1 in 5 will be affected with mental illness. 5 in 5 can help. Be one of them. See back cover for details.

mivoice

autumn 2011

issue 121

advocacy matters what the new Government’s promised p6-7

Woodcock lecturer announced p4

MI Fellowship Victoria gets physical p4

Registered with the Department of Human Services Print Post Approved 350190 / 00023 ISSN 0816 7877

We are pleased to see that the incoming Victorian Government has taken up many of the key initiatives called for by MI Fellowship Victoria (see full details on page 6), and has indicated a willingness to investigate new ways of supporting people with mental illness in the community, where people live the majority of their lives.

At the national level, mental health organisations have some work ahead of them in the next 12 months as the Federal Government begins to establish Medicare Locals around Australia, which will see allied health services, including psychological services, planned and coordinated by local doctors’ networks. MI Fellowship Victoria will be working to ensure that mental health services support all aspects of a person’s life, as well as their medical needs.

Board changesSome members may recall that just on two years ago I indicated publicly that I believed it would be of benefit to the organisation for another member of the Board to have the opportunity to take on the role of President. At that time, the Board requested that I stay on for a limited period and I was happy to agree to this. Now, given the increased emphasis on national issues, I have made the decision to accept the role of independent Chairman of Mental Illness Fellowship Australia.

I am delighted to announce that Paul Montgomery has stepped into the role of President of MI Fellowship Victoria, and that he will ensure that the organisation continues its work in the interests of the Victorian community. A MI Fellowship Victoria Board member since 2006, Paul has chaired the Finance, Audit and Resource Committee and is also Chair of the Royal District Nursing Service. He is a highly experienced business manager and is currently company director of a number of private companies.

I am very pleased to be maintaining my relationship with MI Fellowship Victoria as Patron, so members can expect

from our president

2

We enter 2011 with a new State Government and a new policy arena that gives cause for both hope and renewed advocacy opportunities.

mivoiceautumn 2011

to continue to see me at MI Fellowship Victoria events and around the MI Fellowship Victoria offices from time to time.

Reflecting on our achievements I am exceptionally proud of what MI Fellowship Victoria has achieved since I joined the Board in 2000. I have had the pleasure of working with a talented and committed team of Board members, executives, staff, participants and members to progress our advocacy and organisational agendas.

We have grown from an organisation with an annual income of $5.7m in 2001 to $17.3m last financial year. Our advocacy work has influenced policy deliberations and settings at the State and Federal levels, as has been demonstrated by the commitments made by the new Victorian Government.

We have progressed an investment strategy that has enabled us to develop new products and services that are innovative and best practice. Our family education program, Well Ways, is now recognised and delivered nationally; our employment service, My Recruitment, is a registered national service; we have government funding to pilot an innovative public/private housing model; and we have embarked on an extensive revision of our day programs.

At a Board level, we have put in place a structure that has enabled the organisation to set strategic goals, with clear mechanisms for achieving them, in order to meet the needs of our members, and the needs of the wider community of people who have mental illness and their families.

It has been a privilege to play a part in MI Fellowship Victoria’s journey, and I look forward to watching its continuing growth and success.

The Hon. Robert Knowles AO

It is a great honour to step into the role of President of MI Fellowship Victoria. On behalf of the organisation I thank Rob Knowles for the tremendous contribution he has made, and for guiding us to a position where we can make the most of the opportunities that will emerge for us during the year.

I am delighted that Rob will maintain his relationship with us as Patron, and that we will continue to benefit from his passion for improving the lives of people with mental illness.

We look forward to keeping you informed of our progress over the year, and always welcome your views on the issues we are addressing.

Paul Montgomery

A word from incoming President Paul Montgomery

3mivoice

from our chief executive

People with mental illness have the capacity

to participate in life as fully as anyone

else, but deep, systemic barriers prevent

individuals from having the life they could.

MI Fellowship Victoria works in areas which

are often ‘exclusion zones’ for people with

mental illness: employment, housing and

education. We are continually seeking ways to

create access to those parts of life that most

people take for granted.

