|
Schizophrenia Fellowship joins Blackmores Sydney Running Festival 2010
 The Schizophrenia Fellowship has joined the Blackmores Sydney Running Festival 2010. Celebrate 10 years of the Blackmores Sydney Running Festival and help us make a difference! This is your chance to run, jog or walk over the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge and finish at the iconic Sydney Opera House. Get outside, get active and now go the extra mile and fundraise for the Fellowship as part of this year's race.
Click here to register for the running festival, then visit our GoFundraise cause page to create your fundraising page and start raising funds for the Schizophrenia Fellowship!
GoFundraise provides charities and not-for-profit organisations with a way to fundraise online. It enables registered organisations to effectively fundraise through their existing events, or to benefit from events and campaigns GoFundraise supports across Australia.
|
|
|
World first schizophrenia library launched
The Schizophrenia Library is a free online one stop shop for a wide range of information on schizophrenia. Launched on June 21 by the Hon. Carmel Tebbutt, MP, Minister for Health, on completion the Library will allow the general public, researchers, clinicians and policy makers to search from over 400 topics to discover more information on treatment, risk factors and course and outcomes of the illness.
The wide range of topics will be grouped into nine different categories, including treatment, signs and symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis, course and outcome, physical factors, comorbid conditions, population perspective and families.
Read more ...
|
|
Are you a good friend? Mental Health Month October 2010
Mental Health Month, running during the month of October, will ask us all how we can be better friends. This year’s theme is ‘Good friends help us bounce back’. Friends are an important source of social support during tough times, providing practical help, a listening ear, information and advice.
Mental Health Month NSW (formerly Mental Health Week NSW) aims to promote social and emotional wellbeing. The month of October will see community groups all over the state stage their own Mental Health Month events to promote wellbeing and improve mental health literacy. It’s an opportunity for all residents of NSW to think about their own resilience and what resources they can use and build on to support them when times are tough.
A highlight of the campaign will be the official launch of Mental Health Month on October 12 from 11 am to 2.30 pm in Church St Mall, Parramatta. All are welcome to attend this free and enjoyable event. For more information about events happening across the state visit www.mentalhealth.asn.au.
As part of this year’s Mental Health Month campaign, the Mental Health Association of NSW is conducting a survey to better understand the relationship between friendship, resilience and mental wellbeing. Participants can win a prize worth $150. Find out more or fill out the survey now!
|
|
World Suicide Prevention Day - Friday September 10
On World Suicide Prevention Day, events, conferences, campaigns and local activities around the world call public attention to one of the world’s largest causes of premature and unnecessary death — suicide. This year’s theme is Many Faces, Many Places: Suicide Prevention Around the World.
Over 65,000 Australians attempt suicide each year, with around 2,200 dying by suicide annually.
The 2010 Wesley Mission LifeForce Suicide Memorial Day Sydney will be held at the Sydney Opera House on Friday September 10, bringing together those who are concerned about or have been touched by suicide. It is an opportunity to remember those lost to suicide and come together in a spirit of comfort and hope.
For more information on the LifeForce Suicide Memorial, click here.
For more information on World Suicide Prevention Day, click here.
Click here for a flyer about mental health awareness and suicide prevention in culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities.
|
|
11th Biennial Australasian Schizophrenia Conference
The Schizophrenia Research Institute will host the 11th Biennial Australasian Schizophrenia Conference (ASC2010) in Sydney on 22-24 September 2010. This is the major schizophrenia focused conference in the region and will include over 300 psychiatrists, medical practitioners, psychologists, research scientists, clinical educators, nurses and other mental health workers.
The theme of the conference is 'Molecules to Mind', which reflects the broad perspective required to achieve a greater scientific understanding of schizophrenia — understanding that will make a tangible difference in the lives of people with this illness.
ASC2010 will also feature a free public forum on schizophrenia and psychosis, facilitated by the ABC’s Kerry O’Brien, to be held on the evening of Tuesday 21 September. The theme of the forum will be: 'Has research been of benefit to people with schizophrenia?'
For more information on ASC2010, click here.
|
|
Launch of the Peter Meyer Fund for research into schizophrenia
The Schizophrenia Fellowship of NSW is delighted to announce the launch of the Peter Meyer Fund for research into schizophrenia.
Schizophrenia is a devastating illness that targets young people in their prime - promising young people who have had much to offer society, and much to look forward to. Peter Daniel Meyer was no exception.
He was born in 1964, and was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia in 1987 at the age of twenty two. Despite twenty unbelievably difficult years when he lived with the debilitating symptoms of this illness – when he imagined his enemies lurked at every corner, and a dreadful band of Nazis was about to target his precious eyesight – he managed to complete his Bachelor of Arts Degree at Sydney University, a media writing and editing course at RMIT, and during the last year of his life he worked hard to produce some significant drawings and paintings at St. Georges TAFE. Peter was a student of Sydney Grammar.
On the 1st January 2003 Peter Meyer took his own life because of the torments of schizophrenia. He was 38 years old. Within days of his death his parents Rosalind and Bob Meyer set up the Peter Meyer Fund, through the Schizophrenia Fellowship of NSW. The aim of the Fund is to offer small grants to young researchers working specifically in the field of schizophrenia.
