Mind Australia in Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia | Community organisation

Mind Australia

Locality: Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia

Phone: +61 1300 286 463

Address: 86-92 Mount Street 3084 Heidelberg, VIC, Australia

Website: http://www.mindaustralia.org.au

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• Non-profit organisation
• Community organisation
• Mental health service

23.01.2022 Our congratulations and best wishes to Dr Sarah Pollock, our Executive Director of Research and Advocacy, who has been appointed Chief Mental Health Advocate for Western Australia. Sarah leaves us after nine years and will be greatly missed. Her contribution to both Mind and the larger community mental health sector is considerable. Her many achievements for Mind encompass the development of new evidence-based tools and initiatives for service delivery and breaking new ground... in research projects and advocacy. It is a testament to Sarah’s expertise and knowledge that she has recently been on secondment at the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System, contributing to the final report and recommendations for Victoria’s future mental health system. From all of us at Mind, thank you Sarah for all you have done and we wish you all the best in your new role and new city.

23.01.2022 Mind’s Carer Helpline provides support to carers and family members of people living with mental ill-health. Talk to understanding people with lived experience of being a carer for over-the-phone support. They can also help you access supports like counselling and peer support, respite, carer education and support groups. The Carer Helpline 1300 554 660.

22.01.2022 Thanks to Raechel and Toby, First Nations members of the local community, for helping residents and staff at Step Up Step Down Mackay celebrate NAIDOC last week. Raechel was kind enough to deliver a Welcome to Country and talk with residents and staff about her mob and the challenges and trauma that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have faced since colonisation. The day of acknowledgement and learning was capped off with an amazing didgeridoo performance by Toby, ...Raechel’s son. Joseph, a resident, (pictured here on the left with Raechel and Toby), presented them his painting, which represents the land and people, as a token of his appreciation. #NAIDOCWeek2020 #AlwaysWasAlwaysWillBe

21.01.2022 Today marks the start of NAIDOC Week a time to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their communities. This year for NAIDOC, we asked Mind staff what NAIDOC Week means to them and how they celebrate our First Nations people and heritage. #AlwaysWasAlwaysWillBe #NAIDOCWeek

21.01.2022 "One of the major obstacles for wellbeing for mental health carers is isolation. People feel scared to share, but when you get a group together who have shared experiences they can start to open up - you find common ground and feel accepted." Carmel (quoted above) and other staff at the Mind Centre for Mental Health and Wellbeing in Cairns have set up the 'Happy Cafe' - a regular support group for people who care for someone with mental ill-health. At the Happy Cafe you can share a meal and have a cup of tea, connect with others and participate in physical activities that encourage self-care such as Tai chi, laughter yoga and Bollywood dancing (pictured below).

21.01.2022 How can we shine a light on something that often goes unseen? How can we inspire a different conversation about youth mental health? Mind is proud to be involved in a brand new project called 'Visible' - a creative collaboration between young Australians experiencing mental health challenges and artists. These partnerships have produced an insightful collection of creative expressions that aim to change how mental health is seen and spoken about across Australia.... Explore the exhibition here: https://visible.org.au/

20.01.2022 Were you impacted by the bushfires last summer? The new 'Life After Bushfires' page on the Lived Experience Discussion Forums is a safe place for people from bushfire affected communities to share knowledge and experiences, ask questions and offer support to each other. The page also includes stories, tools, tips and information on accessing mental health support.... Find out more: https://mindaustralia.saneforums.org//bd-p/life-after-bush

19.01.2022 Carers, family and friends of people with complex mental health issues need support too. Our dedicated forum provides carers with access to support and connection from others who have been through similar things. Join the free carers forum today https://mindaustralia.saneforums.org/

17.01.2022 Our Youth Residential Recovery Service in Townsville is officially 'Be Kind approved'! Be Kind is a charity committed to reducing the stigma around mental health and inspiring acts of kindness. They invited staff and residents to identify kind acts being demonstrated at the service by writing them on a post-it note and adding them to the 'kindness board'. This helped staff and residents recognise acts of kindness, be more appreciative of others and boost morale.... The team reached the target of 50 acts of kindness, and participated in the annual Kindness Walk during Mental Health Week to officially be anointed 'Be Kind approved'. Well done team!

17.01.2022 "Alley (my cat) has been amazing. On days where I'm a bit lonely I just cuddle up to her. She's made a big difference to my life, and spending time with Alley during the restrictions has helped me look after myself and have purpose every day," Abbie says. Mind supports people to have pets at our residential services where possible, (once risk assessments are completed) because having a pet in your life can have enormous health and wellbeing benefits for anyone, but especially for people experiencing isolation or vulnerability. Thanks for the gorgeous cat pic, Abbie!

