Mental Illness Fellowship NQ Inc. | FREE CALL: 1800 455 455 SEPTEMBER 2009

Update from the CEO

Hope is a word we all use a lot. We use it regularly to reflect simple everyday things: for good weather; to win the lottery; that the Cowboys make the finals (one of the few areas where hope may not apply) and for more important things in our lives and communities. We hope for peace not war and that our children live happy and fulfilling lives. For those recovering from mental illness, it motivates, supports and allows people to see that a better future does lay ahead.

A recent Australian Story highlighted the ‘Hope’ being generated by a new trial at the Schizophrenia Research Institute in Sydney. It is also a moving story of the personal experiences of Professor Cyndi Shannon Weickert who once dreamed of being a famous chef until her twin brother Scott Shannon was diagnosed with schizophrenia in his teens.

After witnessing the devastating symptoms of delusions and hallucinations first-hand in the person she loved the most, Cyndi Shannon Weickert embarked on a life mission to find a cure. As a result of Professor Cyndi Shannon Weickert’s discovery that a hormone receptor in the brain doesn’t work in the normal way for people with schizophrenia, researchers are commencing a trial using the hormone modulator, raloxifene.

Continued on page 2

Contents

Update from the CEO 1

A Life of Caring 2

Drowned 3

Lounging Around 3

The Caring Role 4

SAW 2009 5

Award Winners 6

Photo Gallery 7

Cairns Office Donation 8

When I No Longer CanCare Forum 8

Mental Health Week 2009 9

MIFNQ Carers’ Hub Centre 11

Connecting to You andthe community 11

Membership Form 12

Contact Details 12

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Update from the CEO cont’dShe explains that, "We now know that this brain receptor doesn't work in the normal way for people with schizophrenia. With this drug trial we can begin to stimulate it and try and get the neuro-developmental program back on track. For some patients we could see improvements in language and memory,"I highly recommend that if you haven’t seenthe program you do so. Personally I found it both moving and inspirational. The personal tragedy of Cyndi provided inspiration to use her talents to engender hope for others that further progress will be made to prevent or diminish the burden that mental illness, in particular schizophrenia can have. To me this Australian Story defines what ‘hope’ is.

I’d like to her your views on hope and this Australian Story. Please let me know what you think.

To view the program go to: http://www.abc.net.au/austory/specials/allinyourmind

And for more information on the Schizophrenia Research Institute go to:http://www.schizophreniaresearch.org.au

Andy FroggattCEO

A Life of Caring

Adrianne Hicks has been a tireless advocate for people who live with mental illness and their carers. Through her work with the media, she has raised awareness for mental health issues.

Adrianne’s mother lived with bipolar disorder all her married life and Adrianne now cares for her son who lives with schizophrenia so she has been a carer of a person with a mental illness for most of her life.

At the inaugural Queensland Mental Health Week Achievement Awards last

year, she was recognized for her contribution to the Mental Health Service on behalf of all Queensland’s mental health carers.

For those of you who don’t know Adrianne, she is a Social Worker who is our Well Ways Project Officer in Cairns. This program educates and offers social and emotional support for those who care for people living with a mental illness.

One-to-one counseling and support at no cost to the carer or family member is also offered.

If you are interested in learning more about the program, contact the following people:

Program ManagerGlenda Blackwell, Townsville 4725 3664

Project OfficersAdrianne Hicks, Cairns 4041 2543Sandi Winner, Mackay 4951 2973

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DROWNEDby

Ron Yennora

Clouds on the sky were moving slowly. Full Moon. He believed that there used to be water on Moon. At least during Atlantis war.

Towards the end new weapon had stopped the Moon rotation. In desperation they fired their water on Earth and Atlantis went underwater. Nothing much, but a few meters under surface had been enough to render life impossible in affected areas.

The war was over. Maybe, on the other side of the Moon, some of the inhabitants are still surviving. One would understand that they are frightened as they believe that superpower could destroy them. But they want revenge. Probes containing laboratory made matter could be fired towards Earth, now and then.

Is the war really over?

Lounging Around

Two new cane and upholstery lounges now grace the entrance to MIFNQ’s Day to Day Living and Rehabilitation Services. This welcome addition has turned a cluttered and wasted space into an attractive and inviting place for socializing and relaxation for the participants. The fresh new look gives the old premises a much-needed boost to the drab image of the waiting area. We have had lots of positive feedback about this most welcome addition from everybody who has comethrough the door.

