mi voice winter 2005

INSIDEFEATURES

Mind over matter – a personal perspective 7 Work matters 8 Opening doors at Rossdale 10

NEWS Letters to Editor 2 Women In Black 4 Borneo – MI Challenge of a lifetime 5 Thinking aloud 11

MIVoice

for people with a mental illness, their families and friends

Winter 2005 No. 98Registered with the Department of Human Services

Print Post Approved 350190/00023 ISSN 0816 7877

Work Matters

MIVoice Winter2005.indd 1 17/6/05 1:48:43 PM

From the PresidentResearch indicates that after medicines, employment has the biggest impact on rehabilitation of people with a mental illness. Work matters for people with a mental illness was the focus for the 2005 Schizophrenia Awareness Week in May, when we welcomed a world leader in the area, Professor Gary Bond from the United States. As you will see in our ‘Work Matters’ feature article on page eight, Gary’s message gave us all food for thought. Our Bruce Woodcock Memorial Lecture was again a great success with 3AW’s Neil Mitchell providing an insightful and engaging introduction to Professor Bond’s lecture. We again give special thanks to Mr Frank Woodcock who made the lecture possible, Eli Lilly for sponsoring Gary’s trip, 3AW, Federation Square and our terrific speakers.

There has been a great deal of change at Mental Illness Fellowship Victoria since we adopted our new name four years ago. The Board is considering changes to the constitution that may be recommended at the AGM. Areas that are being considered are:

• ways in which we can strengthen the focus on employment of people with a mental illness within the Objects and Purposes section of the constitution;

• to review the terms of appointments of directors to the Board to ensure renewal can be achieved, whilst ensuring corporate knowledge is retained, skills developed and appropriate succession planning occurs;

• to have greater flexibility to set up by-laws and board committees, and to establish other organisational entities, such as a foundation, and;

• to ensure our Accounts comply with changes to the tax law that require the capacity to establish a Gift Fund.

Whilst considering these possible amendments, Middletons, a law firm who work for us pro bono, have also suggested that other elements of the Constitution are tidied up.

You have an opportunity to further explore these issues and make your comments and suggestions at an open meeting at 7.30 pm on Monday 25 July. Following this meeting, the Board will reflect on the members comments and if there is a consensus, develop a more in-depth proposal that will be discussed at a meeting at 6 pm on Wednesday 24 August. Both meetings will be at Fairfield Place. I encourage you to attend these meetings in order to have your say on these issues. Please make your reservation by calling Bernie on 03 8486 4200. If there is broad agreement from these meetings the amendments will be put to a vote by members as Special Business at the AGM on Friday 21 October 2005. I will update you on these developments in the next MI Voice, which will be with you before the AGM.

Over the past year MI Fellowship has run five membership driven advocacy campaigns to raise awareness and understanding of some of the key issues facing people with a mental illness. Our members have embraced it with enthusiasm and energy, and have let us know that, in the words of one young woman, “this is what MI Fellowship should be about – making people feel that they have a voice to make a difference”.

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And the great news is, our voices have indeed been heard. In July our advocacy directly led to the first injectible anti-psychotic medication being placed on the PBS. In the PBS board’s own words this was due to ‘overwhelming public support’. MI Fellowship was the only organisation advocating on this issue. More recently our members and supporters have put hundreds of submissions forward to both the Cornelia Rau Inquiry and the Senate Inquiry into mental health. Thank you to all who joined in and made a difference, especially those who sent in their personal testimonies.

Your membership is critical to our advocacy. Now is the time for renewing your Membership to maintain your commitment to Mental Illness Fellowship Victoria. If you have done so already, thank you. Please encourage others amongst your family and friends to join – we have various rates and deliberately keep the cost low to make it more accessible to as many as possible.

Rob Knowles

PS Please also consider supporting our work before the end of the tax year. Remember all donations of $2 and over are tax deductible.

Letters to the EditorThe Government is making loud noises about the cost of welfare and getting people off the disability support pension. People who live with a mental illness and are on the disability pension are facing particular crisis. The Government wants to shift us onto Newstart and get us working. There are problems with this one-size-fits-all ideology and a singular lack of understanding about mental illness.

Mental illness crushes your very being and robs you of your confidence. Once on Newstart, one has to apply for a certain number of jobs to remain eligible for the benefit. This can be very stressful and soul destroying, particularly in light of the fact that people with a mental illness are going to be competing for these jobs with people who don’t have a mental illness. Who would the employer choose, the person with the history of mental illness or the “well” person? Given that stigma is alive and well in our society, we can guess. (Indeed, would Peter Costello employ someone in his department who had a history of schizophrenia?) The mentally ill are being set up to fail, to have their already fragile self esteem eroded further.

Stress, and the management of stress, can be a huge factor in how well one deals with one’s mental illness. Surely it is not cost effective, given the vast amount of resources needed to treat relapses, to have people falling ill because of a Government intent on pursuing a policy that lacks an understanding of and compassion for people with a mental illness. The Government must tread lightly here and not force people with a mental illness into an untenable and dangerous situation.Sandy Jeffs

Ed. Thanks to Sandy for allowing MI Voice to reprint this letter, which was first published in The Age on 14 April 2005. Sandy’s concern that the changes to the Disability Support Payment do not meet the episodic nature of many mental illnesses is an issue that we have advocated on. Sandy is a long-term member of the Mental Illness Fellowship Victoria and has been a member of the committee of management.