16.01.2022 "Perhaps most importantly, I learnt that when you have unflinching support, care and patience behind you - when someone simply refuses to give up on you - you start to feel valuable again, as though you are an individual with your own story and set of circumstances, and that addiction is a health condition like any other." Heidi, quoted above, is one of the participants featured on 'Addicted Australia' - a new documentary series following 10 Australians and their families as they battle addiction. The four-part series, which started on 10 November and airs each Tuesday on SBS (or on SBS On Demand) is an insightful look at the critical role that families can play in the journey towards hope and recovery.

15.01.2022 The local Elders help us learn and understand why it’s important to connect to the land, our people and the community. Pradeep, a Mind residential service manager in Rockingham, talks about how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures tie into his work, collaborating with local Elders Uncle Des and Uncle Lindsay to educate Mind clients and support mental health recovery and wellbeing. #NAIDOCWeek #AlwaysWasAlwaysWillBe

15.01.2022 Kwelena Step Up Step Down is going virtual! Working together with local mental health services in the Rockingham area, this new online video and phone support from Mind helps adults who need intensive support to manage and improve their mental health and wellbeing. The virtual step up step down program provides a person centered recovery approach, which includes an assessment of the client's needs to manage mental and physical health, one-to-one support sessions to work on th...eir recovery goals and assistance to refer to services that can address alcohol and drug, family and housing issues. Pictured here are: Wade Mclain (LotteryWest Senior Grant Development Officer), Alanna Clohesy MLC (Parliamentary Secretary to the WA Minister for Health and Mental Health), Denise Cumming (Mind Australia Acting State Manager SA and WA) and Pradeep Satya (Kwelena Step Up Step Down Service Manager) at the program's launch last week. You can learn more about virtual step up step down here: https://www.mindaustralia.org.au//virtual-step-step-down-s

15.01.2022 Mind provides high quality supported accommodation services, helping people to achieve a better life. We are currently taking expressions of interest and accepting applications for new Haven Homes in the following suburbs: Laverton, VIC (construction expected to be complete in June 2021)... Mooroopna, VIC (construction expected to be complete in July 2021) Pakenham, VIC (construction expected to be complete in February 2022) Epping, VIC (construction expected to be complete in March 2022). For more information call the Customer Service team on 1300 286 683.

14.01.2022 Employment and work when living with complex mental health concerns can be a big part of recovery and wellbeing for many people. For many others there are barriers to finding mentally healthy workplaces. For an engaging online chat about employment and mental health, hosted by our friends at SANE Australia, head to the discussion forums tonight. Join the conversation: https://mindaustralia.saneforums.org//Topic-Tu/m-p/1050038

13.01.2022 Many of us in Melbourne are happy to be socialising again now that coronavirus restrictions have eased, but some can feel anxious about interacting with other people and leaving the safety of the home. This can be especially true for people with serious mental health challenges who need the stability of routine and structure. This helpful article offers ways to cope and adapt to our 'new normal'.

12.01.2022 We’re sending a clear message: no one is ‘broken’ because of their sexuality or gender identity. - Jill Hennessy, Victoria’s Attorney General. This week The Victorian Government introduced legislation to officially outlaw ‘conversion therapy’ seeking to change or suppress someone’s sexuality or gender identity. Mind welcomes this announcement, and we understand the damaging mental health implications of people being told their sexuality or gender identity is wrong. We also recognise the joy and healing that is possible when people are accepted for who they are and are supported to live their life with honesty and pride.

12.01.2022 Mind is now delivering Targeted Psychological Therapies (TPT) in the Ipswich and Lockyer Valley regions for people aged 18+. New clients can be referred directly to Mind through refeRHEALTH. Act for Kids will deliver services for people aged 0-17. Referrals to TPT providers funded by the PHN need to be done through the refeRHEALTH portal before the patient’s first appointment.... If you require assistance with your referral or have not previously been registered for the refeRHEALTH portal, please call RHealth’s GP Support Help Line on 0491 201 296 or email [email protected].