We also highlight particular issues that exist

within those exclusion zones, in an effort

to bring attention and change to areas of

inequity and injustice that are hidden from the

wider community’s view.

For the next two years our focus will be on

physical health and wellbeing: healthy minds

through healthy bodies.

The poor state of physical health among

people with mental illness has been

recognised as a serious public health issue for

a number of years now. People with mental

illness suffer from more chronic illness, more

heart disease, more dental disease and die

earlier than the rest of our community. The life

expectancy for people with mental illness is

approximately 20 years shorter than that of

the general population.

It’s time to address the barriers that keep people with mental illness from good health. It’s time for mental health to get physical.

We know that around 75% of people with

mental illness smoke. We know that weight

gain is a serious health risk for people on

antipsychotic medication. We know that there

are low participation rates in physical activities

among people with mental illness.

What we don’t yet know is how best to

engage people in their own health activities.

During our two-year focus on physical health

we will be investigating how we can make

health activities a natural and integrated

part of people’s everyday lives, and we will

be working to remove the barriers that are

currently preventing this.

The changes that we are seeking to kick-

start over the next two years will be done

in partnership with participants and carers.

We will be taking steps together – as an

organisation and as individuals – towards

improved physical health for people with

mental illness. This could mean changing the

way a service is delivered, or trying a tai chi

class for the first time.

We have another year of important work

ahead of us, and I thank you for, and look

forward to, your continuing support.

Healthy minds through healthy bodies –our focus on physical health and wellbeing.

Elizabeth Crowther

MI Fellowship Victoria and the arts

After the success of last

year’s stage production

Inside Out at capturing

the experiences of a

family affected by mental

illness, MI Fellowship

Victoria is continuing

its work in the arts to

improve understanding

of mental illness.

We will be partnering

with the Melbourne

Theatre Company in May

to promote the Pulitzer

prize-winning musical

Next to Normal, which

explores a woman’s

loosening grip on reality

and follows her through

a journey of diagnosis

and rehabilitation.

See the details on page 5.

autumn 2011

8 10

www.mifellowship.org

contents from our chief executive p3 | Woodcock lecture 2011 p4 | your questions answered p5 | Melbourne Theatre Company’s Next to Normal p5 | advocacy p6-7 | adventurers’ scrapbook p8-9 | Amanda’s class act p10 | dancers dig deep p10 | Board news p11 |

Internationally acclaimed researcher and speaker

Associate Professor Sharon Lawn will present the

2011 Woodcock Lecture, sharing best practice

strategies and approaches for promoting physical

health and wellbeing for people with mental illness.

Prof Sharon Lawn is renowned for her work on how to

work effectively to engage people with a mental illness

in smoking cessation programs, and for her work in

consumer peer leadership and health promotion.

Sharon is also an expert in the area of Chronic Condition

Management and Self-Management. She coordinates a

post-graduate program in chronic condition management at

Flinders University, South Australia, and has led multiple projects

in this area across the Australian primary health care sector.

Sharon’s lecture will discuss the physical health challenges

facing people with mental illness, and present research

findings and case studies on what works to build motivation

and create a sense of self-efficacy in people who are

managing health issues.

The lecture will be followed by a series of presentations from

consumers about the steps they have taken in their lives to

improve their physical health and wellbeing.

4

Woodcock Lecture 2011 – Dr Sharon LawnFollowed by a panel discussion 6-8pm Tuesday 17 May 2011ANZ Pavilion, Victorian Arts Centre. This is a free event presented by MI Fellowship Victoria.

physical health and wellbeing

Woodcock lecture 2011

mivoice

mark your diary

autumn 2011

Dr Sharon Lawn

17 MayMI FellowshIp VIctorIa woodcock lecture

Talking about physical health and wellbeing can be

challenging for workers and consumers who are

more familiar with discussing issues of mental health.

A pilot project recently commenced by MI Fellowship Victoria is finding ways of better integrating physical health support with its existing psychological and social support services.