From the Chief ExecutiveThe National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) like us, is a membership, not for profit, family organisation operating nationally across America with a mission to advocate for, research and develop educational and mental health policy. It has member organisations in each of the states, from which it elects its Board at the annual conference, which is in Houston, Texas in June this year. NAMI has 180,000 members across the USA, and these members are used to great effect to influence mental health politics. Mental Illness Fellowship Australia (MIFA) is funding me to attend this conference, and Eli Lilly is funding Margaret Springgay, the Executive Director of MIFA. This conference is a major national event, as it draws together families, people with mental illnesses, clinicians and key international researchers.

Our submission to the Coroner on the tragic death of Mark Kaufman was published in our last MI Voice. At the time of writing that article we had hoped that the Coroner’s findings would be released in March or April this year, however that has not happened and the family still awaits the outcomes from this hearing. Mark died in January 2001. The Memphis Crisis Intervention model was also raised in that issue of MI Voice. This Crisis Intervention model is a tripartite arrangement between the Memphis Police, the Mental Health Services and the National Alliance of the Mentally Ill (NAMI). The idea behind the model is that police are frequently called to take a person who has a mental illness to mental health treatment centre. The police are not well prepared or confident to intervene as effectively as they would like in these situations and too often there are tragic results, like what happened to Mark. Many approaches have been developed over the years to better support police to undertake this role, most of which have had significant limitations. This model recognises that most police will have a contact with people who have a mental illness, and undertaken a major education and developmental program where over 60% of the police in Memphis have undertaken this specialist education course. The course is 40 hours in duration and brings together the police, the mental health service and NAMI, which provides a rich environment for each service to share their own particular perspectives. Whilst in the USA, Margaret and I will be visiting Memphis to see how this program works in practice and bring back these experiences.

MI Fellowship has been working for some time with the police to develop a process to support them gain a greater understanding of people they deal with who have a mental illness. We have just been notified that the police want to work with us to present information to their workforce in one large region of Victoria, which is a terrific step forward. I expect that the information we gain in Memphis will influence these developments.

Professor Gary Bond from the University of Indianapolis and Geoff Waghorn from the Policy and Economics Group, Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, The School of Population Health, The University of Queensland, provided a marvellous impetus for the discussions and plans for improved employment outcomes for people with mental illnesses. Geoff Waghorn, in collaboration with Chris Lloyd, PhD, Division of Occupational Therapy, has written a background paper on the employment of people with metal illness in Australia for MIFA, which is being used as part of our advocacy. With partial sponsorship from Bristol Myer Squibb, my overseas travel will include a visit to the UK to further investigate employment programs.

Elizabeth Crowther

P A G E 3MI Voice : Winter 2005

Only 7% of the total health budget is spent on Mental Health despite it representing 20% of health demand. Demand would be reduced if treatment was better funded, better co-ordinated, more consistent and of longer duration. Rehabilitation and skills training should be an accepted part of ‘treatment’ and properly funded just as physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy are often needed after a motor accident.

The parlous state of the mental health system seems to be an ‘irrational outcome’ of economic rationalism. It is not a sector from which it is easy for the private sector to make money and health insurance is of little benefit – but, in Australia, it is to counter such distortions that we elect our governments!

Future generations will judge us harshly for our current treatment of people with a mental illness. Numerous inquiries over more than ten years have highlighted the same systemic problems. Implementation of previous recommendations, for so long ignored, including changes to privacy legislation and attention to continuity of care is long overdue. Penelope Lewisohn

I see that the government has spent $25 million for the new Austin/Mercy hospital on the car park and $9.5 million on mental health! Doesn’t that say it all!!!Mary Deam

Ed. Thanks to Mary for allowing us to reprint this letter which was first published on page 14 of the ‘Banner’, the Banyule Council newsletter, April 2005.

Making a submission to the Senate Inquiry into the provision of mental health services was not an easy task and I must say that I found the going tough. However I’m not going to sit back and do nothing and I will always support Mental Illness Fellowship. You people are truly amazing. Mental illness is not a popular topic. How do the poor sick people cope when they are abandoned by their families and society and have no one? Keep up the excellent work. Let’s get more awareness happening via the politicians.Maureen Wildes

Ed. It is not an easy task to make a submission but only thanks to people like you can we make an impact.

We need you

Two big events on the MI Fellowship calendar are just around the corner, both of which require many volunteers to go ahead.

Volunteer or provide volunteers to assist the Asics Melbourne Marathon, one of Melbourne’s major sporting events and support the Mental Illness Fellowship Victoria. Celebrate and prove that five in five Australians can help. The Mental Illness Fellowship will be given a donation per volunteer, a race T-shirt for each volunteer and all volunteers will be given the opportunity to win some great prizes (both individually and as a group). Timing on the day will be subject to location on the course.

You can also volunteer at the Open Mind Day Station Street Fiesta – our family fun day in Fairfield.

If you are able to volunteer some time at either the Asics Melbourne Marathon on Sunday October 9 or Open Mind Day on Sunday October 16, please contact Julie to discuss your availability on 03 8486 4232 or email [email protected].

FRONT COVER – Some of the people who made the 7th Woodcock Lecture a success. From left to right: Rob Knowles, Professor Gary Bond, Elizabeth Crowther, Frank and Patricia Woodcock, Rob and Adel Merola (SEW-Eurodrive) and Geoff Waghorn.

