Following last year’s successful fashion show M65 FASHION, this year’s third year Styling students from the Whitehouse Institute of Design raised the ante with A[WEAR]. A fashion event aimed to create awareness of the stigma of mental illness.

Held at their Bourke Street city campus on 6 June, more than 350 people enjoyed an edgy runway show using redesigned and restyled donated clothes from the Mission’s Op Shops, amazing dancing and visual projections, a pop-up Op Shop along with bands and DJs. The end result was breathtaking—aside from being a fantastic show, the event raised a staggering $40,000! This included an incredibly, generous donation from the Pratt Foundation of $25,000. Chairwoman Heloise Waislitz sitting in the front row was simply blown away by the show and wanted to acknowledge the hard work the students had put in.

We offer our heartfelt thanks to the students, designers, sponsors and Pratt Foundation for their wonderful generosity.

Prahran Mission Newsletter, Spring 2012, ISSN: 1035 1736

Over 150 people attended the launch of Prahran Mission’s Winter Breakfast Program and Winter Appeal at Prahran Town Hall on 29 May 2012. Keynote speakers were the Minister for Health Hon. David Davis MLC and Chair of the National Mental Health Commission Prof Allan Fels AO. Other guest speakers included Prahran Mission participant Harriet Dance and key Winter Breakfast Program sponsors City of Stonnington’s Mayor Cr John Chandler and the Uniting Church Share Appeal’s Director David Hickey.

Hon. David Davis MLC

Models strike a pose (left, right) and a dancer struts her stuff (centre)

WINTER BREAKFAST LAUNCH 2012

Prof. Allan Fels AO Harriet Dance

LABELS ARE FOR CLOTHES...NOT PEOPLE

Images this page: Liz Reid

CONTENTS

1 Winter Breakfast Launch

A[WEAR] Fashion Event

2 29th Annual Art Exhibition

Volcom Jeans & Creswick Woollen Mills

3 Go Live

From the CEO’s Desk

4 What is Mental Health?

5 Living with a Mental Illness

6 A Supporter’s Story

7 Chaplain’s Corner

Class of 2012

8 Volunteers Wanted

AGM Invitation

Supporter Tours

It is with great pleasure that Prahran Mission presents its 29th Annual Art Exhibition to be held at Chapel off Chapel Art Gallery with special guest speaker, Chris Deutscher from Australia’s leading Art Auction House Deutscher & Hackett. The exhibition is called In The Garden of My Mind. Once again Prahran Mission participants have produced an amazing variety of artworks and we look forward to the opening celebration on 10th October 2012 at 6pm. The Exhibition runs until 28th October at Chapel off Chapel.

By creating art and being imaginative, the participants of various programs including Open House, Second Story and The Stables are able to build self confidence, create social networks and rediscover the joyful side of life. This exhibition validates the importance of creativity in the recovery process from a diagnosis of a mental illness.

In The Garden of My Mind is a chance for all of us to celebrate the great achievements that participants have made throughout the year. The Annual Art Exhibition is held during Mental

Health Week and our aim is to bring communities together and break down the barriers of isolation and stigma. Please come and celebrate this wonderful event with us. RSVP to Anna Briggs on 9692 9500 or email admin@prahranmission.org.au.

distributed on the day and the following weekend to excited participants.

After the jeans had been handed out, the Volcom team provided a lovely BBQ, then sat, chatted and ate with our participants and staff.

On the same day we were also joined by Creswick Woollen Mills who were celebrating the 100th birthday of their Founder the late Paul Ryzowy on 29 June. Creswick Woollen Mills is now the last coloured woollen spinning mill of its kind in Australia and a third generation family run business. One of the late Paul Ryzowy’s champion causes was the Mills’ Annual Blanket Drive. Prahran Mission participants were grateful to be beneficiaries again this year receiving a warm blanket with a couple of pairs of warm jeans.

Prahran Mission has once again partnered with international youth clothing brand Volcom for their “Give Jeans A Chance” campaign. The campaign encourages their customers to donated new and preloved jeans to those in need.

On 29 June the Volcom team, led by pro Skaters Scotty Standley and Jake Duncombe came to Chapel Street to a crowd in excess of 200.

Hundreds of pairs of jeans were

PRAHRAN MISSION 29TH ANNUAL ART EXHIBITION

VOLCOM & CRESWICK WOOLLEN MILLS BRING JOY AND WARMTH

Volcom crew and Prahran Mission staff Many thanks to both Volcom and

Creswick Woollen Mills for their

generous support and warm spirit.