The Peter Meyer Fund was established with some very generous donations from family and friends. Rosalind Meyer has also written two books. The first, A window into schizophrenia, was published in 2004 and highly commended. It featured Peter’s drawings and some of his essays. Her second book, Rosie’s War: escape from Singapore 1942, is about the Japanese attack on Singapore. The proceeds from both books have gone to support the Peter Meyer Fund.
The Peter Meyer Fund is calling for its inaugural applications for a grant of $5000. The Fund focuses on all aspects of cause, treatment and support for schizophrenia and is open to researchers under 35. The very first of the Peter Meyer grants will be presented to a worthy young researcher on the 5th November, 2010 at the Schizophrenia Fellowship 25th Anniversary Dinner.
By some strange coincidence this day would have been Peter’s 46th birthday.
For more information please contact the Fellowship on 9879 2600
|
|
SFNSW 25th Anniversary Dinner
 Friday November 5 2010
6.30 for 7pm
Bankstown Sports Club
8 Greenfield Parade,
Bankstown
General - $80 pp
Consumer - $25 pp
includes 3 course dinner with drinks
2010 is the year of the Fellowship’s 25th Anniversary
This year we can reflect on a quarter of a century of grass roots advocacy, providing services to people with a mental illness and their carers and international award winning destigmatisation campaigns. Our very first meeting occurred on the evening of November 20 1985.
While there are many plans for celebrating this milestone in the Fellowship’s history. I would particularly like to note one - There will be a 25th Anniversary Dinner Dance which will be held at the Bankstown Sports Club which is very close to both rail and bus transport and has a very large on site car park.
It will be held on the evening of November 5. We have particularly selected this venue for the quality of the environment and the fact that it has a motel/hotel attached which can provide accommodation for rural attendees or those that feel they may want to stay for the night.
There will be a few guests of honour who have played a major part in the Fellowship’s development or who have contributed greatly to the cause of mental illness. These will be announced in coming newsletters and on this website as they are confirmed.
There will also be some major surprises on the night so book early to ensure that you get a seat or if you are with a support group or other large grouping consider booking a table. Details regarding costs and booking form can be found by clicking here.
We will be keeping the cost of the dinner at cost and will be offering a discount price well below this cost for consumers.
The Hon Frank Walker QC - President
Enquiries: Pam Bruce on 02 9879 2600 or Email: pam@sfnsw.org.au
Accomodation is available at the adjoining Travelodge Bankstown
Please call 02 9793 0000 & mention the Fellowship when you book for a discounted rate:
$145 (no breakfast) $157 (with breakfast) plus $40 extra for a triple occupancy.
|
|
$1.4m of funding for mentoring program
Date published: Thursday, 15 April 2010
Source: The Daily Advertiser
More people living with mental health issues will have improved lives after the federal government announced $1.4 million in funding for a specialist mentor program. Wagga's Schizophrenia Fellowship has received the funds which will be used in its Personal Helper and Mentor Program (PHAMS) for people who are unable to access a range of services due to their mental health issues.
Read more...
|
|
Sheila Openshaw's website win
Date published: Wednesday, 17 March 2010
Source: Port Macquarie News
A new website has been launched to support Hastings people affected by mental illness, their carers and families. The Hastings Mental Health Support Group went online for the first time last week, to raise awareness of mental illnesses such as depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Group leader Sheila Openshaw said the website was a “wonderful tool” and the first of its kind in the region.
Read more...
|
|
Insight on SBS - Minds At Risk
 Australian of the Year Professor Patrick McGorry, a pioneer in youth mental health, says mental illness is the single biggest health risk facing our kids, yet many receive little or no help.
With three quarters of all mental health issues appearing before the age of 25, Professor McGorry is calling for an urgent rethink of our mental health system.
He says a renewed focus on young people and early intervention the answer.
So how do you know if your child is at risk? What’s normal what’s not? And is getting in early really the answer?
Click here to watch online, view the transcript or leave a comment
|
|
 
Volunteers needed - Genetics and cognition study
Volunteers aged between 18-60 years with a diagnosis of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder are sought for participation in research on genetics and cognition at the Black Dog Institute, Prince of Wales Hospital.
The research entails individual participation for a 4-hour period at the Black Dog Institute. You will complete a clinical interview, some brief cognitive tasks, undergo an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) brain scan, and donate blood for genetic analysis.
Volunteers must be proficient in English, and must not have any metal implants (e.g., pace-maker). Participants will be reimbursed $50 for travel expenses and time spent participating.
For enquiries, please contact Bianca Lino (9382 9249) or Amy Sparks (9382 2997).
|
|
One family’s experience with schizophrenia
“We carers do a lot of grieving, for the grandchildren we’ll never have, for the loss of life that my son could have had.”
A Port Macquarie mother who has dedicated much of her life to looking after her son who is living with schizophrenia recently touched the hearts of those attending a national sales conference on Queensland’s Gold Coast.