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Don’t Worry, Be HappyThe grooves of a party in the name of Mental Illness Fellowship at the Station Hotel were inspirational, knowing they were for a good cause. Organised by a group of public relations students from Swinburne TAFE as part of their course, the “Don’t Worry, Be Happy’ fundraiser was a terrific success.

The guests had a night of dancing, action and awareness raising for MI Fellowship. Up-and-coming Melbourne DJ Andre Klein produced vibes that echoed through the walls, creating an amazing party atmosphere. The night was made possible by the passion and hard work of the group of seven students; Olga, Caity, Audrey, Gen, Bec, Morag and Jo.

The event came together with no shortage of glitz and glamour, attracting the glitterati of Melbourne. Splashed out on fashion and champagne, the guests strolled the red carpet at 8pm and continued throughout the early hours of the morning.

The stylish fundraiser raised over $825 for MI Fellowship and no doubt great marks for the students. James Beckford Saunders attended the event for MI Fellowship and thanked the students and guests for their generous support. The night was a great success and MI Fellowship again thanks the students and Swinburne staff for their ongoing support.

Prevention and Recovery CarePrevention and Recovery Care (PARC on Maude) is unique – it provides both clinical and psychosocial rehabilitation services to prevent relapse and expedite recovery, all within an established mental health system. Goulburn Valley Area Mental Health (GVAMH) provides intensive assessment, treatment planning and specialist mental health care, and MI Fellowship provides general supervision, psychosocial rehabilitation and therapeutic group activities.

PARC was the first of three pilot programs intended to avoid hospitalisation and promote recovery following an in-patient admission. The Crisis Assessment and Treatment Team co-ordinate entry to PARC and provide clinical needs assessment. Where possible, PARC staff are involved at every stage to ascertain the use of a PARC placement for the client.

PARC was officially opened by Bronwyn Pike, the Victorian Minister for Health, in March 2004.

STOP PRESS! MI Fellowship in partnership with the Alfred Hospital have been advised that the proposal for a prevention and recovery centre (PARC) for the Inner South had been approved by the Minister for Health. Stay tuned for further developments.

In an another exciting development for MI Fellowship, the organisation has signed a contract to purchase the premises that TJ’s in Footscray operates from. “This will now give some certainty to both participants and staff and allow them to focus on the future instead of worrying where the program will operate from” said Eifion Breese, General Manager – Rehabilitation Services.

Round UpWhat ‘Women in Black’ do on Mothers Day

Mothers Day featured a special event on MI Fellowship’s calendar this year. Selected as the official charity of the Collingwood Football Club coterie group, the Women in Black (WIB), we were able to educate a whole new audience about mental illness.

WIB President, Lois Park is a long-time supporter of MI Fellowship, having been a carer of two sons with a mental illness for many years. Lois and her team organised their annual Mothers Day Luncheon, with proceeds in excess of $3500, including those of the silent auction, going to MI Fellowship. “It is indeed an honour and pleasure to be affiliated with Mental Illness Fellowship and it fills me with encouragement to see how the Women In Black members have embraced this organisation, not only expressing interest in wanting to understand more but also sharing their own stories and sense of relief knowing this organisation understands and helps those who often feel so isolated.”

Held at the Crown Entertainment Complex on Tuesday 4 May, the event featured entertainment from

Mark Mayer, a mind illusionist and wonderful MI Fellowship supporter, as well as speeches from Joanne Luciani of MI Fellowship and Keran Wicks. Keran is the founder and Managing Director of Network Video, one of the leading players in Australia’s $1 billion DVD rental/retail industry. Keran gave a frank account of living with her son Paul, who has bipolar. The crowd laughed and cried with Keran as she shared her story, opening the eyes of all present to the reality of living with mental illness. Tiffany Cherry of television’s FOX Footy kindly gave her time to MC the event, attended by Nanette Malthouse, wife of Collingwood coach Michael, and David Cloke, former CFC player and his wife Julie, now supportive parents of current players, Cameron, Jason and Travis.

MI Fellowship extends sincere thanks to Lois and the team at WIB for their ongoing support of our work, educating and informing people about mental illness. They are helping us achieve our vision of a society in which mental illness is understood and accepted.

Any Collingwood supporters who are interested in joining WIB should contact Lois on 0409 206 702 or email [email protected] A G E 4

Lois (WIB) and Tiffany ( Fox Footy) enjoy the luncheon

Keran and Mark supported the event

A good night was had by all!

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2005 MI Fellowship Awards – Nominate now!Each year the Mental Illness Fellowship Awards recognise the outstanding contribution made by individuals to improving the wellbeing of people with a mental illness, their families and friends.

Our Awards present an opportunity for Members to nominate people they know who make a difference to the lives of people affected by mental illness. Please consider nominating someone you know who works hard at combating stigma and bringing about change for people affected by mental illness. The Awards will be presented at the Annual General Meeting in Friday 21 October 2005.

The Award categories are as follows:

Annual AwardsMental Illness Fellowship AwardAwarded to a volunteer, participant or carer associated with the Mental Illness Fellowship Victoria, for their outstanding contribution to participants and/or carers in MI Fellowship programs.

Mental Health Community AwardAwarded to a person working in the general community, for their outstanding service to people living with a mental illness or carers of people with a mental illness.

Volunteer of the Year Award Awarded to a volunteer for outstanding contributions to MI Fellowship.