In The Garden of My Mind

by Dawn Boylan

to go. More recently we were delighted to welcome the Minister for Health the Hon. David Davis MLC and Prof. Allan Fels AO to launch our Winter Breakfast Program and Appeal. While our achievements have been great and many, we still have a long way to go. In what has been a difficult financial year, several programs including Voices Vic and the Stables still have not secured ongoing core funding from private, trust or government bodies. We thank you for your support of our work and ask you, dear reader and supporter, to walk with us and join us in the challenges ahead. Won’t you help us by making a donation today? Perhaps it’s time to update your Will, please consider leaving a legacy to continue our vital work.

As we enter into a new financial year and start to compile our Annual Report for 2011-12, I find this time of year is always one of reflection. Looking back over the past 12 months staff, participants and volunteers at Prahran Mission have made many tremendous achievements.

From the replacement of core IT infrastructure which means we can manage our administration more efficiently to the extensive media coverage we have received highlighting our great work both in the community at large and within the sector. More than 300 delegates attended our highly successful and inspirational Voices Vic conference in February. Our employment service agency JobSupply Personnel achieved a 4 star rating. We had another successful and fun Christmas Day serving more than 300 people who would have nowhere else

FROM THE CEO’S DESK

Or you could just simply drop into our Café on Chapel Street and enjoy an expertly served latte from one of our Hospitality trainees. It really will make a difference.

Quinn Pawson Chief Executive Officer

Over a process of many weeks participants learn the art of rehearsing in a group and developing their skills in creativity, performance and musicianship. Most of the participants have had previous musical experience but not an opportunity to perform live. In some cases people have never sang in front of a band before, let alone an audience, so the hard work and courage to follow their dreams is evident. As Tania, a new participant to the group said “If it’s your dream to sing or play music, go for it, don’t hold back from what you can get in life, Go Live is awesome!” The Go Live group perform at the end of each semester at the venue Revolver Upstairs which is supported by the venue and Revolver Drums. Catch Go Live @ Audio Caffeine Wednesday 28th November at Revolver Upstairs 211 Chapel Street, Prahran 5.30pm—8.00pm

The Day Rehab Go Live Music Performance group, recently preformed at Revolver at an event called Audio Caffeine. The night started off with poetry readings from some of the writing group including an enthusiastic audience member, who jumped on stage to share their work. Some of the highlights were a fabulous original song by Joe with impromptu rapping by Caleb, Mauro’s soon to be smash hit and Stezzo’s rendition of Jean Genie which capped off the night. Paul’s dancing would have won the dance competition if we’d had one and Alison’s previously hidden M.C talents will ensure she gets the job next gig! These gigs are the outcome of a tremendous amount of effort by participants turning up each week to rehearse.

GO LIVE GETS ON TRAK TRAK Live Lounge, supporters of Prahran Mission, are sponsoring Go Live’s new recording project. The project will include pre-production sessions to prepare the artists and culminate in a compilation CD aimed at raising awareness of mental health. All songs will be original and reflect the journey of recovering from mental ill health. A massive thank you to our kind friends at TRAK.

GO LIVE

Penny sings some sweet melodies

During a one-year period, anxiety disorders will affect 14% of the population and depression will affect 6%.

Depression is one of the most common conditions in young people and increases during adolescence.

At least one third of young people have had an episode of mental illness by the time they are 25 years old.

Research indicates that people receiving treatment for a mental illness are no more violent or dangerous than the general population. People living with a mental illness are more likely to be victims of violence, especially self-harm.

Anyone can develop a mental illness and no one is immune to mental health problems.

Around 20% of adults are affected by some form of mental disorder every year.

Mental illness itself is not life-threatening. However, up to 15% of people seriously affected by mental illness eventually die by suicide.

Most people with mental illness recover well and are able to lead fulfilling lives in the community – when they receive appropriate ongoing treatment and support. However, only about half of those affected actually receive treatment.

Nearly half (45%) of the population will experience a mental disorder at some stage in their lives.

Almost one in five Australians (20%) will experience a mental illness in a 12-month period.

FACTS AND FIGURES

Mental health is a general term that refers to a group of illnesses, in the same way that heart disease refers to a group of illnesses and disorders affecting the heart. A mental illness is a health problem that significantly affects how a person feels, thinks, behaves, and interacts with other people. It is diagnosed according to standardized criteria. The term mental disorder is also used to refer to these health problems.

