Thursday March 3rd, 2011
10.30 am – 12.30 pm
Issues in Mental Health
We are all aware of the poor funding available for mental health services across Australia. Last year, John Mendoza in his letter of resignation as Chief Advisor to the Federal Government on mental health, wrote
Every day 330 Australians with serious mental illnesses are turned away from Emergency Departments, 1,200 Australians are refused admission to a public or private psychiatric unit. Every day more than 7 people die as a result of suicide, and more than a third of those have been discharged too early or without care from hospitals.
In South Australia, the Government regularly moves people between Mental Health and Disability services which allows many people in need to simply ‘fall between the cracks’ and receive no service at all.
So what are the major issues facing people with mental health problems in our community?
More importantly, what can we, as individuals, families and friends, do to help and support people with mental health issues?
Cindy Eggington
Cindy is a PhD student at Flinders University looking at the significance of mental illness as a disability issue. Cindy is a qualified youth worker and has been actively employed in supporting youth and people with disability. In recent years, Cindy has also worked overseas as a volunteer in East Timor.
The focus of her PhD research is looking at secondary trauma and its impact on mental health. Cindy is interested in developing an overview of these mental health issues through community forums and open discussions.
Everyone with an interest in this topic is invited to attend
There will be opportunities to ask questions and to network with others
Morning tea provided including gluten free options, water, tea and coffee
Cost: A gold coin donation
Bookings required
Please RSVP to Jane via email: jane@dircsa.org.au
Or ring on (08) 8236 0555 to indicate your interest.
DIRC provides access via limited parking, wheelchair accessibility, a hearing loop, microphone and accessible toilets. If you have other needs related to access please indicate when booking and we will try to accommodate your needs.