MEDIA RELEASE

26 March 2008
For Immediate Release

WANGARATTA RESIDENTS TO BENEFIT FROM MENTAL HEALTH INITIATIVE

Residents from Wangaratta and surrounding areas experiencing a persistent mental illness are being encouraged to participate in the ‘Try it in Ten’ program, which is designed to aid recovery, develop supportive networks and promote access to crucial community services.

The ten week program, run by Mind (formerly Richmond Fellowship Victoria & South Australia), begins on 22nd April and is open to six people who will work together to develop their own framework for the program. The program aims to provide the opportunity for participants to build relationships and support networks within their own community.

Ruth Davenport, Program Manager of Mind’s Trinity Community Support Services, based in Wangaratta, says the initiative is designed to give participants the skills and confidence to actively participate in the local community and undertake activities that will assist in their recovery.

“The program focuses on practical things such as attending local events, facilities and activities with support, the hope being that at the end of the ten weeks, people will be able to continue these independently” said Ms Davenport

“The program model has been very successful in other rural areas such as Benalla, Myrtleford and Bright, because participants get to drive the focus of the program and choose the activities that are most beneficial to them.”

Activities that have been undertaken in other programs include walking, swimming, attending gym, bowling, golf, badminton, tennis, eating out and other entertainment.

Several participants from Benalla’s Try it in Ten program found being involved extremely beneficial;

“Try it in Ten was the best experience I’ve had with mental health support. I personally think it’s the best activity for people with applicable problems.”

“I appreciate the opportunity that Try it in Ten gave me, I loved doing exercise in a group environment. The encouragement was what I needed to get motivated.”

The program is funded by the Commonwealth Government Department of Health and Ageing and is open to people between the ages of 16 and 64 years.

The program begins on Tuesday 22nd April and welcomes interest from potential participants as well as referrals from doctors, case managers, family and carers. Referrals to be received by Monday 14th April to PO Box 1130, Wangaratta 3676.

For more information or to obtain a registration form please contact Jo Coles on 57 217 973 jcoles@mindaustralia.org.au

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An Interview and photo opportunity is available upon request.

Background – Mind (formerly Richmond Fellowship Victoria & South Australia)

Mind is one of Australia’s largest not-for-profit providers of mental health services. With more than 60 programs across Victoria and South Australia, it provides services to more than 2,000 people each year. Mind also assists people who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness to secure safe and stable accommodation. Over the past 30 years, Mind has helped thousands of people to live independent, productive and satisfying lives.

www.mindaustralia.org.au