difference this year! More
information at www.mifellowship.org/michallenge.asp
MI Challenge: Challenge yourself and make a difference in 200�
�.
Melbourne Marathon… it’s back on!
which is to be worn on the day for identification purposes.
MI Fellowship receives a payment from IMG for each
volunteer we provide on the day.
A great way to help us with the marathon is to think
of a group who might be interested in participating or
volunteering. For example, you might be part of a sporting
club or church group who could get together a group to help.
Or perhaps there’s a group at your workplace who could do
some training and then walk in the marafun as a group in
a team-building experience.
For more information on the Samsung Melbourne Marathon,
visit our website at
http://www.mifellowship.org/newsevents.asp
If you are interested in volunteering or participating in the
marathon or have any ideas about how we can get others
involved, please contact Ben Pocknee on 03 8486 4249 or
email [email protected]
MI Fellowship is fortunate to again
have the opportunity to be involved
in the Samsung Melbourne Marathon.
Management of the marathon has been
taken over by IMG, an international
management group who operate
in over 30 countries managing a diverse
range of projects, including some
of the world’s largest sporting events. This is an exciting
new partnership for MI Fellowship and we are delighted
to have this opportunity again with the new event managers
who, through this partnership, recognise the important work
of Mental Illness Fellowship Victoria. In 2005, MI Fellowship
raised more than our $10,000 target and we are keen to do
this again in 2006.
How you can get involved:
There are two ways you can get involved in our partnership
with the Melbourne Marathon. You can participate in the
marathon (42.2km), half-marathon (21.1km) or the marafun
(7.5km) and raise sponsorship money for MI Fellowship or
you can volunteer for us. Volunteers are needed to provide
assistance at drinks stations, assist with street marshalling,
pre-race packing of runners’ recovery packs, set-up and
distribute runners’ clothing post-race and other activities.
Volunteers are fundamental to the success of the Melbourne
Marathon. Each volunteer will receive a souvenir t-shirt
mivoice SPRING 2006
10.
Sometimes all we need is some good news, a little bit of
luck, just a small chance! After a run of ordinary luck lately,
things turned around for Carol in just a moment. All it took
- a small ticket to be drawn from a barrel to show that luck
can really change.
Congratulations to Carol for being the lucky winner of our
latest raffle and now the owner of a new model Toyota RAV4.
A lovely, denim-blue RAV4 was Carol’s reward for supporting
MI Fellowship’s last few raffles. And, although the day of the
presentation was windy and bitterly cold, the sun was shining
bright in one corner of Melbourne.
The 2006 Spring Raffle is currently underway. Small books
of tickets can be obtained by calling Joanne or Verity on 8486
4200. The Raffles Program continues to be a major source
of funds to MI Fellowship and your support would be very
much welcome and appreciated.
Just like Carol, your luck could change in just a moment -
that’s all it takes.
All it takes…….
Mental Illness Education ScheduleWell Ways: Mental illness education program, helping family and friends find better ways.
The Well Ways program consists of eight 3hr weekly group
education sessions plus follow-up workshops over 12 months.
Where: Box Hill
When: Thursday 10am-1pm commencing September 7
Where: Heidelberg
When: Wednesday 6.30-9.30pm commencing October 4
Where: Western region
When: Tuesday 10am-1pm commencing October 17
Where: Mitcham
When: Tuesday 6.30-9.30pm commencing October 17
Double Trouble: A support and information program for families
and friends of people with dual diagnosis (mental illness and
substance abuse).
The Double Trouble program consists of six three-hour weekly
group education sessions.
Where: Fairfield
When: Thursday 10am-1pm commencing October 12
Where: Coburg
When: Monday 10am-1pm commencing October 16
Understanding Mental Illness Workshops
Where: MI Fellowship, Fairfield Place, 276 Heidelberg Rd,
Fairfield.
When: 9.30am on October 4; 6.30pm on November 9.
For more information about any of these programs or to book,
please call 03 8486 4200 or email [email protected]
State election advocacyYou will find enclosed a ‘call to action’ document that MI
Fellowship has developed and sent to politicians and other
key stakeholders in Victoria. Each political party is being
given the chance to respond to this and MI Fellowship will
publish a 400 word response from each party and send this
document to members before the state election on
25 November.
Letter to the editor
Dear Editor, It was lovely to see the work being done in the Hume
region in the last edition. It’s great that they get out
and educate the general public about mental illness.