The six-month project is being run through MI Fellowship Victoria’s Personal Helpers and Mentors Program in the Mornington Peninsula region, and aims to improve the physical health of participants at the same time as increasing the confidence and expertise of mental health workers to assist with physical health issues.

Project worker Tara Smark says that a holistic approach to all aspects of health will help to improve mental health outcomes for participants.

“We know that mental and physical health are connected,” says Tara. “Our consultations with participants, carers and

other stakeholders have identified ways we can better reflect this connection in our service delivery.”

The project will integrate physical health with outreach services by addressing physical health issues during initial assessments, adding physical health goals to individuals’ mental health recovery plans, identifying barriers that prevent people from taking part in physical activity groups, and supporting participants to try new physical activities.

Results and findings from the pilot project will be transferred to MI Fellowship Victoria’s outreach services in other regions.

If you would like more

information on this project,

or have comments or

experiences which might be

useful to the project team,

please contact Tara Smark

on 9784 6800.

new project takes action for better health

Tara Smark, physical health and wellbeing project worker.

How can we address the physical health challenges facing people with mental illness?

MI Fellowship Victoria’s successful 2010 presentation

of the award-winning play Inside Out has encouraged

us to partner with the Melbourne Theatre Company to

promote the Australian premiere of the hit Broadway

musical Next to Normal.

Winner of the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and a 2009

Tony Award for Best Original Score, Next to Normal is a

touching and surprisingly funny examination of mental illness

and its effects on a family. Called “a musical for a life out of

tune”, Next to Normal is about a woman lost to herself and

her family. Starring Kate Kendall and Matt Hetherington, it

promises to be a highlight of the MTC season.

Preparing for just another day, suburban mother Diana

Goodman makes the family’s lunches and cannot stop. The

piles of sandwiches signal her gradually loosening grip – on

her life, on her family, on her sanity. Soon, there is a doctor,

a diagnosis and a course of treatment, yet the cause to this

case of ordinary madness lies beyond medicine and therapy.

MI Fellowship Victoria’s promotional partnership with the MTC

continues our association with the arts, providing consumers,

families, friends and carers with news and benefits from the

world of theatre, music, film and the visual arts.

Watch our website and read MI Voice Update to learn

more about the MTC’s production of Next to Normal

at The Arts Centre Playhouse from 28 April to 28 May.

Visit www.mtc.com.au for ticket purchases.

the world of theatre beckons again

5

Visit www.mifellowship.org for news, views, events and mental health information. Who knows, you may wish to make a secure online donation while you’re there. Make sure to subscribe to our free private e-newsletter mi voice update, which keeps you in touch with us in between magazines.

How can I help my mate to quit smoking?

your questions answered:

mivoice

‘More than a triumph - it’s next to wondrous’ - New York Daily News

This question comes from Rob in Heidelberg and is

answered by Darren Freak, Manager Rehabilitation

Services, Western Region.

Research shows that people with mental illness are likely to

be heavy smokers so it’s important to remember that your

friend is probably trying to overcome a serious nicotine

addiction. If your friend is on antipsychotic medication, they

will need to get advice from their prescribing health professional

on how reducing nicotine levels will affect their medication.

You can support your friend by helping them to focus on the

benefits of giving up smoking, such as having more money.

You could encourage them to plan to take a holiday with their

savings, or to buy something that they have been wanting. You

can make them aware of the health benefits that begin as soon

as they stop smoking. Within a day of quitting, more oxygen will

be reaching their heart and muscles; within two months they will

be coughing less. You could also encourage them to set targets,

such us reducing the number of cigarettes or setting a timeframe.

The Tobacco and Mental Illness Project in South Australia

has tips to help people get through cigarette cravings. They

recommend going for a walk, listening to music, sipping on

orange juice, going somewhere you can’t smoke, and using

nicotine replacement therapy. The project runs a helpline

on 08 8200 2009.

The Victorian Quitline on 137 848 offers advice from

8am-8pm Monday to Friday. MI Fellowship Victoria has

trained QUIT facilitators on staff. Call Darren Freak on

9680 1600 for more information.

Do you have a question you want answered?