Non-annual awards and recognitionO’Meara Award The O’Meara Award is MI Fellowship’s Award for individuals who have made an outstanding and extraordinary contribution to the Mental Illness Fellowship Victoria over many years, in areas such as development of the organisation, advocacy or another significant area. It is not an annual award due to its prestigious nature. The award is named after John O’Meara, the organisation’s first president. In recognition, the person receives Honorary Life Membership of MI Fellowship.

Blickle Award (NEW in 2005)The Blickle Award is MI Fellowship’s Award for individuals who have made sustained impact on the development of the mental health field outside of MI Fellowship. It will typically be somebody who is well known for their work in the mental health field who has made significant impact on the lives of people with a mental illness or the family members over a sustained period of time. It is not an annual award due to its prestigious nature. The award is named after Jurgen Blickle of SEW-Eurodrive, a key supporter of MI Fellowship. In recognition, the person receives honorary life membership of MI Fellowship.

Life GovernorsAwarded to any person or family who has made a significant financial contribution to the Mental Illness Fellowship Victoria of an amount determined by the Board of Directors, to support our work in areas such as family education, health promotion, advocacy, building projects, services, or another significant area. In recognition of this contribution any individual elected as a Life Governor receives honorary life membership of MI Fellowship.

Nomination forms are available from www.mifellowship.org/newsevents.asp or by calling Fairfield Place on 03 8486 4200. Nominations must be made before 26 August 2005.

Join our Board of Directors Nominations are welcome for our Board of Directors. All persons nominated and nominating for a position on the Board of Directors of the Mental Illness Fellowship Victoria must be current financial Members of MI Fellowship.

Nomination forms are available at www.mifellowship.org/newsevents.asp or by calling 03 8486 4200. Nominations must be received by 2 September 2005.

Inspiration and action Preparing for the MI Challenge of a lifetime

The day before embarking on his ‘MI Challenge’, Jim Durkin was able to reflect on what motivated him to sign up for the challenge of trekking through Borneo, “A colleague at work was tragically affected by mental illness. We set up a committee to find ways to help – the more we learnt about mental illness, the more we wanted to do”. When he heard about the MI Challenge Jim said, “I’ll do it, and he’ll do it too!” of his colleague at HBA, Jim Kokkinias. Together, ‘the Jim’s’ have been on the fundraising and awareness raising trail ever since, along with fellow MI Challenge Borneo participant Megan Knights.

In the months of preparation leading to their departure on 3 June, one of the biggest challenges has been finding the time on top of full time work commitments to plan and do the fundraising. One of the Jims’ successful fundraising mechanisms has been to hold sausage sizzles at Bunnings stores across Victoria. Jim has been delighted to notice that “people seem to be more accepting now; accepting it as a legitimate and worthy cause to support. It’s shown us that the stigma is changing”.

The biggest challenge will also bring one of the most spectacular rewards of the trip, being the view from the top of Mount Kinabalu which they will trek up over the course of their journey. Upon their return, our MI Challengers will update us on their trip and share the joy of the view from the top of the mountain, so stay tuned for the next edition of MI Voice.

MI Challenges have so far raised over $20,000 for MI Fellowship Victoria.

For more information about joining a MI Challenge visit www.mifellowship.org/michallenge.asp, call Ms Chris Harrison on 0423 780 716 or e-mail [email protected]

Our website raises funds 24/7!

Our website has been taking donations on line at any time of the day or night, thanks to the free on-line donations service offered by web based community resource, ourcommunity.com.au Donations have increased significantly recently with one donor giving us $5000 through the 24 hour, seven days a week service which is totally secure.

If you would like to donate on-line before the end of the tax year visit www.mifellowship.org/donatenow.htm Remember all donations $2 and over are tax deductible.

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Our MI Challengers at the Intrepid Travel briefing


Events and activitiesRun, jog or walk as an individual or in a team...

Following a review by the organisers, Mental Illness Fellowship was recently selected (with the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal) as lead charity for the Asics Melbourne Marathon. This gives us even more opportunity to raise our profile, raise the issues of mental illness and raise funds.

As a lead charity, MI Fellowship is to play a major part in the Asics Melbourne Marathon on Sunday October 9th – the start of Mental Health Week. And we need your help!

Feeling fit? Run the 42.2 km Asics Melbourne Marathon from Frankston to Melbourne for the Mental Illness Fellowship and raise funds to help Stop the Stigma and help families affected by mental illness. Or do the Asics Melbourne Half Marathon of 21.1 km from Ricketts Point. Still too far? You could run, jog or walk the 8 km Melbourne Marafun

from Elwood. All courses finish in the centre of Melbourne. A full support kit, with the option of a T-shirt, will be provided to raise awareness and much needed money.

Why not enter a team of runners? Entering as a group reduces the kilometres alone and creates a motivation to complete the course. It is a great opportunity for corporate, school and social groups to complete a marathon and raise funds for the Mental Illness Fellowship. Each team is to consist of a maximum of six runners and a minimum of three.

Both the team and the individual that raises the most funds for Mental Illness Fellowship over any of the distances will be honoured with 2006 Asics Melbourne Marathon Five in Five Challenge Awards.

