MHFFTas E-news 2020 (25th June)

Information and support for families and friends of someone with mental ill health

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MHFFTas E-news (25th June 2020)

From the CEO

Welcome to Dr Astrid Wootton, newly appointed CEO of Flourish. We look forward to working with Astrid in her role and hope to work closely with Flourish in ensuring that lived experience is heard and understood across our mental health sector.

In the next 6 months we will be focusing our efforts to increase and diversify our level of engagement with mental health families and friends across the state.

Our plans include online peer support, establishing peer support groups locally in each region, preparing to hold a statewide family and friends Forum in Launceston in Mental Health Week and much more.

MHFFTas is close to launching our online Peer Support sessions which will be overseen by Zoe Bok, Project Engagement Officer. More about Zoe in our next enews edition. The Peer Support sessions will enable families and friends to access support, information and potentially education via an online platform. Sessions will run at least fortnightly at times in the day suited to most families.

Maxine Griffiths AM (CEO)

From the Project Officer

With restrictions easing, the Carer Representative Program (CRP) has likewise heated back up, with 3 requests for Representatives in the last week from the University, the Children and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS), and the Adult Mental Health Service – South. It’s been wonderful to have something of a return to normalcy, and for organisations to remember the importance of including the lived experience, especially during the current climate.

With more requests being made by both government and non-government organisations, we are welcoming expressions of interest from friends and family of someone with a mental illness to join the CRP.

Activities include interview panels, working groups, policy/service development – anything that would benefit from a family or friend's voice being heard. Although this is a volunteer program, participants are compensated for their time, and supported to build personal capacity and confidence – your lived experience is valuable, and we will support you to share it.

People from all parts of the state are welcomed and encouraged to express their interest to me at project.officer@mhfamiliesfriendstas.org.au

Looking forward to hearing from you! - Grace

Do you really want to know?

In the style of the ABC series ‘ You Can’t Ask That’, listen to the powerful and moving podcasts from Alison Salibury. The goal is to educate, reduce stigma, and empower those who live with and support those with mental illness.

Episode 1
Episode 2
Episode 3

To read more or if you would like to be involved (it could be anonymously)

Nick Salisbury Cards

And we now have a 2nd set of beautiful Tasmanian cards available.

https://mhfamiliesfriendstas.org.au/gift-cards-by-nick-salisbury-2/

You are not alone

SANE Australia has launched the incredible You Are Not Alone resource.

This was created with the help of people who have been carers and know how tough it can be. There's information covering the many stages of supporting someone who has attempted suicide, or who is at risk of doing so.

And JOIN the online discussion.

https://mhfamiliesfriendstas.saneforums.org/t5/Special-Events/5-Day-Online-Event-You-Are-Not-Alone-Crisis-Advice-for-Family/m-p/886787

Baptcare Mental Health TasConnect

Is a free phone line supporting Tasmanians with mental health concerns to identify which psychosocial service is best suited and to provide accurate information on how that service can be accessed.
Where appropriate they can place the referral for the caller or provide them with the information & documentation they need to access the service.

Tasmanian Mental Health Reform Program Update

The Program was put on hold during the COVID-19 lockdown and the team was redeployed to support various services within Statewide Mental Health Services. The team is now back in action.

https://www.dhhs.tas.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/405959/114178_Attachment_1_FINAL_-_Mental_Health_Act_Review_-_Outcomes_Report_and_Govt_Response.pdf

Mental Health Act 2013 - Review 2020 Outcomes Report

The Minister for Mental Health tabled the Mental Health Act 2013 Review Outcomes Report and the Government’s Response in Parliament on Wednesday 24th June.

Royal Hobart Hospital Consumer and Community Engagement Council

An opportunity for southern Tas. patients, families, friends and community workers to apply for the RHH Consumer and Community Engagement Council.

http://www.caringfairly.org.au/take-action/increase-carer-payment

Support Unpaid Carers Petition

Mind Australia as part of the Caring Fairly Campaign has launched a petition calling for an increase for the carer payment.

Young Adult Family & Friends Research Study

You are invited to participate in a study investigating lived experience of supporting a family member living with mental health issues. Participation is open to anybody aged between 17 – 25 years of age. Learn more.

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