Send an email to kgarner@mifellowship.org with

“Your Questions Answered” in the subject line.

autumn 2011

mivoice update – email newsletterStay in touch with the latest news and events in mental health. Register your details at

www.mifellowship.org/news-subscribe.shtml. It’s free, private and you can unsubscribe at any time.

6

MI Fellowship Victoria and its members campaigned hard in the lead up to last November’s Victorian election, calling for more services to support people with mental illness in their homes, in their families, and in their communities.

mivoice

a new Victorian government

We take a look at the commitments made by the Coalition, and the issues to watch over the next 12 months.

pre-election commitmentsBefore its election, the Coalition Government made commitments to a number of MI Fellowship Victoria asks:

ADVOCACY MATTERS

autumn 2011

The ask The commitment

7 new Prevention and Recovery Care (PARC) units in rural and metropolitan areas.

$9.7m for 3 more PARCs, plus a trial of a women’s specific PARC.

25 new Secure and Extended Care Unit (SECU) beds for individuals with highly complex needs.

$18m for 20 new SECU beds.

Increase the number of home-based support packages across Victoria from 3,000 to 6,000.

$19m investment in clinical and support services in the PDRS (psychiatric disability rehabilitation and support services) sector.

A housing demonstration project to trial subsidised private rental housing in locations around Victoria.

Will work with MI Fellowship Victoria to develop a housing demonstration project.

Improve understanding of mental illness among consumers and their families by expanding the proven Well Ways peer education program.

A commitment to carers that may offer opportunities to expand the delivery of the Well Ways program.

Increase opportunities for education and employment for people with mental illness.

$0.9m for Pathways to Participation project.

Awareness raising campaign focused on education with schools and the police.

Agreement in priciple but no funding commitment.

other funding commitmentsThe Coalition also made a number of other mental health

funding commitments, including the following:

• $10m for mental health research

• $15m for additional 20 mental health hospital beds

• $890,000 for dedicated housing officers in government

Area Mental Health Services

• $12m for 3 new mother baby units in regional Victoria

to address post natal depression

• $4m for a suicide prevention campaign targeting people

who are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender

• $1.04m for central coordination of clinical beds

7mivoice

a new Victorian government what’s in store for mental health?

MI Fellowship Victoria staff member Ben Rinaudo hands over the keys for a new Ford Focus Zetec to delighted Christmas raffle winner Marion.

The raffle raised close to $80,000 which is being used to operate services that would otherwise not be viable. Thank you to everyone who supports our fundraising efforts. Look out for our next raffle which will be drawn 16 June 2011.

And the winner is...

autumn 2011

rehabilitation, carers, workforceIn terms of general policy directions without specific funding

attached, the Coalition has indicated a clear commitment to

better resourcing the psychiatric rehabilitation and support

services sector; to increasing the mental health workforce;

and to supporting carers through the ongoing funding of

carer organisations.

Mental Health Act reviewMental Health Minister Mary Wooldridge recently extended to

the end of February 2011 the deadline for public comment on

the draft revision of the Mental Health Act (1986). A review of

the Act began in 2008 with the aim of ensuring that Victoria’s

mental health legislation properly protects human rights,

particularly in relation to the Victorian Charter of Human

Rights and Responsibilities which was introduced in 2006.

It is unclear what the new Government’s intentions are in

relation to both the new Mental Health Bill and the Charter

of Human Rights. It will be important to monitor the progress

of the draft legislation and ensure that the rights of people

with mental illness are adequately protected by law.

