CoMHWA
News Update – 3rd September 2014
Promoting, Supporting and Coordinating Consumer Voice
Ph: (08) 9321 4994 Fax: (08) 9226 3893 Post: PO Box 1078 West Perth WA 6872
Email: admin@comhwa.org.au Office: 13 Plaistowe Mews West Perth (City West complex)
CoMHWA News and Events
RECOVERY IN HAND: COMMUNITIES OF RECOVERY WORKSHOP *** LAST CHANCE
Date: Wednesday 10th September
Time: 1pm – 4pm
Venue: The Rise, Function Suite, 28 Eighth Avenue, Maylands
Come and learn about Recovery Rocks Community and network and connect with others in their recovery.
RSVP: To Hope at CoMHWA on 9321 4994 or email admin@comhwa.org.au
MENTAL HEALTH CONSUMER REPRESENTATIVE TRAINING*** LAST CHANCE
CoMHWA is offering Consumer Representative Training for new and upcoming representatives,
experienced representatives and service professionals to develop awareness and skills for effective
consumer participation in mental health services.
Day 1: Introductory Training (for new and upcoming representatives)
Monday 8th September, 9.30 am -4.30pm
Lorikeet Centre, 104 Cambridge Street, West Leederville
Cost: Free
Day 2: Advanced Training (for representatives with significant experience)
Tuesday 9th September, 9am - 4.00 pm
Outcare Training Room, 27 Moore Street, East Perth
Cost: Free
Leading Consumer Engagement: For Managers, policy makers and mental health service professionals to
work in partnership to develop and lead consumer engagement.
Learn about and respond to the distinctive challenges of leading consumer engagement in organisations,
and how to plan and evaluate engagement in organisations.
Thursday 11th September, 9am - 12.00pm
Outcare Training Room, 27 Moore Street, East Perth
Cost: $55.00
Working with Consumer Representatives: For Managers, policy makers and mental health service
professionals to work in partnership to develop and lead consumer engagement. Learn best practice in
participation policies and ways of working effectively with Consumer
Representatives.
Thursday 11th September, 1pm-4pm
Outcare Training Room, 27 Moore Street, East Perth
Cost: $55.00
Contact Hope at CoMHWA for more information or to register, 9321 4994, admin@comhwa.org.au
Consultations
FREE VICTIM SERVICES, SEXUAL ASSAULT AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CONSULTATION
FORUM
WACOSS is convening this forum to bring together people across the health, justice, victim support and
community sectors to have a discussion on advocacy for vulnerable victims of sexual abuse, sexual assault
and domestic violence, as a missing part of the service delivery puzzle.
Date:15 September
Time: 8.30am – 12 Registrations from 8:15am
Where: City West Lotteries House 2 Delhi St, West Perth
Cost: Free
Further information:
Helen Creed, Policy Manager (Vulnerable People) WACOSS, (08) 94207222, helen@wacoss.org.au
Registration inquiries: WACOSS Reception, (08) 9420 7222 or info@wacoss.org.au
Of Interest
THEMHS CONFERENCE – CONNECTING LIVED EXPERIENCE
TheMHS Conference hit Perth last week with the theme What We Share Makes Us Strong. WA’s local
organisers did not disappoint, with theMHS 2014 again providing a popular and inspiring space for people
to raise awareness of consumer and family perspectives and their lived experience leadership activities
across Australia. CoMHWA staff had the pleasure and privilege of attending presentations from 9 WA
consumer leaders, in addition to leaders from other states and territories.
On Monday, CoMHWA contributed a 10 minute advocacy paper on consumer rights as part of Richmond
Fellowship’s Shared Decision-Making in Medication event, which featured conference key notes Melody
Riefer and Ken Thompson and local lived experience and clinician presenters.
CoMHWA’s presentation Beyond Dialogue: Theatre of the Oppressed as a Flexible Recovery Methodology,
was well attended and connections have been forged with other Theatre of the Oppressed workshop
facilitators and others keen to work with us to provide more transformative theatre opportunities, so
watch this space.
The theme of the Consumer Forum on the pre-conference day was “Our Journey, Our Way” and created
an inviting and inspiring conversations among presenters and participants to present and discuss key
advocacy ideas. The Consumer Forum attracted 162 people. Topics included crafting lived experience
stories (Lyn Mahboub and Louise Howe), mental health issues and stigma in GLBTIQ communities (Regan
Smith), shared decision-making (Melody Riefer), and consumer movement strategies (Mary O’Hagan).