To find out more about how you can run or volunteer for the Mental Illness Fellowship please visit www.mifellowship.org/newsevents.asp or contact Stephanie Puls on 03 8486 4257 or email [email protected]

Mental Illness Education Schedule July – December 2005:

Well Ways: A traveller’s guide to well being for families and friends of people with mental illness

Where: Douta Galla CHS, Gatehouse Drive, Kensington BanksDuration: Monday mornings for 8 weeksWhen: 10am to 1pm, July 18, 25, August 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 and September 5.

Where: Koonung CMHS, Level 1, 43 Carrington Road, Box HillDuration: Thursday mornings for 8 weeksWhen: 9.30am to 12.30pm, July 21, 28, August 4, 11, 18, 25 and September 1, 8.

Where: MI Fellowship, 276 Heidelberg Road, FairfieldDuration: Tuesday nights for 8 weeksWhen: 6.30pm to 9.30pm, October 19, 26, November 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 and December 7.

Double Trouble: A support and information program for families and friends of people with dual diagnosis (mental illness and substance use)Where: MI Fellowship, Fairfield Place 276 Heidelberg Road, Fairfield Duration: Thursday mornings for 6 weeks When: 10am to 1pm, June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 and July 7

Where: MI Fellowship, Fairfield Place 276 Heidelberg Road, Fairfield Duration: Thursday mornings for 6 weeks When: 10am to 1pm, September 22, 29 and October 6, 13, 20, 27.

Understanding Mental Illness Workshop: An overview of what mental illness is, symptoms, behaviours and helpful interventions for general publicWhere: MI Fellowship, Fairfield Place 276 Heidelberg Road, Fairfield Duration: 3-hour session When: Thursday August 4 (6.30 to 9.30pm), Friday September 23 (9.30am – 12.30pm) or Thursday November 10 (6.30pm to 9.30pm)

For further information and booking forms please call 03 8486 4200 or www.mifellowship.org or email: [email protected].

Return to Learning and Self-development Course – Certificate in General Education for Adults in 2006

The CGEA Course will return in 2006. The course is aimed at easing students back into a learning environment, improving educational standards and acquiring skills instrumental for future employment and achieving life goals. Learning outcomes include improved communication and planning skills; gaining goal setting skills and new strategies for employment seeking; having improved language, literacy and numeracy skills; increased personal confidence and motivation and a bridge to higher education.

The course runs on Mondays and Tuesdays, 11.30-4pm with breaks and commences Monday 30 January through to Tuesday 18 December.

To register interest in enrolling please call Bernadette Doyle or Lynne Ruggiero on 03 8486 4200 or email:[email protected] or [email protected].

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Students visited the zoo

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Mind over matter –a personal perspective

I am not schizophrenic. Neither is anyone else. People like me with schizophrenia should not be defined by our illnesses. Rather, I am a teacher of special needs students, an interpreter, a sister, a daughter, a cousin, a granddaughter, a friend… the list could go on, but I am not simply schizophrenic. I HAVE schizophrenia and have had this challenge to face since the age of thirteen.

Due to a history of schizophrenia and mental illness in my family, my illness could be diagnosed early and treatment began as soon as possible. When I say treatment, since the age of thirteen I have been taking anti-psychotic medications and seeing a psychiatrist once a month (sometimes more often) and a psychologist once a fortnight (sometimes, too, more often!). I prefer not to see myself as suffering, although at times I know I am, but rather, I have an illness that has opened my eyes to another dimension of life. I’ve met beautiful people I never would have met otherwise, I am more attentive to other’s needs and the trivial challenges in life often seem less daunting – all because I’ve seen my way through trials and tribulations much more complicated than the average person. Psychosis has a way of bringing things into perspective – obviously not when psychosis is actually happening but after the storm has passed.

Never use your illness as an excuse

Despite my illness, I feel I have already accomplished so many of my dreams in life. This is an important message to be heard: NEVER use your illness as an excuse – the world still awaits you and dreams are still in your reach. I like to think of myself as an educated person. I thrive on the life of a university student (classes are flexible when you get sick and essay due dates are often far enough away to not cause me any undue stress.) I have a Diploma of Interpreting, a Bachelor of Education, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Education Studies for Special Needs students and am

currently studying my Masters in Special Education. Though while Uni. has come easily to me (most of the time… I always tell myself during the hard times that no matter how sick I get, the illness can take away just about everything in life except my qualifications!), working to earn money has been a different story altogether.

I began trying to fit in the ‘normal’ workforce at the age of 17 – just after I finished secondary school. I have had many jobs over the years including babysitting, childcare, waitressing, checkout chick, housecleaning, and a disability recruitment officer job. Most of those positions have been repeated in several different organisations or homes to account for the numerous jobs I have had. However, the need to be always reliable, under pressure and functioning at a high level was incompatible with my illness. Most of the time, I don’t know from day to day whether or not I’m going to be able to work or function at an acceptable level. Despite what I have heard one highly regarded professional in the field say about people with schizophrenia being able to work when they are psychotic, I cannot do this. Being able to work, for me, goes hand in hand with not hearing voices, not being in tears 24/7 and not being a hysterical, blubbering mess, which is how I find myself when I’m sick.

My calling

Then, along came my calling – I now work as an on-call interpreter and special education teacher with an employer who is aware of my illness and accepts that when they call me one day I might be able to work, but the next day I might be sick. The position is a godsend. I am able to use my qualifications to earn good money and work on days in which I know I’ll be able to perform to the high standard my employer has come to expect from me. Of course, I use the Disability Pension from Centrelink to help out during times in which I am totally incapacitated, which thankfully now occurs less frequently.