MI Fellowship Victoria has lodged a submission with the

review following consultation with its members, participants

and workers.

law and order concernsThe Coalition has come into Government on a particularly

strong law and order platform, with public commitments to end

home detention, end suspended sentences, and take harsher

action on bail abuses. This less tolerant approach is particularly

concerning for people with mental illness who currently

make up 30% of people in prisons. MI Fellowship Victoria is

continuing its work with Government and the police to increase

understanding of the needs of people with mental illness.

the verdictIndications so far are that the new Victorian Government

recognises the benefits and value that will come from a

stronger community mental health sector. MI Fellowship

Victoria will be monitoring the roll-out of new policies and

keeping members and readers informed of what these are

likely to mean for people with mental illness, their carers

and families.

new mental health ministerThe Hon Mary Wooldridge, member for the electorate of Doncaster since 2006, is the new

Victorian Minister for Mental Health. Ms Wooldridge was previously the Shadow Minister for

Environment and Climate Change. She has chaired the Commonwealth Advisory Committee

on Homelessness, and been a Director of the Breast Cancer Australia Network. Most

recently she was the CEO of the Foundation for Young Australians. The former Australian

Federal Minister for Health, Michael Wooldridge, is Ms Wooldridge’s brother.

8mivoice

Adrian Lloyd, participant

“The Gold Coast trip happened because some of us

had gone away on a camping trip in the Dandenongs

and got talking about the things we’d like to do,

places we’d like to go. We all agreed it would be great

to go to Queensland.

“We had a monthly planning day for six months before

the trip. We did the research into flights and activities.

The theme parks were fantastic and we also had free

time to explore the area and walk along the beach.

“The trip has given me the confidence to

communicate more easily with people, even people I

don’t know such as when you go to the supermarket.

As a result of the trip, a few of us have formed an

activity group and we’re planning to go fishing, rafting

down the Barwon River and abseiling.”

Vera Lloyd, carer

“This was a terrific exercise in setting and achieving goals.

Adrian had to save the money, do his research, do the

preparation. From my point of view one of the major benefits

has been the links he has made with other consumers.”

Jack Henry, participant

“We did a lot but there was time for relaxation. I walked along

the beach and swam in the hotel pool. It was the first time I’d

been to Queensland and I enjoyed everything about the trip.

“We did our own shopping, cooked bacon and eggs for

breakfast, and made sandwiches for everyone for lunch.

We went out to dinner and my mate and I shared lasagne

and pizza. It was a fantastic time and all our planning paid off.”

Roni Henry, carer

“The trip couldn’t have come along at a better time for us as

a family. Jack was extremely excited. An interstate trip like

this is not something we could really afford as a family so it

was great he got the opportunity to go on an adventure.

We spoke to him by phone when he first arrived and after

that he was fine. My husband and I were relaxed because

we could tell he was enjoying himself.

“We have been slowly increasing the amount of responsibility

we give Jack. He wanted to go on the trip so we said, ‘OK, you

get organised.’ It has been an important part of his learning.”

autumn 2011

A trip to the Gold Coast for 17 MI Fellowship Victoria participants provided a chance to turn hopes and plans into unforgettable experiences.

adventurers’ scrapbook6TIC

KET

gold c

oast

meeting the

locals

Ppathways

people and their stories

9

dates for your diary in 2011 | Schizophrenia Awareness Week 16-22 May | Mental Health Week 10-16 October | Watch out for more updates and information on activities in MI Voice Update or visit our website www.mifellowship.org

mivoice

Jim Haitas, participant

“I had never been interstate before and it was great to forget

my issues and enjoy the scenery and good company. It gave

me and my family a break from each other which was good,

and I came home feeling less stressed out and tired.

“I feel more confident in myself since going on the trip. If I feel stressed, I remember the holiday and just take myself back there for a moment.”

Ella Forbes, program worker

“The apartments we stayed in were beautiful. They had fantastic

views over the ocean, city and mountains. On a clear day you

could see to Byron Bay on one side and Coolangatta the other.

There were about five to six people staying in each apartment. It

was great to have time to get to know each other and head out

shopping or to the beach together.

“Each night we were able to have dinner at a different place.