Through the generosity of the Soroptimists International Townsville we now have a warm and inviting new lounge area that has made the entrance so much more organized and appealing.On Wednesday 29th July, the Fellowship held a special morning tea to formally thank Soroptimist Townsville with staff and D2DK program participants joining in.

Above: (name), Sandra Hubert (Soroptimist member and MIFNQ Committee member, (name), Andy Froggatt (MIFNQ CEO), (name), (name) and Lauren Gartrell (MIFNQ D2DL Project Coordinator.

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The Caring RolePresented by Glenda Blackwell, Well Ways Program Manager

The task of caring for a loved one with any illness can be worrying and daunting and it is no different when a child, partner, or sibling has a mental illness. It doesn’t start with the diagnosis; the symptoms and associated behaviours may have been occurring for some time. Families and relationships may be disrupted as they come to terms with what is happening.

It can seem that no-one understands what the family is going through and carers may become socially and emotionally isolated. They are sometimes given little information about the illness their loved one is suffering with. They often think they are the only ones going through this.

By attending a programme such as Well Ways families find out there are others just like them, with similar worries, concerns, frustrations and questions. They are able to share their feelings and to have the support and understanding of the group as well as the facilitator, who is also a carer. They learn about their loved one’s illness and how to cope in more effective ways. Also, importantly, they learn to care for themselves. And counselling is available through out to help and support them.

Some Tips: Keep healthy: maintaining health is a good

way to withstand stress.

Exercise: Go for a walk, do some gardening, dancing, yoga.

Relaxation: Listen to some pleasant music, read a book, enjoy a stress free activity.

Eat well: Well balanced meals helps to maintain energy levels and stay healthy

Support: Have someone to talk to about what you are experiencing without judgement. Develop friendships / talk to a counsellor.

Plan ahead: have a daily routine and some structure in the day. Plan ahead for extra

activities but stay flexible. Include the person being cared for in the planning process.

Have an emergency action plan. Have a written agreement with your loved one (Wellness Recovery Plan). Make a list of important phone numbers eg. GP, case manager, psychiatrist, CATT team, hospital. Have a list of medications the person is taking at present. Arrange for an alternative person if you are not available.

Check for any financial assistance that may be available – Centrelink

Attend a programme such as Well Ways

Learn to forgive yourself and others

Take time for yourself. Keep your dreams alive. Don’t lose sight of what you want out of life, it’s not worth the risk.

Some things NOT to do: Don’t think you can cure the person with the

illness – you can’t.

Try not to argue with your loved one when they are not being rational

Don’t take it on personally if you are blamed for the mental illness.

Don’t turn to drugs or alcohol to help you cope

Try not to condemn, judge or criticise –remember that mental illness IS an illness.

Don’t make your family member’s illness your whole focus in life.

Don’t expect things to get better overnight –it will take time and there will be ups and downs.

Don’t get caught up in self pity

Moving forward is a challenge: one you can face with learning and support: You are not alone

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The theme this year was “Social Inclusion and MIFNQ celebrated Schizophrenia Awareness Week with a number of functions which included an Open Public Forum, a Business Breakfast and capped off the week with the annual Rotary/MIFNQ BBQ.

The Public Forum was hugely successful –over 50 people attended, many with a mental illness, carers, professionals and businesses.

We were fortunate to secure the services of Prof David Morris as our International Guest Speaker to speak at both the PublicForum and Business Breakfast.

David Morris is Professor of Mental Health, Inclusion and Community at the International School for Communities, Rights and Inclusion, University of Central Lancashire, where from April 2009 he also to become Director of the Inclusion Institute, a new centre of excellence for learning, evidence, innovation and practice on inclusion and community. He also holds a Visiting Academic Associate post at the Institute of Psychiatry, Kings College, London.

This year’s MIFNQ Daybreak Rotary Sunflower Awards were presented at the inaugural Business Breakfast which was also sold out. Mayor Les Tyrell and a representative of the traditional owners formally welcomed David to Townsville.

It was pleasing to have the majority of the nominees and winners in all categories at the Breakfast. This year nominees in two categories (Employer Award and Media Award) were very close. The judging panel decided that there would be two winners in each category – one winner for Townsville and one for Mackay in both categories – a first.