Being able to work and contribute to the wider community, especially for me helping children with special needs, gives me a sense of worth that is absent during times of psychosis, depression and general illness. Don’t get me wrong, the road to where I am now hasn’t been easy, but it has been well worth it. I have survived through suicide attempts, hallucinations, delusions, paranoia and a mental stress that has made me often physically ill as well. When I get sick I find I most often hear voices (although at times when I am really sick I have seen visions as well) that are cruel and nasty. These voices make me cry and shake with fear; a fear that only escalates as paranoia takes hold and I become convinced that the ‘bad people’ are after me and/or my family. Despite my downfalls, Mum and Dad have never let me stay at a psychiatric unit (although I have been a day patient in the past for about a 12 month period), saying that my home is with them and I belong in a family unit full time. Without the tremendous family support that I have, I am sure I would not be here today. It was Mum who told me from the age of thirteen that golden piece of advice to never use my illness as an excuse and I believe to this day I never have.

Now, as I move into adulthood after catching up on a misplaced and lost adolescence, I find myself moving out of home into my own, privately rented unit (with support from MI Fellowship, NEAMI and Terra Firma) and I can truly say I have had a wonderful life. Schizophrenia is not only an illness; for me it is a way of life that I have become accustomed to; a life that I intend to live to the fullest – reaching and achieving every single one of my goals, ambitions and dreams.

Lisa is a member of Mental Illness Fellowship and has been an active volunteer at our various events. Most recently following the 7th Bruce Woodcock Memorial Lecture, Lisa was on air with Neil Mitchell talking about her experiences. Lisa is currently writing an autobiography called ‘Mind over matter’.


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Work mattersProfessor Gary Bond’s tour proved timely with the subject of employment, industrial relations reform and containment of Disability Support Pension growth, high on the government’s agenda. As well as the 7th Bruce Woodcock Memorial Lecture, Gary made many presentations to relevant government agencies, both clinical and non-clinical mental health service staff from across the state, employment agencies, universities and, of course, MI Fellowship staff.

Geoff Waghorn from the University of Queensland’s Centre for Mental Health Research and principal author of the discussion paper on employment for MIFA, co-presented with Gary Bond in many daytime presentations. They both also presented to the Federal Minister of Employment and Workplace Relations who flew down to Melbourne for the meeting. A great coup! This was largely a good news story – extensive research showing an employment model for people with a severe mental illness that has had a high success rate.

MI Fellowship received a call from the Senate Select Committee on Mental Health inviting Professor Bond to present there. It was fortunately on a day that both he and Geoff were in Canberra, so they were able to present together, Gary on his research and Geoff on his data on Australia’s performance in employment of people with a severe mental illness. Two of the Senators were sufficiently impressed that they also attended the public presentation that night in Canberra. Woodcock Lecture

Neil Mitchell from Melbourne’s 3AW radio introduced the 7th Bruce Woodcock Memorial Lecture on Tuesday 17 May and Gary Bond gave an overview of a new model of employment. The open forum was again a highlight, with people taking the opportunity to ask challenging and insightful questions. Many members and supporters joined us for the event, again held at BMW Edge, Federation Square.

In addition to a busy schedule of meetings and presentations, Gary and Geoff also worked up a media profile with two spots on Radio National’s breakfast show with Fran Kelly, a spot on ABC 774 drive show with Virginia Trioli, a broadcast news item and interviews with The Age and the Sydney Morning Herald.

“On behalf of our audience I would like to extend our gratitude and appreciation for allowing us to accommodate and host a visit by Professor Gary Bond from the USA, as part of your organised itinerary during Schizophrenia Awareness Week. It has been an excellent opportunity for us to work in partnership with you, and I think the outcome for clinical staff, NGO’s and other government departments in our region has been very worthwhile and productive.

Jon Chesterson (Promotion & Prevention, HNE Mental Health, NSW; Conjoint Lecturer, University of Newcastle) & Dr Barry Frost (Clinical Director, Psychiatric Rehabilitation Service, Hunter New England Mental Health; Associate Professor (Conjoint), School of Behavioural Sciences, Centre for Mental Health Studies, The University of Newcastle)Neil Mitchell provided an insightful introduction

Rob Knowles was the MC for the evening



Gary presenting at the BMW Edge

Employment directions at MI Fellowship – a perspective

MI Fellowship is committed to increasing the employment opportunities for people with a mental illness. Professor Bond’s work, his high quality research and our conversations with him have certainly influenced thinking about how to do this.

In 2004, MI Fellowship embarked on an innovative employment project – the development of Australia’s first social firm for people with a mental illness. The Flat Bottle Company (FBC) operates in inner city Melbourne and employs a small number of people with and without a mental illness. The FBC operates as a commercial business and its General Manager, Mr Terry Wallish, works to grow the business and ensure its profitability. MI Fellowship provides specialist input to ensure a workplace is created that is both accepting and accommodating of people with a mental illness. We believe social firms create an employment opportunity for some people who are experiencing real difficulty getting and keeping a job.

How does Professor Bond’s research relate to the social firm?

Seven critical ingredients have been identified that lead to best employment outcomes for people with a mental illness. Some of these ingredients are applicable to employees with a mental illness at the social firm. We provide real jobs for real wages, we provide on-going support, we advise employees with a mental illness about managing the move from income support to wages and we can talk to other people involved in the employees health care. In addition, the social firm has the unique opportunity to provide a stigma free environment that is accepting and accommodating of people with a mental illness.