There was a great range of cuisines to choose from. Some

of us tried Mexican, Japanese, Chinese or Lebanese. This

was cool as it’s not something we often do.”

pre-departure preparations d• Monthly planning meetings for six months

• Developed rules of conduct for holiday participants

• Booked transport, accommodation and activities

• Updated doctors’ health assessments

• Compiled personal and emergency information

• Budgeted and met regular payment plan

• Labelled and listed any medications for airport security

itinerary

Monday 4.30am departure for early flight Dinner at local pub

Tuesday Australia Zoo

Wednesday Free day Dinner at Draculas Restaurant

Thursday Movie World

Friday Return home 8more information:

The Gold Coast trip was coordinated by MI Fellowship

Victoria’s Barwon Regional Office. For information about

activities such as this that might be planned in your region,

please contact Nicole Traynor on 5229 8827.

www.mifellowship.org

autumn 20116

seeing the wildlife

catching up over dinner

_P

6

10

Amanda’s class act

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Amanda Baker set herself on a new course after returning to study.

Amanda is presented with her certificate by MI Fellowship Victoria CEO Liz Crowther.

Amanda was among nine people who graduated

with their Certificate in General Education (Adults)

at MI Fellowship Victoria in December last year. As a

registered training organisation, MI Fellowship Victoria

runs the accredited certificate course along with a

range of vocational courses. The Certificate in General

Education gives people who have experienced mental

illness the opportunity to re-gain skills and confidence

in preparation for further study or employment.

Since completing the course, Amanda has gone on to

join MI Fellowship Victoria’s Speakers Bureau and is speaking

to audiences about her illness and her recovery journey.

“I have had problems reading and writing all my life,” says

Amanda. “My case manager told me about the certificate

course and I applied and got in. It was a year of classes

twice a week which was quite a big commitment, so it is

great to have made it through to graduation.”

Information on MI Fellowship Victoria’s accredited training

courses is available from our Training Team on 9680 1615.

“Returning to study was a big commitment, so it is great to have made it through to graduation.”

The Collingwood Town Hall was jumping at the end

of last year when 160 people ‘zumba-ed’ the night

away to raise money for MI Fellowship Victoria.

Eight instructors amazed participants by dancing

continuously to the moves of Reggeaton, Salsa,

Bollywood and Samba. The Zumbathon participants

raised $3,200 for MI Fellowship Victoria.

The event was organised by Joan Audino and Maureen

Nixon to celebrate the first anniversary of their fitness

business, Danzfit, and to support a cause that has

touched their lives.

“We said when we started our business that we wanted

to make a contribution to the community,” says Joan.

“Both Maureen and I have family and friends who have

been affected by mental illness. It’s something that people

don’t talk about but we know there is a need for support

and services.”

We thank Danzfit for their kind and energetic support.

Danzfit runs classes in venues throughout Melbourne.

Visit www.danzfit.com.au for more information.

Zumba dancers raise money for MI Fellowship Victoria.

autumn 2011

dancers dig deep

11

not ready to rest his case

mivoice

After many years of volunteering his legal expertise to MI Fellowship Victoria, Kevin Abrahamson became a member of the Board at last year’s Annual General Meeting.

Kevin’s association with

MI Fellowship Victoria stretches

back to 1998 when he provided

pro bono legal counsel to the

organisation through the legal

firm Molomby and Molomby. The

firm was later to merge with Middletons who continue

to be MI Fellowship Victoria’s pro bono lawyers.

Kevin brings 44 years’ experience in general commercial

law and a long-held commitment to community service.

He’s served as an office holder on a range of charitable,

educational and business development organisations in

both metropolitan and regional Victoria.

“I spent nearly 30 years as a lawyer in East Gippsland

before I moved to Melbourne,” says Kevin. “In country

areas you do tend to have more community involvement.

I’ve been fortunate enough to work in businesses that

have held the philosophy that you should put back into

the communities where you live and work.”

Kevin is now carrying that philosophy into his retirement,

bringing not only his professional expertise to the

MI Fellowship Victoria Board, but also a background

knowledge of the organisation which his helping to inform

its future development.

Paul Montgomery

“She has a terrific ability and determination to get a job done,” MI FELLOWSHIP VICTORIA BOARD MEMBER ELAINE PRICE

In Bernie Trahair’s 14 years at MI Fellowship Victoria

she has held positions ranging from office manager, to

volunteer coordinator, to executive assistant, and – for the

past 18 months – company secretary. Now she’s moving

on to new challenges outside MI Fellowship Victoria,

taking a store of memories and life experiences with her.

