Community Programs

Mental Health Support for Drought Affected Communities

Prolonged dry conditions combined with other climate issues such as bushfires have had a severe impact on the mental health of people living in rural Australia. The resulting financial, social and personal pressures have significantly affected the wellbeing of rural and remote communities.

Central West Gippsland Division of General Practice coordinates a program that focuses on developing and implementing a sustainable approach to mental health and wellbeing support for people living in climate affected communities.

The Community Support Program will:

  • Provide information, support and referral to counselling services for people experiencing mental health related issues such as anxiety and depression in climate affected areas
  • Support rural communities through activities that raise community awareness about the impact of climate change on mental health and wellbeing
  • Work in partnership with General Practice and other key service providers to promote and deliver services, education and training to raise awareness about mental health and wellbeing

Resources

The following resources have been obtained from various sources and are available to general practitioners and general practices to assist patients:

  • A Mental Health and Wellbeing Resource Card (PDF) is focused on local, regional and national services and includes relevant contact information. It has been developed for health professionals to distribute to patients. The resource card is available to the general public, community groups and industry to raise awareness of the services available to assist those who are affected by a mental health crisis
  • A Central West Gippsland Mental Health Service System (PDF) is focused on the assessment, referral and treatment options, including appropriate support services available for a patient identified as having a mental health disorder or condition
  • beyondblue moves the focus of depression away from a mental health service issue to one which is acknowledged and addressed by the wider community. beyondblue factsheets provide information related to anxiety, depression and other mental illnesses
  • The Division is working closely with beyondblue to deliver workshops and disseminate information and resources to the rural community of Central West Gippsland. Drought Resource Kits containing factsheets about depression, national helpline details, stress-busting tips, a self-help book about depression and other useful DVD presentations are available.

Education & Training

  • Mental Health First Aid Training
    Mental Health First Aid Training program is designed to train health professionals and members of the public on how to support someone in a mental health crisis or at early onset of a mental illness
  • beyondblue: Don’t Beat About the Bush! Workshops
    A beyondblue Mental Health Awareness training workshop developed in response to the impact of drought, bushfires and the growing risk of depression in rural communities. The workshop helps to raise awareness of depression, anxiety and health issues related to drug and alcohol use

Working with Community

  • Community Kitchens
    Community Kitchens operate across Gippsland and offer an alternative approach to promoting and developing healthy eating, personal skills and a social support network. A group of 6 – 10 people meet regularly to cook healthy low cost meals
    For further information contact the Health Promotion Officer at Latrobe Community Health Service or Community Services at West Gippsland Health Care Group

Future community events

• Are you or a community group interested in holding mental health promotion activities?

• Do you have ideas for community activities or events to support rural families and your local community?

If you have answered YES to any of these questions we would like to hear from you or your group.

Links

Department of Health & Ageing (Australian Federal Government)

Provides consumer information about Mental Health Support for Drought Affected Communities initiative

beyondblue: the national depression initiative

Provides information on depression, anxiety, substance-use disorders and available treatments
www.beyondblue.org.au

Central West Gippsland Primary Care Partnerships

A partnership of health and community support agencies working together in the municipalities of Baw Baw and Latrobe and provide information about health promotion
www.cwgpcp.com

Better Health Channel

Provides health and medical information for consumers including links to mental health topics of interest
www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au