Ajahn Brahm, Abbot of Bodhinyana Monastery, blended humour and wisdom on happiness. The Consumer
Forum was a successful and well organised day thanks to the TheMHS Consumer Day Working Group and
also key efforts of Carli Gettingby, Leela James and Hope Resta providing CoMHWA lead support to the
Working Group.
CoMHWA will put up some resources and photos from the conference on our website soon but if you
would like further information on any of these presentations in the meantime, give Leela a call on (08)
9321 4994.
PERTH READY FOR PEER ZONE – 16 PEER SUPPORT WORKERS TRAINED
Peer Zone is a program of recovery and wellbeing workshops in mental health and addiction delivered by
peers to peers. Peer Zone workshops are free to participate in, and offer a new peer recovery, group
education approach for Western Australia.
The Mental Health Commission of Western Australia sponsored Peer Support Workers to complete the
training, including a 12 month licence to deliver free training to consumers.
From 12th to 22nd August Peer Workers received training by New Zealand consumer leaders Mary O’Hagan
and Sara McCook-Wier in how to deliver Peer Zone workshops. Sixteen Peer Workers were trained in how
to deliver Peer Zone. Peer Workers trained came from a range of organisations, including Consumers of
Mental Health WA (Rhianwen Beresford), Mental Illness Fellowship of WA, Richmond Fellowship of WA,
Uniting Care West, Even Keel, Hearing Voices Network WA, June O’ Connor Mandurah, Community First,
Ruah Community, Rise Network, Recovery Rocks, PaRK Mental Health Services, Arafmi (PhaMs).
You can view and contact WA’s new Peer Zone facilitators for further enquiries about Peer Zone at
http://www.peerzone.info/facilitators#australia
The Peer Zone website also has many downloadable, free recovery resources and a great overview of
the Peer Zone program, visit at http://www.peerzone.info
COMPUTER CLASSES FOR SENIORS
Update your computer skills by attending one of our excellent computer classes at Perth City Library,
the classes cover:
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Basic computer skills
Introduction to the Internet
Introduction to the email
Social networking – Facebook and Twitter
Ancestry.com
Details on our computer classes are available on the website: http://www.perth.wa.gov.au/livingcommunity/perth-city-library/perthcitylibrary Bookings are essential.
OLDER ADULT MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES LAUNCHED
On the 2nd September, Mental Health Minister Helen Morton opened the new premises of the
Joondalup Older Mental Health Service and launched Australia’s first dedicated Older Adult Mental
Health Hospital In The Home (HITH) service. To read the full article follow the link:
http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/StatementDetails.aspx?listName=MinisterialStatement
sBarnett&StatId=366
Events
“BRITISH INDIA” ROCK GROUP FOR MENTAL HEALTH WEEK LAUNCH
WA Association for Mental Health Australian has signed indie rock group British India to play at this year’s
Mental Health Week launch on 5 October (3pm-7pm) at Scarborough Beach Amphitheatre, The Esplanade,
Scarborough. The event, including the official opening by Minister for Mental Health Helen Morton and
Mental Health Commissioner Tim Marney, is free.
HEARING VOICES GROUP MISSION AUSTRALIA
The Group will:
• Provide a safe space to share experiences
· Look at ways to make sense of hearing voices
· Discuss different ways of coping with voices and distress
· Encourage peer support and social connections
Where: Mission Australia, 34 Hasler Rd, Osborne Park
When: Every Tuesday 6-8pm (Commencing Tuesday July 1st)
For details and to register please contact:
Maggie : 0467 760 341, Elise : 0427 023 928, Amanda: 0477 726 950 Eilis: 0477 725 420
TEA & COFFEE PROVIDED
SHE RIDES – FOR FITNESS. TO MAKE FRIENDS. FOR FREEDOM!
Are you a rider that has a female friend, partner or family member who would love to get into riding but
lacks confidence, fitness or riding buddies? This maybe the program for them. Cycling Australia’s She Rides
spring program is an introductory riding program focused on fitness, skills development and creating a
social riding community of women. See the link below for more information and the registration link to
the She Rides spring program. www.Sherides.com.au
RICHMOND FELLOWSHIP WORKSHOPS
Part 1: Making Real Connection (9:00am to 12:30pm)
Part 2: Who Am I To Help You? (1:00pm to 4:30pm).