We are also reflecting on how Professor Bond’s work might impact on the other employment programs at MI Fellowship, such as at Bromham Place. Although the model was developed in the USA it has been successfully implemented in other countries – Hong Kong, UK and Canada. We want to use the model to direct our best practice in Australia, and in addition to developing social firms develop other employment options for people with a mental illness.

Laura Collister – Social Firm Development Project Manager


P A G E 10

Rossdale – Opening DoorsSince the 1980’s, the move away from ‘institutionalised care’ has led to the development of a wide range of specialised (clinical and community) services to cater to the differing needs of people who have a mental illness.

To an outsider, the independent growth of specialised services may seem like an ideal way to accommodate the differing needs of individuals, through an expanded range of options. However, consumers and carers of people trying to access these services more commonly describe the current system as ‘disjointed and dysfunctional’.

Far from smoothing the path to rehabilitation, increased specialisation has created barriers in service provision. People with mental illness (or often, their families and friends) have had to negotiate their way through the maze of options – each with its own ‘gatekeeper’ – to find the assistance they need.

Rossdale – providing Security and Support

People with severe mental illness need very intensive treatments – and often, this includes residential support. In some cases, that support has been provided by family and friends. In others, individuals in need of assistance have fallen through the ‘safety net’ and found themselves homeless – or living in poor circumstances - with little prospect of recovery.

So in 1987, the MI Fellowship purchased Rossdale Apartments in St Kilda.

In the provision of rehabilitation services to residents, Rossdale represented a significant improvement on the dormitory-style accommodation, which had traditionally been offered through psychiatric institutions; and the Fellowship was able to offer support to those who needed it for 24 hours a day, 7 days per week.

However, for the growth in personal capacity and independence which results from the successful provision of rehabilitation services to make a lasting improvement in the lives of Rossdale residents, it became obvious that there needed to be a ‘next step’.

A review of the service provided at Rossdale identified the need for change. At the same time, the nearby Alfred Hospital had embarked on a similar mission to find ‘the next step’ – through the development of a less intensive rehabilitation service; as had the Inner South Community Health Service (ISCHS).

Realising that there were significant benefits to be derived from a sharing of resources, the three organisations have developed a model which maintains the benefits of specialisation – and overcomes barriers to service provision.

Opening Doors

The new project, known as ‘Opening Doors’ aims to integrate the services provided by five separate facilities, to help address the needs of people at different stages of recovery.

MI Fellowship will undertake program design, psychiatric disability and after-hours support. The Alfred Hospital will take responsibility for clinical managementand monitoring; and ISCHS will provide in-reach services and transition planning, and liase with community and primary health services.

Anticipated outcomes include a lowering in the rate of relapse, a decreased incidence of suicide and better prospects for employment - a general improvement in quality of life for those who access the new service. The ‘Opening Doors’ model is unique in Victoria and if successful, it will be duplicated in other areas.

Getting Ready

Rossdale will play a significant role in the pilot program. However, to meet the requirements of ‘Opening Doors’, some major alterations will be needed to the building. The total cost is expected to be around $800,000.

$267,000 has already been found – but an additional $533,000 will be required and in coming months, MI Fellowship Victoria will launch a campaign to raise this amount.

Any financial support – or ideas on sources of major gifts or sponsorships – which readers can offer would be gratefully received and should be directed to Robyn Allcock on 03 8486 4200.



MONEY The clinking of coinsThe rustling of notesSpending two dollars hereFive dollars thereThe long awaited pension dayA great dayFully indulging in luxuriesNot having enough money for bills and necessitiesHaving to rely on loansLay-bys, delays and creditStressing out only after you have wasted your moneyDesperately trying to raise and recover moneyMaking drastic decisionsCutting your lossesNot a cent leftWishing money could just fall from the skySaying a sad ode and farewell to money

Isabella Fels

Dates for your diary – 2005/6Nominations for Awards: 5pm, Friday 26 August

Nominations for Board of Directors: 5pm, Friday 2 September

2005 Mental Health Week: 9–16 October

Asics Melbourne Marathon, finishing at the centre of Melbourne: Sunday 9 October

Open Mind Day Fiesta: 10–5pm, Sunday 16 October

2005 AGM, Awards and Annual Lecture: 5.30pm, Friday 21 October

Christmas Grief and Loss Memorial Service, St Johns Southgate: 11am, Saturday 10 December

Volunteer Thank You Party: 4pm, Thursday 1 December

8th Woodcock Memorial Lecture, BMW Edge, Fed Sq: 6pm, Tuesday 16 May 2006

Schizophrenia Awareness Week: 14–21 May 2006

Please find out more about all activities by calling 03 8486 4200 or visit www.mifellowship.org/newsevents.asp

Park Bench© Observations of Daily lifeCreated by Peter Barker

‘Park Bench’ is a cartoon series, looking at life and social issues, provided by Peter Barker, who has lived with schizophrenia for twenty years.

8&

Thinking aloudTen minutes with…

How are you involved with Mental Illness Fellowship? Choosing MI Fellowship as charity of choice for Women In Black, the women’s coterie group at the Collingwood Football Club. Also being the carer of two sons with a mental illness.

What makes you happy? Obviously a Collingwood win, also seeing my sons happy.

What makes you angry? Ignorance of mental illness and the people struggling with it.