The Mackay winners were presented with their certificates and plaques at a separate function by MIFNQ Mackay staff.

On Sunday the winners were publicly honoured at the annual BBQ which was held this year at Riverway and coincided with the welcoming of the Rotary bike riders who were taking part in the national bike ride to raise awareness of mental illness.

If anyone is interested in obtaining a copy of David’s presentation on Social Inclusion please contact Deborah Wilson on 4725 3664.

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2009 MIFNQ Daybreak Rotary Sunflower Award Winners

Employer Achievement T’ville Employee AchievementMarilyn Speerstra, Speerstra Interiors Michael Jones, Provet Queensland

Outstanding Reform/Service Coordination RecoveryCare Coordination Program – TIMHS Sue Able

T’ville MediaNorma Johnson, 103.9 Triple T

Winners Not Present:Mackay Employee Achievement Michael Ellem, Mackay Integrated Mental Health ServicesMackay Media Kim Kleidon, ABC Local Radio MackayPresenters (left to right): Peter Daniel & Margaret Daniel (Daybreak Rotary), John Rillie(Patron), Andy Froggatt (CEO)

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Above: Packed house at the inaugural Business Breakfast.

Left: Mayor Les Tyrrell gives his welcoming speech with special guest speaker Prof. David Morris in the foreground.

Right: Andy Froggatt, CEO of MIFNQ addresses the guests.

Below: Celebrating the winners.

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Cairns Office Donation

Michael Jackomos, Regional Manager, Aboriginal Hostels (Cairns) kindly donated to us a large Canon photocopying machine (affectionately known as “the Big Boy”).

This amazingly generous donation has given us the ability to mass produce our flyers to hand to service providers andcarers in-house thereby saving us substantial copying charges.As we attend many expos and promotional days we need the ability to have all of our flyers on hand and able to be produced to whatever size program we are attending.We have found the copier an invaluable tool for our Well Ways Program preparation, we have had 60 participants so far and another 20 for upcoming events, which means lot of coping for all the forms, questionnaires and apparel to help make the well ways program the success that it is. This does not take into the account the other session 9-12 that we roll around all year

When I no Longer Can Care Forum, Cairns RSL The Esplanade, 22nd July 2009

MIFNQ Mental Health Carers Support Hub &Carers Queensland presented this successful forum of 40 odd strong carers, to introduce and enable our carers to start thinking about what they may need to have in place when they are no longer here or are unable to continue their caring role.Barbara Dennis from Carers Queensland, Anne Meehan & Tom Cowen from Cairns Community Legal Centre (SLASS), Peter Alyward & Cheryl from Public Trustee, Peter Ainch from Centrelink and Mark Millard from Queensland Health Mental Health FIRRST Team were all guest speakers at the forum, explaining what their services provided, in respect to our forum. All the Service Providers were there on their own time, which we are grateful for. Robert Troy and Natasha from the Mental Health Branch in Brisbane started the evening off by explaining about the Carer Survey they had handed out to our Carers. Rob was impressed with the attendance of the evening and inspired by the cohesiveness and openness of the service providers, especially the co operation between NGO’s & MH Services.

After a quick Dinner break Adrianne shared her experience in setting up an action plan for if she left us. She also introduced some information she had researched from Jan Dykes. We then broke up into groups of 6 with all of the guest speakers engaging in the work shopping of the 4 questions we had devised. They covered topics from what we were looking for in the person who would take over the carer role, what strategies to put in place now, for an easier transition later, if no one was available, who to seek advice from, what information would you need to share with the person or persons undertaking this role.We then shared what our thoughts, suggestions and ideas were which Narelle is going to collate and send to everyone, who attended. We had time for questions and answers and Adrianne wrapped it up with a very brief summary of what we had covered in the evening. From the feedback so far, we feel it was a successful evening, with our carers feeling empowered with more information and inspired to really start preparing for the future.

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Mental Health Week is an opportunity to celebrate good mental health, it is also an opportunity to bring attention to the challenges of living with a mental illness.

Key Dates:

Mental Health Week happens every year in October. In 2009 it occurs from Sunday 4th October to Saturday 10th October. October 7th is 'Stress Less Day', and October 10th is 'World Mental Health Day'.

2009 Theme:

The theme for Mental Health Week in Queensland is 'Be active, get connected, stay involved’.