Congratulations also on the MI Centre mural,
it’s magnificent!
T. Andrews
Xavier AmadorMI Fellowship is disappointed to announce that due to a
very tight schedule while in Australia, Xavier Amador will
not be able to make a public address while in Victoria.
We apologise for any disappointment this causes. If you
would like to know more about the work of Xavier, you
can visit his website at www.xavieramador.com
1 in 5 will be affected by mental illness. 5 in 5 can help
open mind fiesta
enquiries 03 8486 4200 w w w. m i f e l l ow s h i p . o r g
Kindly supported by
FAMILY FUN DAY Free entertainment, live bands, fashion, food, crafts, children’s activities, rides, wrestling, information and lots more
Join -Humphrey B Bear at 11.30am
Sunday 15th October, 11am-5pmStation Street Fairfield
SPRING 2006 mivoice
11.
Volunteers still required! Contact Annmarie on 0� ���� �20� or email [email protected]
Ways to support and keep us informedPlease use this form to change your address details, become a Member of the Mental Illness
Fellowship or to show your support for our work.
• For credit card donations call 03 8486 4200 and quote MIV06, or complete this form and either
post or fax your credit card details
• For cheques and money orders post this form to:
Mental Illness Fellowship Victoria PO Box 359, Clifton Hill, Victoria 3068 Fax: 03 8486 4265
Please accept my Membership fee of:
Ordinary $22 Concession $16.50 Volunteer $11
Person in same household – Ordinary $11 Concession $5.50
I would like to make a donation of: $ to the work of Mental Illness Fellowship
I authorise a single deduction from my credit card:
Bankcard MasterCard Visa
Credit card Number:
Expiry Date: __ __ / __ __ Name on card:
Signature:
Or I enclose my cheque/money order of $
(marked Not Negotiable and payable to Mental Illness Fellowship Victoria)
Mr/Mrs/Ms
First Name: Surname:
Address:
Post code:
Day Phone:
Questions about donations?
Please contact us on 03 8486 4200 or via [email protected]
Please tick here if you do not wish to receive further information
about Mental Illness Fellowship Victoria or if you are under 18
I would like some more information about:
Volunteering – Your donation of time and talent.
Pledging a monthly contribution – Giving families a chance.
And a future.
Bequests – Remember the Mental Illness Fellowship in your will.
Who are we?Mental Illness Fellowship is Victoria’s leading membership-
based not-for-profit organisation working with people
with a mental illness, their family and friends to improve
their wellbeing.
Our VisionOur vision is of a society in which mental illness will be
understood and accepted. People with mental illness will be
afforded the same regard as those with physical illnesses and
resources will be available to offer early interventions and
state of the art treatment and support. These interventions
will be so effective that long-term negative consequences of
mental illness will have disappeared for the person and their
family. People will no longer experience stigma and society
will treat them with the same respect and dignity as any
other person, and welcome and fully include them as
community members.
Our ValuesHonesty Acceptance Equity
Flexibility Commitment Participation
Our MissionMental Illness Fellowship Victoria works with people with mental illness, their families and friends to improve their well being. More specifically we work to achieve mental health reform through education, support and advocacy, and we provide a range of innovative programs in both membership and services. We also provide mutual support and self help, day programs, employment, home based and accommodation services, respite and residential rehabilitation services.
mivoice SPRING 2006
The Hon. Robert Knowles - President Mr Graeme Pocknee - Vice President Mrs Diane Brown - Honorary Secretary Mr Peter Robertson - Treasurer Ms Jenny King, Ms Louise Milne-Roche, Professor Christos Pantelis, Mrs Elaine Price, Mr Nathan Shafir, Dr Alex Wood, Mr Neil Cole
Chief Executive Elizabeth Crowther
200�/� Board of Directors
Editor: Miranda England Assistant Editor: Stephanie Puls
Design: Artwords Printing: Print Impressions
MI Voice is for members and aims to keep them informed of the
latest information on mental illness and our advocacy work. It is
also our opportunity to keep potential and existing supporters who
donate 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 Heldelberg Road, Fairfield, Victoria, 3078, Australia.
Telephone 03 8486 4200
Email [email protected]
Website www.mifellowship.org
Mental 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.
© Mental Illness Fellowship Victoria. All rights reserved.
ACN 093 357 165 ABN 93 093 357 165 ISSN 0816 7877