In Australia nearly half (45%) of the population will experience a mental disorder at some stage in their lives. Almost one in five Australians (20%) will experience a mental illness in a 12-month period.

The greatest numbers of people with a mental illness are in the 18-24 year age group. 14% of Australian children and adolescents aged 4-17 years have mental health problems.

When something like mental illness, disability or addiction, is stigmatized, the issue will often be avoided because it makes people feel uncomfortable. Some may even mock these things to make them feel less threatening. The silence and lack of understanding about mental illness encourages feelings of shame, and discourages people to seek treatment or even to admit that symptoms they may be experiencing may be related to a mental illness. Images and derogatory language in the media maintain beliefs about mental illness being incurable madness. The media regularly use words such as ‘psycho’ and ‘bonkers’ which shows a total lack of sensitivity to people living with a mental illness. This encourages the public to believe that those with illnesses like schizophrenia in particular are dangerous, and that it’s acceptable to fear and ridicule mental illness. Due to this lack of knowledge and the influence of stereotypes in the media, the general public tend to view those with a mentally illness as unpredictable, responsible for their bizarre beliefs and behaviour, incapable of rational thought, and probably dangerous. When these beliefs filter through society at many levels it is no surprise that those experiencing mentally illness often find themselves socially excluded and isolated.

Prahran Mission provides a

place for people with no

place and we seek to

address the discrimination

and inequality that people

with a mental illness face

everyday.

WHAT IS MENTAL HEALTH?

We are proud to advise that this year’s winner is Stables member Mathew Farrell-Cough.

Mathew has been a member of Prahran Mission’s Stables Art Studios since it began in 2001. His winning entry “Free Dreams” is a colourful and optimistic portrayal of hot air balloons flying upwards in the air. The judge, Humphrey Clegg of the National Gallery of Victoria said the painting “reminds him that anything is possible” and that “it is a striking image thanks to its simplicity”. Happy and honoured to win the competition and $500 prize money, here is Mathew’s acceptance speech: “My journey with mental illness began as a teenager and it took at least a decade of many lows and hospitalizations to become stable. Ironically this led me to The Stables where I have had the opportunity to

Each year the Mental Health Foundation of Australia invites artists across Victoria to create an innovative piece of artwork that

portrays an optimistic and positive image of mental health. The winning artwork is reproduced as a poster to promote Mental Health Week throughout Victoria which occurs from 7 - 13 October 2012. The poster serves as a reminder and educational tool to promote positive mental health, wellbeing and resilience as well as highlighting the issues of mental illness and the ongoing need to de-stigmatise mental health issues.

LIVING WITH A MENTAL ILLNESS: MATTHEW’S A WINNER

mix with other people and to practice my art. This “therapy” and the friends that I have made have given my life meaning and purpose. The painting is symbolic of the ability to have ‘free dreams’. Colourful dreams that are free and not impossible to achieve.” Mathew went on to thank all those involved and further thanked The Stables, Prahran Mission and his family for all their support.

Congratulations Mathew and we

look forward to seeing his poster

during National Mental Health

Week.

Indigo Daya first heard about Prahran Mission in 2000 when she was struggling with depression, psychosis and borderline personality disorder. Formerly a project manager for a large telco, she had given up

hope of ever working again as she was frequently hospitalized or lived reclusively at home On entering the Mission she joined the Second Story art classes as she loved to paint and thought it might be fun. But once she came into the Second Story program Indigo found that this was a place where she could be herself. She felt safe, for the first time...in a long time.

Over the next two years, Prahran Mission helped Indigo to believe that she really could recover and even make a difference. Indigo’s keyworker, Kaz, had a huge impact by asking Indigo what her goals were. Indigo took a while to reply but when she finally answered, she said that she wished she had Kaz’s job. Kaz supported Indigo to volunteer in the art room, and over time Indigo became as a casual art group facilitator. Then when Kaz was promoted Indigo reached her goal and was offered Kaz’s job. In turn Indigo became a keyworker and ran the art program at Second Story for four years. Indigo says “having someone believe in my potential, rather than focusing on my problems, made a huge difference...this is a place where everyone is accepted for who they are, and where anything is possible.”

Since 2009 Indigo has managed the

Voices Vic program. Voices Vic is a

program that was developed to help

people that hear voices to recover.

Most of the team hear voices

themselves. They started off as

volunteers and have worked their way

into paid positions. The program has

helped hundreds of people to better

cope with their voices.

“Having someone believe in

my potential, rather than

focusing on my problems,

made a huge difference.”