Mental health is a state of wellbeing. It’s not just the absence of illness, but also the ability to maintain relationships, cope with stress, contribute to the community and enjoy life. Unfortunately not everybody experiences good mental health all of the time.

Good mental health helps us to more fully enjoy life and the world around us. We respond better to the stresses and challenges of daily life, we are more creative, use our abilities to the fullest and make the most of opportunities when our mental health is good. We can all do things to improve and promote our own mental wellbeing, and that of others by being active, getting connected and staying involved.

Mental Health Week aims to stimulate, educate and engage Queensland around mental health and related issues. In 2009 we are asking Queenslanders to ‘be active, get connected, stay involved’.

Be activeBe active in looking after your mental health - staying healthy means looking after yourself physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. By giving a little attention to these areas each day you can help yourself to stay well and strong. Keep yourself as active as possible, physically, socially and mentally— take a walk, go for a swim, take up a hobby, read a book

Be physically active – being physically active can improve your mental health. Regular physical activity improves psychological wellbeing and can reduce depression and anxiety. People who exercise report feeling less stressed or nervous

Be active in getting help – it is important for us to understand and mange our feelings, and get help if we need it

Be active, get the facts – if you or someone you know is not feeling well get the right information. There is lots of information on available on mental health. Acting early can prevent things getting worse

Be active, break down stigma - whether you have, or have had a mental illness or not stigma can affect you. Considering that one in five people are affected by a mental illness at some stage in their lives, if it hasn’t affected you directly, then it surely has had an impact on someone you know. Take up the challenge

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Get connectedGet connected to your community – connect with a group or go along to community events. Join a club or volunteer. Participate, you'll feel great

Get connected with nature - being in touch with nature makes us feel good. Next time you are feeling like a lift, explore a national park, go bushwalking, camp near the beach

Get connected to yourself – take some time out to do what’s important to you. Do some gardening, meet a friend, take the dog for a walk. Make a list, have plan

Get connected with others – make time for family and friends

Stay involvedStay involved - having a sense of belonging, and having a purpose in life all contribute to happiness and good mental health. Join a club, help out

Stay involved, volunteer - health experts say that doing good deeds adds meaning to our lives and helps our self-esteem – all of which are good for our mental health and feeling content with who we are

Stay involved, commit to treating yourself well – have balance in your life. It's important that you schedule "me time". Taking just one hour, once a week to do something for yourself can do wonders for your wellbeing — and your relationships and career will benefit too. By allowing you do something you enjoy and it also keeps your brain active, set goals

Stay involved with your community – take up a cause, help in a working bee, chat to a neighbor

For further information on

Mental Health Week 2009 visit

http://www.mentalhealth.org.au/

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MIFNQ Carers’ Hub Centre- Cairns

The new MIFNQ Carers’ Hub Centre in Cairns is located at Suite 7, 109a Lake St (our office has moved to Suite 4).

All contact numbers for the Cairns office remain the same.

For further information on the Hubtelephone Suzy Standen, Project Officeron 4041 2543.

Connecting to You and the Community

For far too long our website has not really been a shining light on the world-wide web. We are pleased to announce that we expect our new and improved site to be ready by late October this year. Same old address www.mifnq.org.au.

We can now announce that MIFNQ are officially ‘twittering’. To find out what may be happening, links that may interest you and a few random ramblings from your CEO go to twitter.com and do a search for MIFNQ.

Next newsletter we’ll do a tutorial to show you how for those not too familiar with the world of twitter.

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Mental Illness Fellowship NQ Inc.

TOWNSVILLE (Head Office)159 Kings Rd, Pimlico Q 4812PO Box 979 Hyde Park Q 4812P: (07) 4725 3664F: (07) 4725 3819

CAIRNS – Well Ways & Carers’ HubSuites 7 & 4, 129a Lake St,Cairns Qld 4870PO Box 816N Cairns Qld 4870P: (07) 4041 2543F: (07) 4041 2872

MACKAY – D2DLShop 3, 34 Sydney St, Mackay Q 4740PO Box 729 Mackay Q 4740P: (07) 4951 2955F: (07) 4953 0509

MACKAY – Well WaysShop 1, 34 Sydney St, Mackay Q 4740PO Box 729 Mackay Q 4740P: (074951 2973F: (07) 4953 0509

FREE CALL: 1800 455 455

E: fellowship@mifnq.org.au

W: www.mifnq.org.au

Promoting recovery

through services

in the community

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