Sheila Openshaw was invited by Eli Lilly to share her story with members of their neuroscience sales team to help them better understand how a patient’s journey with schizophrenia impacts on an entire family and broader community.
 Sheila, who is a wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunty and niece shared that despite her many responsibilities she is first and foremost a carer.
With her husband Alan by her side, Sheila shared their experiences with her son David who was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia as a teenager. She told of the challenges they faced before, during and after diagnosis and how effective treatment and rehabilitation has helped David rebuild his life with the support of his family.
(Photo Caption: Sheila and Alan Openshaw with members of the Eli Lilly neuroscience team)
Sheila spoke of David’s constant struggle with hearing voices and paranoia – he would wake her and Alan up in the middle of the night to ask them if they were talking about him. He also covered the air vents in his bedroom and pulled the carpet up to reveal old antennae wiring which he claimed was being used by people next door to listen to his thoughts. She shared how hopeless she felt as David was admitted in and out of hospital during which time he was interviewed by several doctors which eventually resulted in his diagnosis.
“There were times when I didn’t know how I was going to cope; I would be driving David to hospital at all hours, waiting in accident and emergency, hours upon hours in the middle of the night,” she said.
“Many times I would be driving home with tears streaming down my face, hoping and praying this would be the last time this would happen and that one day I would wake up and David would be cured.”
After several suicide attempts, a six-month period in a locked ward and trials of numerous treatment options, Sheila told of another chapter in her journey – David’s eight and a half year rehabilitation at Morisset Hospital.
Sheila shared the range of ongoing challenges she and David faced during this time but also the turning points in David’s journey which eventually resulted in him being able to return home to Port Macquarie where he lived in a group home.
With an expression of pride and satisfaction, she told the group of her son’s gradual improvement over the years which eventually resulted in him being able to move out on his own. David now lives independently, does all his own shopping and housework and is also an avid volunteer in the local community.
“I now call in to David’s home and can sit with him for hours and just listen and talk to him about his psychosis and all the troubles he feels he is experiencing,” she said.David and I like our good old cup of tea together and we still manage to have lots of laughs.”
Sheila began her journey as a mental health carer when David was 17 years of age. He is now 37. Throughout the difficult times, she has found the Schizophrenia Fellowship of NSW to be a great source of strength and is dedicated to using her experience to help others through her own support group.
For more information about the Hastings Mental Health Support Group, contact Sheila on (02) 6582 5592 or aopenshaw@bigpond.com.au
This article was written with the assistance of Eli Lilly Australia Pty. Ltd. 112 Wharf Rd, West Ryde, NSW 2114. AUZYP00263
|
|
2UE interview with SFNSW CEO Rob Ramjan
SFNSW CEO Rob Ramjan talks on radio station 2UE with Dr. Ross Walker's Healthy Living program.
(Please note - interview begins approx 14:50 minutes into program)
Read more...
|
|
People with a mental illness make great workers!
OSTARA Disability Employment Services
We’re off to a great start to the year with a new employment program specifically designed for people with mental illness. The Fellowship will be providing Disability Employment Services at six sites around NSW. We will be able to cover the Northern Beaches, Campbelltown, Bowral, Goulburn, Yass, Wagga Wagga, Temora, the Shoalhaven and Burwood areas. The team has been working hard ensure the service will be ready to open its doors on Monday 1 March.
The setup has been a great team effort by everyone involved. The support and ideas from staff for establishing DES as cost effectively as possible have been fantastic.
DES will provide the following services to job seekers who have or have had a mental illness:
• help in finding a job and starting employment in the open labour market
• continuing support when starting employment
• support while training for a particular job
Our job seekers will have access to individually tailored and comprehensive services including capacity building, training, work experience and other activities. An individual tailored pathway plan will be developed in consultation with the job seeker. The plan will take into account individual needs and identify the services and training that will best help them to find and keep employment.
To access Disability Employment Services people must be registered with Centrelink . In most cases a person must be assessed by a Job Capacity Assessment Provider before they can join the new service. People can get a referral from Centrelink or come directly to the service to receive assistance and to confirm or organise assessment.
We will be able to commit to early intervention partnerships with schools and other services to ensure employment assistance is available as soon as a person with a mental illness is ready to participate.
An Employment Assistance Fund will provide job seekers, employers and providers with easier access to resources to assist with finding and maintaining employment, such as workplace modifications and Auslan interpreting services.
Many participants will be able to leave Disability Employment Services as independent workers once they have moved into sustainable employment. Ongoing support will be available for as long as it is required to help the individual maintain their employment. Flexible ongoing support is a new feature and will provide a safety net for people who have been placed into work, but who may require irregular or less predictable access to support to maintain employment. This option better supports those people with mental health and other episodic conditions.
We will also assist people who are employed but whose jobs are in jeopardy because of work problems related to their illness, injury or disability. These services are intended to assist people maintain their employment
OSTARA is a network of service provider organisations contracted by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) to provide specialised employment help for people who have or are experiencing mental health illness. The new Disability Employment Services will involve working with employers to supply work-ready job seekers who can meet local labour market demands.
If you would like any more information please contact the Fellowship on 02 9879 2600.
|
|