Through the incredible efforts of

Indigo, Sandy, Janet and the Voices

Vic team, Prahran Mission has been

invited to host the World Hearing

Voices Congress in Oct/Nov 2013. We

look forward to welcoming the world

to Melbourne. More details to follow

in the next issue of Mission Matters.

LIVING WITH A MENTAL ILLNESS: INDIGO’S JOURNEY

actual dollars to help fund the gigantic expenses of such a big and wonderful organisation. As we live two hours out of Melbourne it was not possible to help out physically. And maybe I would find it too confronting as I find I do protect myself a little these days. But immediately I decided to make Prahran Mission our charity of choice. No more Christmas lists of gifts, inflicting more and more stuff on friends and relatives who did not want or need it. An annual donation to Prahran Mission was a damned easy 'out'. Not a huge donation. Just a practical estimate of what these gifts would have set me back, and what I could afford. The wonderful newsletters arrive regularly in the mail announcing and reporting events and happenings at the Mission ...all so very impressive. Instead of dwelling on the ..."if only Sophie had found them ..." I decided on a better and more long-term approach for the future.

“It is a small seed of hope for

the future of an organisation

which is in the business of

planting small seeds of hope

in people.”

It was time to get my Will re-done as we now only had one daughter left. And it seemed appropriate to include Prahran Mission as a beneficiary. So I went through the Will and changed lots of stuff and added the Mission and specified an amount. I wrote a separate note to go with it to say that if anything happened to me prior to getting this valuable, much-altered document to the Solicitor then this was definitely my current 'wish list'. I am ashamed to say several years slipped by, but the job has now been done and hopefully it will not kick in for another twenty years!

BUT I need to say how important this step was to me. It is a small seed of hope for the future of an organisation which is in the business of planting small seeds of hope in people, and watching them grow. And for that - I thank each and every worker - and send a bit of my heart to each of the challenged 'clients' who use the wonderful life-improving and even life-saving opportunities Prahran Mission offers to everyone! With my love, Sue Grant, Lorne, VIC. Remembering Prahran Mission in your Will Prahran Mission has an established Bequest Program to manage donations that come from Bequests. Over the last decade we have received nearly $2,000,000 in bequests. Funds like these means we can set up new programs like Voices Vic and The Stables which do not receive any government funding. It means we can continue to be innovative and flexible in our approach in caring for people experiencing mental illness. Your legacy can be targeted to benefit a Prahran Mission program of your choice or for general purposes where we can direct the funds to the most needed areas at the time of receipt. Alternatively you can leave money to be invested in our Endowment Fund the Prahran Mission Catalyst Fund which is used for people wishing to pursue education or training opportunities who need financial support to pay their tuition fees, books and equipment (see next page). If you would like to discuss your options, or the wording required for your Will please contact Melissa Carrozza 9692 9500 or email Melissa.Carrozza@prahranmisssion.org.au who will be delighted to assist you. All calls and enquiries are dealt with in the strictest confidence.

Years ago Del Palmer invited me to a gig in aid of the Prahran Mission. It was to be held in her eclectic, amazing and colourful home. Of course I went. A presentation of layered clothing sounded more appropriate to me than it turned out to be - but the guy from Prahran Mission who modestly and calmly described the work this organisation does for those suffering in our community knocked me out! When he mentioned all the different activities available, dirt cheap nourishing meals (not free - how clever!), opportunities to be involved every day of the week - I was hooked. When he explained that they had removed a few planks of their back fence in Chapel Street so the tragic chrome sniffers who climbed it each night to sleep 'safely' on the Mission’s little back verandah would not injure themselves clambering over it ...he got me! The craft classes, art lessons and groups, counselling, $1 meals, work experience in the op shop and restaurant, etc etc - my eyes popped right out! Our beautiful daughter Sophie died in 2003 - finally giving up on the battle to be 'normal'. Mental illness and escalating self medication of horrific types had worn her out, mentally and physically. So she ended her life. We too were worn out from trying to find distractions or interesting helpful things she could be involved in. I knew on that memorable day at Del's that what the Prahran Mission offered just may have helped her fill the long days, use her many skills and creative talents, make some real friends, and offer her some dignity and a way up and out of her sad existence. Just may have. I realised that those who have discovered the Mission and those who work for it are amazingly lucky. But these two streams of folk are nothing without those who donate

A SUPPORTER’S STORY...IN HER OWN WORDS

‘I can’t take care of all these people alone. It is too much for me. If you are going to continue doing this to me, then kill me now. If you care about me, put me to death, and then I won't have any more troubles’ Numbers 11:14-15 Moses leading the people of Israel through the wilderness complained to God that the pastoral responsibility was too much for him. Moses wouldn’t have been the last person to talk like this! In fact any one who works in ministry or human services would have felt like this at one time or another. I do not carry the pastoral load at Prahran Mission on my own. I have been lucky enough to work with a number of skilled and passionate volunteers. Sepa leads the singing at the weekly service at Chapel Street (12.30pm Thursday the Cooper Room) and also at Scottsdale. She has a passion for music and for small group ministry.