What are you reading? Just finishing Dan Brown’s ‘Angels & Demons’.

In one word, describe the essence of the Mental Illness Fellowship for you Hope.

What is your most treasured possession? My family (including the dog!).

‘I am not sick - I don’t need help!’ by Xavier Amador, by Vida Press. Reviewed by Lawrie Horner

Author Dr Amador is a clinical psychologist whose brother has schizophrenia, and so is the perfect person to tell us how to explain a diagnosis of psychosis to the person who believes there is nothing wrong with them. He shows the science behind anosognosia (lack of insight) and the fact that this is a symptom of psychosis and not stubbornness or denial.

The 202-page softback book is written in a very accessible and everyday style, perfectly suited to the lay person who is trying to deal with psychosis. This book is highly recommended to anyone who works with psychosis, or who has the illness among friends or family. Even if you think you already know how to listen well, this will help you improve. A must read. Xavier gave the 2004 Bruce Woodcock Memorial Lecture.

Laurie Horner is a public relations volunteer with MI Fellowship, and has autism, schizophrenia and depression.

“I am Not Sick, I Don’t Need Help!” is available from the Mental Illness Fellowship ($30 for members and $45 non-members including GST excluding Postage and packing) by calling Lynne Ruggiero on 03 8486 4200.

Lois Park, President of Women In Black

&


MI Voice - Summer 2002/3

From the Editor…After three-and-a-half great years at Mental Illness Fellowship Victoria I am moving on to new challenges. As this will be my last edition of MI Voice I do hope you enjoy it. To help us get our publications right, we welcome contributions from you for MI Voice. You can download current and past issues of both at www.mifellowship.org/mivoice.htm If you would prefer to receive communications from us electrically via e-mail please let us know.

To contact us please write to:The Editor – MI VoiceMental Illness Fellowship Victoria PO Box 359 Clifton Hill Vic 3068Telephone 03 8486 4200 Fax 03 8486 4265

Or email Stephanie at [email protected]

Deadline for Spring issue of MI Voice and MI Support is Monday 25 July 2005.

Editor James Beckford SaundersAssistant Editor Stephanie Puls Design Artwords Printing Print Impressions

MI Voice is for Members and aims to keep them informed of the latest information on mental illness and our advocacy work. It is also our opportunity to keep potential and existing supporters who donate informed of the Mental Illness Fellowship’s activities and the difference their contribution makes. MI Voice is the quarterly publication of Mental Illness Fellowship Victoria, Fairfield Place 276 Heidelberg Road, Fairfield, Victoria 3078, Australia.

Telephone 03 8486 4200 Email [email protected] www.mifellowship.org

Mental 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 of the Mental Illness Fellowship.

© Mental Illness Fellowship Victoria. All rights reserved.

ACN 093 357 165 ABN 93 093 357 165 ISSN 0816 7877

Who are we?Mental Illness Fellowship is Victoria’s leading membership-based not-for-profit organisation working with people with a mental illness, their family and friends to improve their wellbeing.

Our VisionOur vision is of a society in which mental illness will be understood and accepted. People with mental illness will be afforded the same regard as those with physical illnesses and resources will be available to offer early interventions and state of the art treatment and support. These interventions will be so effective that long-term negative consequences of mental illness will have disappeared for the person and their family. People will no longer experience stigma and that society will treat them with the same respect and dignity as any other person, and welcome and fully include them as community members.

Our ValuesHonesty Acceptance Equity Flexibility Commitment Participation

Our MissionMental Illness Fellowship Victoria works with people with mental illness, their families and friends to improve their well being. More specifically we work to achieve mental health reform through education, support and advocacy, and we provide a range of innovative programs in both membership and services. We also provide mutual support and self help, day programs, home based outreach and accommodation services, respite and residential rehabilitation services.

2004/5 Board of Directors

President – Robert Knowles Vice President – Doris Wisniewski Treasurer – Peter Robertson Secretary – Diane Brown Elaine Price, Louise Milne-Roch, Professor Christos Pantelis, Graeme Pocknee, Nathan Shafir, Alex Wood

Chief Executive

Elizabeth Crowther

Ways to support and keep us informedPlease use this form to change your address details, become a Member of the Mental Illness Fellowship or to show your support for our work.

• For credit card donations call 03 8486 4200 and quote MIV05, or complete this form and either post or fax your credit card details

• For cheques and money orders post this form to: Mental Illness Fellowship Victoria PO Box 359, Clifton Hill, Victoria 3068 Fax: 03 8486 4265

Please accept my Membership fee of:

Ordinary $22 Concession $16.50 Volunteer $11

Person in same household – Ordinary $11 Concession $5.50

I would like to make a donation of: $ to the work of Mental Illness Fellowship

I authorise a single deduction from my credit card:

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Or I enclose my cheque/ money order of $

(marked Not Negotiable and payable to Mental Illness Fellowship Victoria)

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Questions about donations?

Please contact us on 03 8486 4200 or via [email protected]

Please tick here if you do not wish to receive further information

about Mental Illness Fellowship Victoria or if you are under 18

I would like some more information about:

Volunteering – your donation of time and talent.

Pledging a monthly contribution – Giving families a chance.

And a future.

Bequests – remember the Mental Illness Fellowship in your will.


mi voice winter 2005

Documents

employment of people

rehabilitation of people

mivoicefor people

work matters feature

lecture possible

board committees

professor bonds lecture

possible amendments