These workshops are for health professionals, carers, people who use Mental Health Services and
Interested Family Members and Friends. 32 Burton St, Cannington. Cost $55.00 each or $110.00 combined.
Editor’s note: CoMHWA now has an agreement with Richmond Fellowship which means we can now offer
consumers complimentary places to selected training sessions. If you see a training you would like to
attend, please contact CoMHWA and we will do our best to secure you a place * very limited places
available*
PEER SUPPORT WORKFORCE GET TOGETHER
The past few gatherings have been fantastic with the numbers growing and lots of new friendly faces.
Our next dinner is on Wednesday 10th September and will be held at Siena's in Leederville from 6:30 pm
onwards. You will find information about the venue by the following link: http://sienas.com.au
This comes after The Mental Health Services Conference week, so there should be some great information
passed around along with various topics for discussion.
Please remember, that you do not have to be working in the Peer Workforce, so if you know of any
supporters, people interested in knowing more about this great service, or those that would just like to
check us out, it will be fantastic if you were to spread the word.
Note: RSVP date - 5th September to info.wapsp@gmail.com
OUT OF THE SHADOWS AND INTO THE LIGHT WA
Date: Saturday 6th September
Time: 5.30am
Venue: Kings Park, Perth CBD
Cost: Free
Contact: nataliebird@lifelinewa.org.au
Details: Breakfast will be available at the Botanical Café following the walk
Join Lifeline WA Saturday 6th September, 2014 for World Suicide Prevention Day as we walk Out of the
Shadows and into the Light. Suicide is the leading cause of death for Australians under the age of 44.
Lifeline WA believes that most suicides are preventable and we all have a role to play.
Show your support to preventing suicide and remember those lost to suicide by joining us on our walk. By
taking part you will be making a difference to people’s lives by raising awareness of suicide prevention.
MINDFULNESS PRACTICE LEADS TO MENTAL HEALTH
Mindfulness has become a popular topic in mental health as well as in the community in general.
Presented by Ian Sweetman, Clinical Psychology Coordinator at Fremantle Mental Health Service, this talk
introduces the practice of mindfulness, explores some of its origins and raises some of its advantages and
disadvantages.
Date: Wednesday 17 September 2014
Time: 12.00pm to 1.30pm
Cost: FREE. All are warmly invited to attend.
Please book your place by emailing MHSLUSeminars@health.wa.gov.au. Other enquiries to MHSLU
Reception on 6466 7828
NUTRITION AND MENTAL HEALTH: A REVIEW OF THE EVIDENCE
Charlene Shoneye is an Accredited Practising Dietician with a special interest in the prevention and
management of obesity in vulnerable groups and will be presenting on the relationship between nutrition,
mental health and obesity. Charlene is in the Health Promotion team which is part of the South
Metropolitan Population Health Unit.
Date: Wednesday 22 October 2014
Time: 12.00pm to 1.30pm
Cost: FREE All are warmly invited to attend.
Please book your place by emailing MHSLUSeminars@health.wa.gov.au. Other enquiries to Rachel Grice on
6466 7828
SHARON EGAN’S EXHIBITION AT DADAA FREIGHT GALLERY
An exhibition of works by Sandra Egan and Sharyn Egan
Opening 6PM on Friday 5th September, continuing 5th to the 15th September
Opening Hours: Monday – Friday 10AM – 4PM
Venue: Freight Gallery, 21 Beach Street (Oppisite East St Jetty), Fremantle
Phone: 94306616
LAUNCH OF THE MENTAL HEALTH NETWORK
The WA Department of Health in partnership with the Mental Health Commission would like to announce
the official launch of the Mental Health Network and invite you to participate in this
Time and Date: 9.00am to 4.30pm (registrations from 8.30am), Monday 6 October 2014
Venue: Pan Pacific Hotel, 207 Adelaide Terrace, Perth
The Mental Health Network will provide the structure for people to come together to help connect, share
and improve on the mental health outcomes for Western Australians.
The day will comprise of presentations from invited dignitaries including the Minister for Mental Health,
Acting Director General for Health and Mental Health Commissioner.
In addition to launching the Mental Health Network, the day will comprise of a series of workshops which
will help determine the priorities for the Network.