Vincent has years of experience in pastoral ministry in the Roman Catholic Church. He visits and listens wisely to clients on the aged care program who want to chat. Jenny has a background as a mental health practitioner and in interfaith spirituality. She is undertaking a chaplaincy placement at the Mission sharing her time between Open House and The Stables. It is great to have her around! For many years Ruth has given her time to the weekly meetings of the Faith Community. These are very different people, each with their own area of expertise and their own ministry. Or rather did have. Sadly Vincent recently gave up his volunteer work with the Mission to take up full time work providing grief and loss outreach programs for Le Pine and WD Rose funeral directors.

I can’t be everywhere and do everything. It would drive me mad! The Faith Community and the wider Mission community are grateful for the skills and passion of these volunteers and the contribution they make to pastoral care at the Mission. Blessings, Ian The weekly Community of Faith Service is held Thursdays 12.30pm - 1.30pm, Prahran Mission 211 Chapel Street, by Rev Ian Savage All are welcome to attend. If you are interested in volunteering with Ian, Sepa, Jenny or Ruth then please contact our Volunteer Coordinator Christopher Vogt on 9692 9500.

CHAPLAIN’S CORNER: IT’S TOO MUCH FOR ME!

helps participants make informed

decisions about employment and

further training with an opportunity

to gain work experience whilst on the

course.

Recently 12 trainees graduated from

our Retail Program. The graduation

ceremony was held on 26 June

where Prahran Mission Chairman,

Daryl Hawkey presented the

graduates with the nationally

accredited Certificate II Retail. The

retail traineeship they undertook

offered participants the chance to

learn both on and off the job and to

earn a wage. Some of our new

graduates are continuing on in paid

work at the Chapel Street Op Shop,

and two have already been

promoted to shift supervisors.

Congratulations to them all.

Employment is a significant part of

recovery for many people living with

a mental illness. Yet in Australia 80%

of people with a diagnosis of mental

health problems are unemployed. In

like OECD equivalent populations

unemployment is at 45 percent. This

is a critical issue that Prahran Mission

is activity addressing through our

Employment Services (JobSupply

Personnel), Social Firms (Op Shops,

Café and The Mission Caters) and

Training programs.

Over the last 12 months 77 people

have participated in short courses in

computers, English as a Second

Language, industry snapshots, fitness

for employment and smart spending.

More courses are planned for the

rest of the year, including in

hospitality and a new foundation

pathway program. This program

CLASS OF 2012

Class of 2012—our newly qualified retail graduates with family and friends.

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

The Mission Store Opportunity Shops 211 Chapel Street Prahran 3181 119—123 Lonsdale Street Dandenong 3175

Editor: Erica Myers-Davis Design & Layout: Ashleigh Falconer

SEE US IN ACTION Thursday 6 September 11.00-12.30pm

Thursday 4 October 11.00am – 12.30pm Thursday 1 November 11.00am – 12.30pm

Tuesday 13 November 6pm-7.30pm

Supporter Tours at 211 Chapel Street, Prahran

(includes refreshments)

TOURS are open to all. Please contact us on 9692 9500 to join 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).

Annual General Meeting Prahran Mission

INVITATION TO ATTEND

27th November 2011

VENUE

East Wing, 4th Floor 211 Chapel Street, Prahran

TIME

4pm—5pm

Refreshments provided

Please RSVP Anna Briggs on 9692 9500 or email your acceptance to

admin@prahranmission.org.au

We are looking for volunteers to help in the lead up to Christmas and over the New Year holidays. Activities include: Christmas gift wrapping at Pran Central Christmas Toy Service Christmas Eve set up for the Christmas Day Lunch Christmas Day Lunch Making Christmas hampers and baked goods Working in programs such as the Op Shop, Hartley’s

and Emergency Relief Program over the holidays If you have some free time then please contact Christopher Vogt on 9692 9500 or visit www.prahranmission.org.au for more information.

VOLUNTEERS WANTED

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