Appreciating the little things and celebrating success
September 26, 2024
Mental Health Week will be held around the State between 5-13 October, with the theme ‘Appreciate the little things’.
Mental health issues affect more than one in five Australians every year, says Anglicare’s Area Manager Community Services (North and North West) Yvette Dawe.
“Mental Health Week provides an opportunity for Tasmanians to stop and think about their mental wellbeing,” she said. “It encourages all of us, no matter what stage of life we are in, to build our resilience and develop networks that can support us. It also challenges us to think about how we can support our loved ones and others in our lives.
“This year’s theme – Appreciate the little things – emphasises the importance of identifying the activities that enhance our social and emotional wellbeing and creating opportunities to experience them. We know that looking after our mental health is just as important as our physical health.”
Anglicare offers a Mental Health Recovery Program in the North and South to people living in the community who have a diagnosed mental health condition.
A professionally qualified Mental Health Practitioner will work one-to-one with them on building resilience and goal-setting. They can also support them to access more specialised services if these are required, either within Anglicare or externally. The Recovery program is delivered in an individual’s home, or from an Anglicare office in Launceston, Hobart and Glenorchy – and it’s free. People are able to refer themselves to the program.
Bel’s story
Bel*, in her early 50s, came to Anglicare’s Recovery program two years ago with a primary diagnosis of depression and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), resulting from childhood trauma, family violence and an ongoing struggle with a sense of identity and belonging.
Together, Bel and her Recovery worker identified some realistic goals to work towards, and celebrated the small wins along the way. She was referred to specialist services and encouraged to build connections with her family and in the community.
Bel learned the importance of self-care in her daily routine, including going for walks and acknowledging her emotions. She developed problem-solving skills and now has a safety plan that she can refer to if she feels a crisis approaching.
Achieving her goals of becoming a volunteer and finding secure accommodation have been highlights of Bel’s journey towards independence and self-confidence. She enjoys sharing her lived experience with others.
Bel is currently focusing on identifying what she’d like her life to look like when she exits the Recovery program in the coming months.
*not her real name, to protect her privacy.
What’s on for Mental Health Week?
Anglicare is partnering with other organisations to deliver events in the North and South that focus on mental health and wellbeing.
In Launceston on Tuesday 8 October there will be a Big Day of Little Things from 10am to 2pm at the Launceston Library in partnership with Headspace North, Head to Health, Libraries Tasmania, City of Launceston, Mental Health Council of Tasmania and the Tasmanian Government. Join us for a day of mindfulness and appreciating the little things with interactive, creative and sensory-themed activities.
In Hobart on Wednesday 9 October, Anglicare is partnering with Baptcare, Mental Health Services (Tolosa Street Rehab) and the Phoenix Centre for an event to Appreciate the Little Things. The venue is the Kickstart Arts Centre, 1831 South Building, St Johns Park, St Johns Avenue, New Town. It will be held from 11.45am to 3.30pm. The Arts Centre will provide a calm, relaxing space for people to view and or contribute to an artwork display. Activities will include planting succulents to take home, making sensory balls and mosaic tile artwork and simply relaxing over a cup of tea.
Follow Anglicare Tasmania on Facebook to keep up with these and other events.
Activities on offer include art exhibitions, a health and wellbeing expo, dog walks, free BBQs, a comedy roadshow and more.