Rural and remote participants will be able to view the morning’s event via web-streaming. A concurrent
afternoon workshop specifically addressing rural and remote issues will be held at WA Health on 189 Royal
Street, East Perth. Videoconferencing is available.
To register for the events and view the preliminary programs please visit the Mental Health Network event
registration page.
Registrations close Thursday 18 September 2014. For information about this event or how to get involved
in the Network, please email: healthpolicy@health.wa.gov.au or phone (08) 9222 0200.
“WORKING WITH MIGRANT WOMEN & FAMILIES” STUDY DAY
Transcultural Mental Health Service—Royal Perth Hospital, Humanitarian Entrant Health Service
In partnership with Ishar Multicultural Women’s Health Centre Invites you to a
“WORKING WITH MIGRANT WOMEN & FAMILIES” STUDY DAY
Guest Speakers: Maria Hach -Multicultural Centre for Women’s Health—Melbourne
“Beyond Cultural Competency to Cultural Humility”
Karen Seymour— An Integrated Approach to the Evaluation of Refugee Children
Senior School Psychologist/IEC Psychologist/Co-ordinator Dept. of Education
Dr. Christine Reid– Effective clinical practice in CaLD women's health
Shani Mulheron – Senior Teacher, School of Special Educational Needs:
“Educational, developmental and psychological outcomes of resettled refugee children in Western
Australia: a review through the Refugee Health Clinic”
Dr Raewyn Mutch and Sue Hudd – “Enforced Child Marriage”
Date: 24th September, 2014
Time: 8.30am—3.30pm
Venue: Multicultural Centre, Herb Graham Recreation Centre, Chesterfield Road, Mirrabooka.
PLACES ARE LIMITED and RSVP ESSENTIAL TO ENSURE A PLACE.
R.S.V.P. 10/09/2014 To: lesley@ishar.org.au
There is no cost associated with the event. Please inform us of any dietary requirements with your RSVP as
morning tea and lunch will be served.
MAKING CONNECTIONS TO ADDRESS ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUG USE IN CALD
COMMUNITIES
The Drug and Alcohol Office and the Office of Multicultural Interests, The City of Stirling and the North
Metropolitan Public Health Unit invite you to: Making connections to address alcohol and other drug use in
CaLD communities
Who is it for: Service providers, CaLD community leaders and others seeking to learn more on this topic.
Date: Wednesday 10 September 2014
Time: 9.30am – 4.00pm (Registration from 9.30–9.45am)
Venue: Mirrabooka Multicultural Centre Herb Graham Recreation Centre, 38 Ashbury Crescent,
Mirrabooka
This is a free workshop and numbers are limited.
This interactive workshop will empower and skill community sector service providers working with
culturally and linguistically diverse groups through an in-depth dialogue on the important issues of alcohol
and other drugs. The program includes: • an overview of alcohol and other drug issues • training
opportunities for service providers and community leaders • community responses to alcohol and other
drug issues • a project presentation from a CaLD community group.
Morning and afternoon tea and a light lunch will be provided. For further information please contact:
Heather Jacobson, Drug and Alcohol Office heather.jacobson@health.wa.gov.au or Ximena San MartinValdes, Office of Multicultural Interests on 6552 1607.
For registration please contact Asta Flugge, North Metropolitan Health Service
asta.flugge@health.wa.gov.au
FORUM FOR WOMEN WITH DISABILITIES
Reproduced from EDAC September News Bulletin
As a woman with lived experience of disability herself Kerrie Duff (You can view Kerrie Duff’s profile at
http://www.confident-woman.com.au/confident-woman/2013/2/5/kerrie-duff-self-confidence-strivingand-not-yielding.html) will flesh out key UN conventions as she discusses how they can support women with
disabilities to live with dignity. This involves being treated fairly without discrimination, included in activities,
accepted just as you are; having equal opportunity to reach your dreams and access public places; with your
abilities respected so you can strive towards your potential. Kerrie has a Master in Human Rights from Curtin
University and a passion for disability, gender and indigenous issues; and has her own consultancy
Date: Sunday 28th September 2014.
Time: 2-4 pm.
Venue: Subiaco Arts Centre, 180 Hamersley Road, Subiaco.
RSVP to Rayna on 9244 7463 or email rayna@wwdwa.org.au by 26 September, 2014.
