Awareness, belonging, connection: the ABCs of mental health

Anglicare provides children, young people and adults with the building blocks they need for strong mental health.

Mental Health Week will be held around Tasmanian between 8-16 October, with the theme Awareness, Belonging, Connection. Anglicare’s Regional Manager for housing and community services in the North/North West Jodie Stokes explains how we all can play a role in supporting people to improve their mental health.

“One in five Australians experience mental ill health each year and we know from the most recent census that a higher proportion of Tasmanians live with a long term mental health condition compared to the rest of the country. So I’m sure that all of us know someone who has challenges with their mental health,” said Jodie.

Jodie explained the ABCs of mental health:

“AWARENESS is the first step. We need to talk about mental health, take away the stigma associated with it and help people to understand the signs that they need some support. We need to listen closely, without judgement.

“BELONGING is looking out for each other and making sure that everyone feels safe and supported. It’s about letting people know that they are not alone.

“CONNECTION is encouraging our friends and family members to stay active in their local communities. This will develop their resilience and keep them happy and healthy.”

Meet John and Hannah

Here are two stories featuring real Tasmanians who have used Anglicare’s mental health programs. We’ve changed some details to protect their identity.

On the road to recovery

John was referred to Anglicare’s Recovery program in December last year by an alcohol and drug service. Diagnosed with several mental illnesses and difficulties in managing anger, he had a history of childhood trauma and homelessness.

John’s worker assisted him to apply for NDIS funding and linked him in with Housing Connect. John identified some goals he wanted to achieve and the pathways to achieve them. John was supported to feel safe, to communicate and manage his emotions in stressful situations.

Today, John has NDIS funding and lives in a community housing property. He visits his GP regularly, takes his medications and accesses community mental health services. John’s physical health has improved and he rides a bike for exercise. He is also on the path to learning to drive.

Hannah focuses on her strengths

Hannah finds NDIS counselling with an Anglicare social worker has helped her improve her communication skills and focus on her strengths.

The sessions give her the opportunity to talk about her traumas and her family relationships, and to interact more constructively with other services, medical professionals and people out in the community. They have supported her to reduce her reliance on alcohol and know how to manage anxiety attacks in public.

Hannah has set herself the goal of going on holiday, and is working with her counsellor to reduce the anxiety associated with flying.

Mental Health Week activities

Mental Health Week is run by the Mental Health Council of Tasmania. There are a wide variety of events and activities on offer, right around the State. Click here for the program.

Join us in Launceston

Anglicare’s Launceston team is partnering with headspace and Head to Health on a free community day in Launceston on Saturday 15 October. There will be a fun run, entertainment and resources focusing on improving your mental health. All the details are here on eventbrite, or keep an eye on our Facebook page.

Join us in Burnie

Head to Bunnings in South Burnie for a free family event between 10 am and 2 pm on Saturday 15 October. Co-hosted with Bunnings and supported by the Mental Health Council of Tasmania, we’ve called our event “Building the ABCs of Mental Health”. There will be lots of activities on offer and a sausage sizzle operated by the Burnie Veterans Club.

What mental health programs does Anglicare offer?

Anglicare operates a range of mental health programs funded by the Tasmanian Government. Our programs are free, confidential and tailored to individual needs. They are delivered by professionally trained experts in line with the Anglicare values of Hope, Respect, Compassion and Justice.

Children who are vulnerable to developing mental health challenges are supported in the Burnie area, on King Island and in the South by the Child and Youth Mental Health Service.

Adults can spend time living in a supported, non-clinical environment with wrap-around support at the Rocherlea Rehabilitation and Recovery Service, outside Launceston.

Children who have a parent or carer experiencing mental health challenges are given ‘time out’ and support through the Taz Kids program.

The Recovery Program supports people who have a diagnosed mental health condition and live independently. It provides therapeutic, one-to-one support.

Our social workers provide counselling and social work support under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

Anglicare’s Alcohol and other Drugs Treatment Service (ADATs) supports people who have been diagnosed with a mental illness and also have challenges with alcohol and other drugs.

Anglicare also provides support after a suicide attempt through the Way Back Support Service.