11.01.2022 "I felt like a new person. Spiritually, I had come alive again. It was so amazing to get my confidence back and I can't describe how awesome I felt - I can't wait to go back." Jeanie, pictured here with Dolly the horse, says visiting a horse farm in Carrajung Lower on a recent Mind Recovery Retreat has helped her get her spark for life back again. Mind offers fully supported short-stay breaks to provide people with serious mental health challenges a chance for respite from th...eir every day. Recovery Retreats are provided as flexible, high quality support packages that include accommodation, food, help with daily living and care, and support to participate in recovery focused activities. "I have been on four or five [Recovery Retreats] and they have all been awesome," Jeanie says. "It's relaxing, it takes you out of your environment to see different things and they help you work on your recovery. Being looked after and being with other people has really brought me out of my shell and I've learnt how to communicate with others - we have so much fun." You can learn more about Recovery Retreats here: https://www.mindaustralia.org.au/overview-mind-services

11.01.2022 Justine Moss discusses her work as Mind’s Reconciliation Action Plan Manager, ranging from Aboriginal procurement targets to greater inclusion across the organisation. #NAIDOCWeek #AlwaysWasAlwaysWillBe

11.01.2022 The Commission for Children & Young People wants to hear from children and young people in Victoria about the effects of COVID-19 so they can advocate about the issues affecting our youth and share these perspectives with government and other decision-makers. Find out more: https://s.alchemer.com/s3/YoungPeopleCOVID

10.01.2022 Thanks to peer practitioner Zachary for helping the Youth Step Up Step Down in Caboolture acknowledge and celebrate Trans Awareness Week (13-19 November) recently. Zachary, who identifies as trans and gender diverse, delivered a workshop to help staff learn and understand how the trans community can be better supported. This was followed by a themed trivia session for both residents and staff. Great work, Zachary!

09.01.2022 We had the pleasure of hosting the Deputy Premier of Victoria and the new Minister for Mental Health, James Merlino, at Haven South Yarra yesterday. A special thanks to Isabella, a resident at Haven South Yarra, for providing a tour of the residence and showing how a safe, secure and supported place to call home can help people with psychosocial disability work toward their recovery goals and live a life with meaning and purpose. Pictured left to right are: Jeff Kagan (Mind C...hief Financial Officer), Elizabeth Byrne (Co-founder of the Haven Foundation), Mark Heeney (Mind Acting State Manager Victoria SIL and National Manager Innovation and Growth), Isabella (Haven South Yarra resident) James Merlino MP (Deputy Premier Victoria and Minister for Mental Health, Education), Prof. Alan Fels AO (Mind Board Director) and Leon Kempler OAM (Haven Foundation Patron). See more

08.01.2022 We are aware of social media posts being shared with incorrect information about our services. Mind Australia does not have a 24-hour helpline. For 24-hour support we recommend the services listed below

05.01.2022 ANNOUNCEMENT | The National Mental Health Commission will partner with the International Association of Suicide Prevention, as it hosts the 31st World Congress ...on the Gold Coast from 21-24 September 2021. In-person and virtual lived experience participation will be a hallmark of the Congress, with the Commission providing 150 bursaries to people who have experienced suicidal ideation, suicide attempt or who have lost a loved one to suicide. Learn more https://www.mentalhealthcommission.gov.au//commission-part Bursary applications close 15 June.

05.01.2022 Do you need help watching the Festival of Now in South Australia? Due to current COVID restrictions the Festival of Now will be live streaming its program of music, live art and activities. This full day of entertainment starts from 10:30 am on Friday 4 December.... If you are having trouble with the technology needed to watch this online let your Support Worker know. Go to festivalofnow.com.au from Monday 30 November to see their program and let them know what you want to watch. #FestivalofNow #FoN2020 #FoNline #mentalhealth #livedexperience #wellbeing

02.01.2022 "When a journalist emphasises a diagnosis of schizophrenia in their story about a violent crime, they help make the word unspeakable and punish the overwhelming majority of those suffering from it for whom the worst symptom of the condition is social rejection." Australian writer Gabrielle Carey reflects on news media and cinema's persistent linking of schizophrenia and violent crimes and the burden it places on people living with schizophrenia. You can read the full article below:

02.01.2022 Mind invites you to join us for a webinar to showcase our new Haven Mooroopna site that will be opening in August-September 2021. Owned by The Haven Foundation, Haven Mooroopna is a brand new development that's part of an innovative model for long-term housing and support for people with psychosocial disabilities. Mind Australia is the nominated service provider, delivering support to residents and their families. Join us on Friday 25 June to find out more about Haven Mooroop...na, the supported independent living services that will be provided to residents and employment opportunities. Register here: http://ow.ly/gi9Q50F75h0

01.01.2022 We are really pleased the Victorian Government has acknowledged the importance of housing in supporting people living with mental ill-health through this week's social housing announcement, as reported here in The Age: https://www.theage.com.au//this-will-change-lives-5-3-bill Mind and The Haven Foundation are partnering to provide an integrated social housing and support model for the community of Geelong, ready for occupancy in March 2021. This long-term social housing i...s targeted for NDIS participants with a psychosocial disability who require 24/7 or daily support in the home. To find out more or apply call Mind Connect on 1300 286 463 or click the link below: