Prahran Mission Newsletter, Winter 2013 Edition, issn: 1035 1736

VINTAGE TREASURES ROCK THE MISSION

BACK ON TRAK ALBUM LAUNCH

Trak Live Lounge directors Jamie Nasser, Frank Stivala and Melburnian of the Year Michael Gudinski have been supporting Prahran Mission’s music group Go Live’s recording project through a donation of $8,000 over the last 12 months. The Go Live project helps to heal those living with a mental illness and/or experiencing homelessness, using music as a vehicle for recovery. The donation from Trak Live Lounge has been used by the Go Live musicians to compose, write and record their own original songs. It also provides experience for those interested in pursing a career in the music industry. Their debut album entitled ‘Back on

Celebrity stylist Philip Boon showcased the lifetime’s work of Mary Lipshut of ML Vintage while helping those in need. The PHILIP BOON PRESENTS: ML VINTAGE fashion fundraising event was a complete sell out. Hosted at the stylish restaurant Circa, the event featured gorgeous chanteuse Hetty Kate who got guests in the mood with beautifully arranged 60s and 70s numbers. But of course the pièce de résistance were the stunning 1970s never been worn Missoni, Pucci and Courrèges designer gems from Mary’s ML Vintage Collection donned by statuesque models. Also paying homage to the era was special guest, former model and ’it girl’ Wendy Bannister, sister of fashion designer Jenny, who showed the younger models how it was done, spinning and twirling to the delight of the audience. Many of those in attendance saw this era in fashion the first time around, others wished they had been there. It was an amazing and unique afternoon that showed how fundraising can be fashionable and quite simply fun with the lunch raising nearly $10,000.

Trak’ is now complete and the launch party will be held on 26th June at Trak Live Lounge in Toorak. It’s free entry and all are welcome to support the musicians. For more information visit our Facebook page Prahran Mission, or call 9692 9500.

Special thanks to: Laurent Perrier, Aqua Panna, San Pellegrino, MOR, Nigelle’s Flowers, Hetty Kate, Zomp Shoes, Guy Bourdin from Hair By Ciccone, Narelle Hall, London MGT, Philip Boon, Marnie Haddad, The Age, Sunday Herald Sun and of course the delightful lady who continues to inspire Mary Lipshut, and her wonderful friends Shirley Strauss and Lola Schattner.

Images: a model sashays (top) Philip Boon, Wendy Bannister with models from London MGT. (bottom) Mary Lipshut (photographer: Marnie Haddad)

L: Music legend Michael Gudinski (right) with Open House Team Leader Chris Goodall. R: Go Live musicians with Trak directors. Images from Stonnington Review.

Back on Trak Album Launch Wednesday 26 June 7pm—9pm Free Entry Trak Live Lounge 445 Toorak Road, Toorak

financial crisis, distributing toys to families in need at Christmas, checking the food pantry stock levels and managing food safety as well as putting together and distributing food parcels. When the Financial Counselling Program was closed due to lack of funding in the 1980s and also again in the 1990s, Neil remained committed to the Mission giving

both financial and inkind donations to support the Mission’s work. He also continued to give his time and volunteered in the Admin area, assisting with archives, filing of correspondence, newsletters and photographs.

CONTENTS

1 Back on Trak Album Launch

1 Vintage Treasures

2 Volunteers Get Cooking

2 Tribute: Neil Ferguson

3 Hello Dandenong

3 From the CEO’s Desk

4 Winter Appeal 2013

5 Winter Breakfast Launch

6 World Hearing Voices Congress

6 Voices Vic Carer Project

7 Chaplain’s Corner

7 Where The Heart Is

8 Upcoming Events

8 Tour Dates 2013

Neil Ferguson with his wife Ann

TRIBUTE TO NEIL FERGUSON: 25 YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE

Neil Ferguson is one of those quiet achievers, a dedicated servant who has humbly given almost 25 years of service to the people who face disadvantage, financial crisis, are living in poverty or experiencing homelessness. Neil first became involved with Prahran Mission when answering a call from the then Acting Superintendent Rev Des Cousins’ for volunteers in 1988. Neil volunteered and has made the weekly journey ever since from his home in Parkdale to Prahran. His work in Prahran Mission’s Emergency Relief and Financial Counselling program has involved everything from counselling people in

These days when many people are not in the same job for more than five years, Neil’s dedicated commitment to Prahran Mission and the people we care for, has been outstanding. Neil is a quiet man, reserved and incredibly modest about his achievements which for him include a 35 year career with the railways as a Metallurgist and Scientific Officer, his two children, four grandchildren and his 62 year marriage to his sweetheart Ann. Neil has recently retired from volunteering due to ill health so everyone at Prahran Mission would like to recognise and acknowledge his 25 years of dedicated service to people in need. Neil who has been a constant in the life of Prahran Mission will be dearly missed by staff, volunteers and clients alike. If you’re interested in making a difference through volunteering please contact Christopher Vogt on 9692 9500 or email Christopher@prahranmission.org.au

“The best thing about my time at Prahran Mission has been the sense of satisfaction in

doing something to assist in some way, helping those who are disadvantaged as well as

working with friendly staff and other volunteers”

Neil Ferguson

VOLUNTEERS GET COOKING

In March trusty volunteer Darryl Twitt held a fundraising lunch at Prahran Mission’s East Wing function suite for 35 of his friends to raise money for a new stove for the kitchen. With some of his friends travelling from Shepparton to support the cause, Darryl’s friends gave very generously and raised close to $12,000 a fantastic

achievement! The new stove, a Heavy Duty 6 burner with hot plate was installed in late May, just in time for the Winter Breakfast Program, where it will be used to cook thousands of breakfasts and lunches. Our heartfelt thanks go to Darryl and his friends for their generosity.

The new stove on the right with (left-right) Darryl Twitt, Codie Jakeman our recently graduated Chef and fellow supporter John Gaylard.

we are delighted to be hosting the World Hearing Voices Congress, the first time that the Congress has been held outside of Australia, a testament to this exciting approach that has helped so many. On page 6 you can read more about Ron Coleman and the international conference. Winter is already upon us. The heating is on with extra blankets and doonas on our beds. Winter at Prahran Mission is one of our busiest times of the year. People are already queuing up in the early hours of the morning, waiting for Hartley’s Community Dining Room to open. The Winter Breakfast Program, now in its 22nd year serves a hot, nutritious breakfast, respite from the cold, along with the friendly service from our volunteers, for those experiencing homelessness, living with a mental illness, on low incomes and pensions or socially isolated. The Winter Breakfast Program is vital as it provides at least one hot meal a day for people who often don’t have access to a kitchen or healthy food. Last year we served around 5,000 breakfasts over 12 weeks.

Prahran Mission has always been a place where participants have much to say about what kind of services they need and how they want them run. Our program for those with the distressing experience of hearing voices and sounds, Voices Vic, highlights this point. Voices Vic started in 2009 initially by one of our workers Sandi Noble who heard mental health consumer Ron Coleman talk about the hearing voices approach. He’d spent years in the mental health system with a diagnosis of schizophrenia, and finally recovered using this method. After a pilot trial the Voices Vic program was set up and four years later we have assisted thousands of people with this innovative program. Last year Voices Vic won a Gold Achievement Award for an innovative consumer led program offering specialised approaches to recovery for voice hearers from the Australian and New Zealand Mental Health Service. But aside from these accolades Voices Vic works because we have participants involved in and directing all aspects of the program. This year

FROM THE CEO’S DESK

Last year, Prahran Mission’s Disability Employment program, JobSupply Personnel (JSP) submitted a tender for the release of new contracts for Disability Employment Service Providers within Australia. As a result JSP won the tender and has expanded its services into Dandenong. The new JSP office opened for business on 4th March within our sister agency’s building UnitingCare Connections (pictured). Our Dandenong office led by team leader Darren Smith (pictured) are already having some wins with our first employment placement at a cleaning company within two weeks of opening.

HELLO DANDENONG! JOBSUPPLY PERSONNEL HAS GROWN

Established in 1994 JobSupply Personnel is a specialist employment service that assists people who are affected by illness or disability to obtain or return to suitable paid part-time work. If you are able to offer work placements, vacancies or training opportunities in the Dandenong area, please contact Darren Smith at JobSuppply Personnel, 51 Princes Hwy, telephone: 8792 8946

The Winter Appeal which was launched on 14th May at Prahran Town Hall with keynote speaker Julian Burnside AO, QC (pages 4 and 5), raised close to $40,000 but we need to raise another $160,000 to ensure our services are available for all this winter. Will you support us this winter? Just complete the enclosed donation slip and return to us by 30 June and you can claim that donation in this financial year. Quinn Pawson Chief Executive Officer

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WINTER APPEAL LAUNCH 2013: THE IMPACT OF YOUR SUPPORT

This year’s Winter Appeal was once again launched with a Winter Breakfast on Tuesday 14th May at Prahran Town Hall. Keynote speaker was the human rights advocate and barrister Julian Burnside AO, QC who gave an address and insight on the theme How the Law interacts with our most vulnerable is a statement of who we are as a Society and Community. Cr Matthew Koce, Mayor of Stonnington spoke on the special relationship between the City and Prahran Mission, while special guest speaker participant and staff member Shev Murat movingly told his story which you can read on page 5. Nearly 200 guests enjoyed the delicious fare provided by The Mission Caters, ably supported by volunteers, who arrived at dawn to serve hot meals and drinks. With no hospitality experience, these volunteers stepped up and helped with the smooth running of the catering side of the event. The logistics for such a large event can be challenging. However our volunteers took it all in their stride, keeping the coffee flowing and contributing goodwill throughout the morning. Comments from guests heaped praises on the volunteers who said later that it was worth the early wake-up call to be part of it. All those involved will also be on the roster for the serving of hot breakfasts and lunches at Hartley’s Community Dining Room during the cold, winter months.

Winter is the busiest time of year at the Mission with huge demands placed in particular in our Open House/Mingles Drop In Centre, Hartley’s Community Dining Room and the Emergency Relief Service. Mingles does not receive government funding to stay open on weekends or public holidays. But open it does, providing a warm place for people to hang out during the day, access to telephones, counsellors, computers, a hot cuppa or just a friendly chat with someone. For those experiencing homelessness or are socially isolated, Mingles is a place of safety, respite and chance to feel part of a community. Hartley’s Community Dining Room, named after Rev Frank Hartley who was the Superintendent (leader) of Prahran Mission from 1955—1971, provides a low cost meals program and between June to August runs the Winter Breakfast Program. Initially launched as a pilot project back in 1991, the Winter Breakfast Program provides a hot cooked breakfast, fresh juice and fruit to those experiencing disadvantage such as homelessness, living in poverty, on low incomes, pensions and/or living with a mental illness. On the other side, the Winter Breakfast Program also enables local members of the community, schools, congregations and groups an opportunity to give back through volunteering and serving the breakfasts.

The Emergency Relief Service provides financial assistance, material aid, advocacy, and food aid for people in financial crisis. From assisting a single parent by contacting utility suppliers who are threatening to disconnect electricity supply, to distributing food vouchers, there are always queues for this Service and the demand increases during the cold, winter months, when utility bills soar.

This Winter, please support the thousands of people who knock on

our door for assistance. Simply complete the donation slip or go online and make a donation at

www.givenow.com.au/prahranmission

Every donation truly makes a difference.

At Prahran Mission, our mantra since inception has always been give a hand up, not a hand out. Once people are linked into our services we are able to provide them with the tools to improve their situation, whether it’s support with a mental illness or just learning to budget within their means. We help people to move out of the vicious circle they often find themselves in. We do this with help from you, our valued supporters.

Winter Breakfast Launch and Program Supporters special thanks to: Emma and Tom’s Fruit Juice, Australian Mushroom Growers Assoc, Prahran Market, Secondbite, City of Stonnington and UC Share Appeal

WINTER APPEAL LAUNCH 2013: MEET SHEV

Shev Murat, guest speaker at the Winter Appeal Launch works in our Social firms The Mission Café and The Mission Caters shared his story.

As a young teenager I've had a lot of obstacles I’ve had to overcome. I experienced trauma in my life. I’d seen loved ones around me who were struggling with mental illness.

I accessed youth services before Prahran Mission, for substance abuse and mental health issues. Never in my life did I think I would experience and struggle with a mental illness in my late teens. I thought I would wake up and it would all be over.

There was a turning point in my life where I realised there was no waking up and feeling better. I knew that there was going to be a long road ahead. I didn’t know who to turn to. I was confused, and felt hopeless. However I was one of the lucky ones.

I had a supportive family who understood what I was experiencing. My family called the Youth Adolescence team and I was admitted into a psychiatric ward. I sought help with mental health experts and knew that help was there for me.

A mental health worker suggested that I should link up with a community based organisation that provided support to people like me, that have a mental illness, this happened to be Prahran Mission. My first contact at Prahran Mission was with the Young Persons Group. I was in the process of getting well and remembered thinking

why do I have to be around other people like me, until I realised, I was not the only one with a mental illness.

I felt that my mental illness was going to be with me for the rest of my life. I soon started to see that I could manage and live with schizophrenia. Not long after, I felt comfortable within myself to begin the next step in my recovery.

I was introduced to my support worker Kaz at Second Story. I felt very comfortable and opened up to her. Kaz was easy to talk to, supportive and also had a lot of empathy towards my story. Kaz and I decided that I was ready to be linked in with JobSupply Personnel (employment service) within Prahran Mission.

I then met with a worker from JobSupply Personnel and realised I was ready to work. Soon after I began to work in The Mission Café, this experience transformed my life and made me happy within myself. Not working for so long I’d lost myself. I believed I had no reason to live. I really wanted to prove to everyone and myself that I could stick it out.

Prahran Mission has changed me and I thank them not only for

hiring me, but for giving me a go, believing in me...giving me hope.

I have now been an employee of Prahran Mission for the past 18 months. Prahran Mission says everybody has a right to a decent life, I now believe this too. I also work in

Prahran Mission’s catering service The Mission Caters as a waiter. I feel that working has helped me with my confidence and managing my mental health. The friendships and customer contacts I have made will stay with me forever. They have been kind, supportive and uplifting. There have been times when I may not have been able to recognise changes in myself. During these times I can easily recognise the strength and courage of the countless volunteers. They inspire me and I thank each of them on my journey.

Page 4 images: (left-right) Julian Burnside AO, QC, (top) guests at the Launch (bottom) CEO Quinn Pawson, Stonnington Cr Adrian Stubbs, Cr Matthew Koce, Erica Myers-Davis, Directors Peter Prasser, David Airey and Patron Neil Cole. Prahran Mission’s Treasurer Peter Prasser speaks on behalf of Chairman Daryl Hawkey who was away. Page 5: (left-right) Shev Murat addresses the audience, (top) guests at the Launch, (bottom) breakfast served by a volunteer, Cr Matthew Koce makes his address. Photographer: Liz Reid

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VOICES VIC TO HOST THE WORLD HEARING VOICES CONGRESS

Voices Vic our award winning consumer-led ‘Hearing Voices’ initiative has accepted an invitation to host the ‘World Hearing Voices Congress’ in November. This consumer-led conference entitled ‘Hearing Voices: Journeys to Understanding – Sharing experience, expertise and wisdom’, will bring together people from all walks of life that are involved or have an active interest in Hearing Voices and recovery. The purpose is to help redefine what it means to ‘Hear Voices’ by sharing experience, expertise and wisdom. The event led by our team (many of whom have a lived experience of mental illness) will enable a network of professionals, carers and voice hearers to work together to reduce the distress and stigma which can be associated with hearing voices. Hearing voices doesn’t have to be distressing, by sharing experience, expertise and wisdom, we believe that everyone can recover and lead a decent life. The congress will be held at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre and we expect upwards of 400 people from across Australia and around the world to join us at this world-leading event. If you’re interested in attending delegate registrations are now open at www.hearingvoices2013.org. We urge you to book your place quickly as this unique and historic event will sell out. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. For more information please contact Joshua Koko on 9692 9500 or Joshua.Koko@prahranmission.org.au. Hearing Voices: Journeys to Understanding. International Hearing Voices Conference 20-22nd November 2013 Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre

VOICES VIC CARER PROJECT

Attention friends, family and carers of people who hear voices… seeking your input for a new project Almost every day we at Voices Vic are contacted by friends, family and carers of voice hearers who are struggling to cope, not sure how to help their loved one, and are often confused and frightened about the voice hearing experience. It seems to us there is not enough information or support out there for loved ones, and we'd like to help. Voices Vic will shortly be seeking funding to produce a new book for people who love and/or live with voice hearers. Our idea is to explore the impacts of voice hearing on you, and ideas that are helpful for everyone to live better with voices. This might include: •What the experience of hearing voices is like •Ways to talk with your loved one about their voices •Helpful ideas for coping with voices at home •A straightforward introduction to the hearing voices approach •Stories from voice hearers, friends, family and carers •Self care for everyone •Supports available for voice hearers and friends, family and carers. Can you contribute by Supporting the project financially or inkind? •Sharing your own stories and experiences? If you can help financially please mark

‘Voices Vic Book Project’ on your

donation slip and return to us. If you

would like to share your experiences

then please contact Chelsie Falconer

Chelsie.Falconer@prahranmission.org.au

Voices Vic is a Prahran Mission program that is made possible from private donations and bequests. This vital program receives no government funding and costs $300,000 per year to run. If you would like to support this program please mark ‘Voices Vic’ on your donation slip.

Indigo Daya Voices Vic Program Manager inspires at the 2012 Hearing Voices Conference

Ron Coleman will be one of our international guest speakers at the Conference. He has been active in the field of mental health since 1991, when affecting his own recovery from mental illness, he used his experiences to develop his ideas for recovery-centered treatment of others. Since then he has gone on to write numerous books and papers on the subject and was influential in the development of the Hearing Voices Network in the UK.

CHAPLAIN’S CORNER: NEW LIFE AT EASTER

Prahran Mission’s Easter Lunch took place on Thursday 28th March. It coincided with the New Life Art Exhibition, which was judged on the day by Deutscher & Hackett’s Lara Nicholls. This was our third annual Easter Lunch, attended by nearly 200 people who all enjoyed roast lamb followed by dessert and take-away hot cross buns and Easter eggs. It marked new life for the Stables Art Studio in its new home (in the old woodwork shed) at Chapel St, as well as a celebration of New Life at Easter. First prize in the Art Exhibition went to Rod Kane for his painting of the crucifixion; second prize was awarded to Matthew Farrell-Cough for his drawing of Red Square; and Sophie

This year we celebrated 10 years of the ”Where the Heart Is” festival (for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness) which is held in the Edinburgh Gardens, Fitzroy. Service users and workers from over 40 community agencies worked together to make the day happen. Leading up to the festivities Community Artist Emma Bulpit came to work with Prahran Mission’s Addicted to Art group to construct an art piece which consisted of 10 columns celebrating the

10 years of the festival. We all started out driving over in the bus, Andy knew all the shortcuts. It was enjoyable being able to walk around the huge park at our own leisure. There were free haircuts, massages and manicures, Mr. Whippy, a delicious BBQ and pancakes. Also there were stalls which gave away plants and

books and a petting zoo where you could hold the animals. I liked holding the baby chickens and rabbits. The screen printing was fantastic. There were many designs to choose from. My friend got a bright green guitar printed on her bag. There were bands playing all afternoon with some people dancing. The Go Live music group (see page 1) played a fantastic set as well. The photo stall was great; my friend got our photo taken with a frame included. I thought the festival was very interesting and enjoyable. There were lots of people, and a warm atmosphere all round. Nada Thomson with Dinah Maclaren

Williams’ drawings of her nephews and niece won the People’s Choice prize. A lot of hard work and generosity went into making the event a success: THANK YOU to Victoria, Chris, Ian, and their wonderful team of staff and volunteers in Hartley’s Community Dining Room; to the Stables team Alison, David and Carlo; to Lara Nicholls (and Deutscher & Hackett); to St Kilda Baptist Church (for the hot cross buns); to Bill Rush, Prahran Mission Board member (for the Easter eggs); to Fr. Kenyon McKay and the students of St Michael’s Grammar School (for the Easter placemats); to Erica who pulled

WHERE THE HEART IS… NADA’S STORY

strings and put the hard word on people (!); to the artists and the guests, without whom there would be no art competition or lunch. And thank God for the gifts of enjoyment and new life!

Rev. Ian Savage

Chaplain

The weekly Community of Faith Service is held every Thursday 12.30pm– 1.30pm at Prahran Mission, 211 Chapel Street, Prahran by our Chaplain Rev. Ian Savage. All (of any faith or non-faith) are welcome to attend.

Top left-right: Guests show placemats made by St Michael students, Matthew Farrell Cough’s drawing, Sandra Williams’ drawing of her nephew. Bottom left-right: Lara Nicholls and Sandra, Rod Kane and Lara, Anna Aridas (support worker) and Rod hold placemats.

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CONTACT PRAHRAN MISSION

CENTRAL OFFICE 211 Chapel Street Prahran 3181 T. (03) 9692 9500 F. (03) 9510 9627 www.prahranmission.org.au admin@prahranmission.org.au

Opportunity Shops 211 Chapel Street Prahran 3181 119—123 Lonsdale Street Dandenong 3175 Editor: Erica Myers-Davis Design & Layout: Anna Briggs Proofreader: Deborah Martin

Come and visit us and see the impact of your donations in action with the Fundraising team.

You will get a chance to see the different programs at work throughout the 211 Chapel Street building including the Stables Art Studio, the breathtaking views from the new fourth floor, Open House Drop In Centre and Hartley’s Community Dining Room. You will also hear a history of the building and Prahran Mission. At the conclusion of the tour, light refreshments will be served where you can ask questions and meet other interested supporters and volunteers.

Tours are open to all Prahran Mission supporters along with your friends and family. Please contact us on (03) 9692 9500 to reserve a tour – limited places are available for each date. We will contact you one week prior to the date to confirm your reservation.

Free 2-hour parking is available in Anchor Place (opposite Prahran Mission).

GET INVOLVED: DONATE * VOLUNTEER * EAT AND *TWEET!

Day Tours 11:00am-12:30pm Tuesday 11th June Thursday 18th July Monday 16th September Tuesday 15th October Evening Tours 6:00pm-7:00pm Tuesday 13th August Tuesday 12th November

VOLUNTEER Do you have retail, sorting or merchandising skills that are not being used? Or would you like to gain some retail experience ? We are urgently seeking volunteers to work in our Op Shops at 211 Chapel Street, Prahran and 119-123 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong. Chapel Street is open everyday and Dandenong Tuesday to Saturday. If you’re available to assist then contact Christopher Vogt on 9692 9500.

DONATE Upgraded your laptop recently and not sure what to do with the old one? If it’s still in good, working order you can donate it to Prahran Mission’s Second Story program, where we will distribute it to participants and trainees who are trying to fulfill their ambitions but don’t have access to the necessary equipment and technology. If you can help, please contact Paul McCauley on 9692 9539. We will ensure all personal information is erased from laptops prior to distribution.

EAT You can support our work by simply having a coffee at our Chapel Street eatery, the Mission Café, ground floor, 211 Chapel Street, Prahran. We have a beautifully simple but delicious breakfast, lunch and snack menu along with the best baguettes on Chapel Street. Your support directly provides paid training and work for our hospitality trainees and graduates. We’ve had some great reviews for our service and coffee. Visit us at 211 Chapel Street.

TWEET Prahran Mission has gone digital! You can read our latest updates from our Twitter feed @PrahranMission. We’re also on Facebook , so come and like us and get updates from the following programs on their individual Facebook pages: Prahran Mission The Mission Store The Mission Café The Mission Caters Voices Vic So get involved and join in the conversation!

GET INVOLVED: VISIT US

Maxine Miller and Melissa Carrozza from the Fundraising team share a laugh.