“What I will remember most about my time at MI Fellowship

Victoria is the people – staff, participants, members and

volunteers – all working towards the same goal,” says Bernie.

“I have always been amazed by the time and energy people give

at MI Fellowship Victoria. Whether it’s volunteers at the Open

Mind Fiesta who come from miles away year after year, or our

Board members who volunteer hours of their time and expertise.”

MI Fellowship Victoria Board member Elaine Price says that

as MI Fellowship Victoria has grown over the years, so has

Bernie, continually extending the skills she has brought to

the organisation.

“She has a terrific ability and

determination to get a job done,” says

Elaine. “And despite her workload, she was

always there when you needed something.”

Bernie came to MI Fellowship Victoria

with little knowledge of mental illness, but

leaves with understanding and respect for

participants, carers and workers.

“In my time here I have often heard stories

that make me think ‘how do people

manage this?’ But I also know stories

of care and recovery that remind me how important

it is that MI Fellowship Victoria keeps doing the work it does.”

Thank you Bernie for your enormous contribution.

MI Fellowship Victoria wishes you all the best for your

next chapter.

thank you Bernie Trahair

autumn 2011

12

Editor : : Kerryn Garner, Mental Illness Fellowship Victoria

Design : : Lisa Minichiello, Room44

Printing : : Bambra PressMI Voice aims to keep our readers informed of the latest information on mental illness and our advocacy work. It is also our opportunity to keep potential and existing supporters and donors 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 Heidelberg Road, Fairfield, Victoria, Australia, 3078.

Telephone : : 03 8486 4200Fax : : 03 8486 4265Email : : enquiries@mifellowship.orgWebsite : : www.mifellowship.orgHelpline : : 03 8486 4222Mental 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 Victoria.

© Mental Illness Fellowship Victoria. PO Box 359 Clifton Hill, Vic 3068 All rights reserved.ACN 093 357 165 ABN 93 093 357 165 ISSN 0816 7877

in other news

media monitor

MI Fellowship Victoria approached The Age newspaper about writing an article on the housing crisis facing people with mental illness. The resulting ‘Veronica’s story’ by journalist Jo Chandler was an in-depth look at the issues through one woman’s recovery journey.

The article provoked a great deal of community response including discussion on ABC Radio’s

Jon Faine program.

Last month, our CEO Liz Crowther and our Consumer Participation Consultant Julie Anderson discussed housing

difficulties for people with mental illness with Steve Vizard on MTR (Melbourne Talkback Radio).

board of directorsPresident : : The Hon. Robert Knowles

Vice President : : Mrs Diane Brown

Directors : : Mr Darrel Drieberg Mr Paul Montgomery Mr Kevin Abrahamson

Mrs Elaine Price, Ms Lyn Allison Mr Theo Krambias, Dr Julian Freidin Ms Louise Milne-Roch, Ms Jenny King

Chief Executive : : Elizabeth Crowther

what we’ve been up to

> An alumni program is being trialled in Footscray and Richmond for participants of Day Progams who no longer need the individual support of a key worker. This peer-led program will provide an ongoing social network for day program ‘graduates’ who want to maintain their relationships with MI Fellowship Victoria and with each other. For more information contact your key worker.

> Our Barwon Region staff joined 1,500 people who took to the streets of Geelong on Australia Day for the city’s second Walk Against Suicide.

> Our consumer participation consultant Julie Anderson attended the recent National Mental Health Peer Workforce Forum. The conference provided international case studies and evidence on peer positions in the workforce which will be useful in the development of peer programs at MI Fellowship Victoria. The keynote address was given by Larry Fricks on consumer-operated services in the United States.

> An article on the role of volunteering in the mental health sector by our General Manager for Rehabilitation services, Laura Collister, was published in the January issue of the journal New Paradigm.

thank you to our supporters

‘Veronica’s story’ The Age, 23 November 2010

autumn 2011

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newsmivoice