STAND UP! FOR COMEDY PROUDLY SUPPORTING BEYONDBLUE
Presented by: Perth Theatre Trust, His Majesty's Theatre & Comedy Lounge
For one night only, Stand up! with His Majesty’s Theatre and Comedy Lounge and join forces with leading
Aussie charity beyondblue and the best of WA’s comic talent to fight back against Depression and Anxiety
the best way we know how – with a bumper line up of stand up comedy!
Where would we be without entertainers like Robin Williams, who brought us so much joy, while suffering
so much pain? After so many years of laughter, we owe it them to bring our support and understanding to
the cause. Throw in a few beers with mates and a spot of tapas in Barre Lounge Café and you have the
perfect way to pay tribute to fallen heroes and support this important charity. Stand up against Depression
and Anxiety. Stand up for your Family and Friends. Stand up for your Heroes. Stand up! for comedy.
Read more at
http://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=STANDUPF14&v=HMW#QQ8WZdhXmXsRxD2d.9 9
BEST INTERESTS DECISION-MAKING WORKSHOP
Sometimes when times become overwhelming, support with decision-making can be helpful. If someone is
empowered by law to make a decision on your behalf, they are required to make decisions that are in your
best interests. But do they?
This workshop presented by Kate Fulton from the Centre for Welfare Reform looks at best practice
techniques and tools to support more decision-makers to act from the best interests of the people being
supported.
If supported decision-making and progressive approaches to shared decision-making are of interest to you,
you may be interested in attending this workshop. See attached flyer.
Organiser: WA’s Individualised Services
Cost: $20.00 for people with disabilities and/or lived experience, carers and family members (includes lunch
and morning tea)
Date: Tuesday 7th October 2014
Time: 9.30am-3.00pm
Venue: Wollaston Conference Centre, 5 Wollaston Road, Mt Claremont
Who Can Attend: Open to all who are interested to learn about best interest decision-making.
FIFO EXPO: FOR FIFO WORKERS AND PARTNERS
12th
Date:
Sept 2014
Time: 9.30AM – 2.30PM
Venue: HBF Arena, Kennedya Drive, Joondalup
Free Creche available. For more information and to register follow the link:
https://mm190.infusionsoft.com/app/page/fifo_expo
Consumer Workforce Opportunities
LIVED EXPERIENCE ADVISORY GROUP (LEAG)
As you may be aware, the Mental Health Commission have established a Lived Experience Advisory Group
(LEAG) to ensure that consumer, carer and family perspectives are included in the implementation of the
Mental Health Bill 2013 (the Bill). The Bill’s main focus is on processes relating to involuntary detention
and treatment.
The Mental Health Commission is inviting Expressions of Interest to expand its membership of LEAG in
order to continue to contribute to the working involved in implementing the Bill. A pool of successful
applicants will be formed and advisors (either consumer or carer/family) will be drawn from that pool as
required. LEAG currently has a number of carer/family advisor positions available, however applications
are welcome from both consumer and carer/family advisors.
Please see further information, including the selection criteria and application process, on the
Commission’s website at:
http://www.mentalhealth.wa.gov.au/mentalhealth_changes/mh_legislation/Getting_involved.aspx
2X CONSUMER ADVISORY GROUP MEMBERS
Are you passionate about how consumers can use their lived experience to enhance the service
experience at Royal Perth Hospital mental health service?
Expressions of Interest - Royal Perth Hospital is now recruiting for 2x Consumer Advisory Group
members.
(Paid opportunity)
Royal Perth Hospital, Consumer Advisory Group is advertising for 2x Consumer Advisory Group members.
These paid positions will involve sharing your consumer perspectives by providing advice to uphold
consumer rights to a positive, safe, quality and recovery-focused experience within Royal Perth Mental
Health Hospital.
How do I apply?
If you are interested in applying for membership at RPH CAG, then please submit a letter or email outlining
the reasons you would like to join and list any relevant skills or experience you will bring to the group.
Please email your letter to Harriet.Byenkya@health.wa.gov.au. Harriet will then forward your letter or
email and respond inviting you to attend the next CAG meeting.
Please note: In order to make our contribution to the environment, postal members receive essential
attachments only. If you are a postal member and would like to receive a full attachment to a specific
newsletter item, please contact Hope on (08) 9321 4994.