Inner South Parents and Friends

Pre-view and comment on draft COPMI DVD

Monash University is looking for parents to pre-view and comment on a draft DVD that the COPMI (Children of Parents with a Mental Illness) national initiative has developed.

The DVD provides information about mental illness, how it might impact on families and how parents can support their children.

Participants must
·         Have at least one child aged 8-12
·         Have anxiety, depression – or both
·         Be in treatment or have recently completed treatment for depression or anxiety

· Agree to complete a questionnaire before and after watching the DVD resource...

Draft Supported Residential Services Regulations

'Community Services Minister Mary Wooldridge has invited public comment on draft regulations for Victoria's Supported Residential Services (SRS).... "The draft regulations set out the detailed requirements for application processes, information for residents, complaints procedures, record keeping and reporting, the accommodation and personal support standards, staffing requirements, and fees and money management."...

ARAFEMI joins the Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia

'ARAFEMI, a long-standing Victorian provider of mental health services, has become a member organisation of the Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia (MIFA). As the Victorian member, ARAFEMI will work alongside a strong network of organisations in each state and territory to improve the lives of people affected by serious illness.'

For further information or enquiries please contact: MIFA Executive Director David Meldrum 08 8271 1028
ARAFEMI Executive Director Frances Sanders 03 9810 9300

Briefing paper - Mental Health Legal Centre

'Justice Legislation Amendment (Protective Services Officers) Bill 2011 and new mental health powers

The Bill aims to give armed protective services officers (PSOs) on Melbourne train stations, and other designated places, powers to "combat crime and antisocial behaviour". Worryingly, it also gives PSOs the power to apprehend, using reasonable force, a person who hasn't committed a crime, but whom the PSO reasonably believes appears to be mentally ill, and is at risk of suicide or causing serious bodily harm. Until now, only police had these powers, under section 10 of the Mental Health Act 1986 (Vic) (MHA).'

Cannabis link to psychosis

'A new study has provided the first conclusive evidence that cannabis use significantly hastens the onset of psychotic illnesses during the critical years of brain development - with possible life-long consequences.

The first ever meta-analysis of more than 20 000 patients shows that smoking cannabis is associated with an earlier onset of psychotic illness by up to 2.7 years...

In partnership with St Vincent's Hospital and The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, the study set out to establish the extent to which use of cannabis, alcohol and other psychoactive substances affects the age at onset of psychotic illnesses such as schizophrenia...

New mental health consumer website

Heidi Everett a well known artist, musician, writer, speaker and mental health consumer has launched a publication about a consumer philosophy called *Mental Sk'illness* on the website http://skillness.weebly.com/.

If you're part of a health/social welfare organisation and like the website please let Heidi know and she will add your link to the links/contact page.

Access Unlimited

Access Unlimited in partnership with the Cities of Stonnington and Glen Eira offers a wide range of sporting activities at a low or no cost for people with disabilities. Tennis lessons are available at the Chadstone Tennis Club for $5 per session. Contact is Alison Leydin on 0417 577 694 or pobox682@bigpond.com...

Carers Victoria State Election Campaign 2010

Carers Victoria is encouraging carers to take action and join their campaign to advocate for better supports and services for caring families and those they care for. Families can assist by contacting the media and writing to government and opposition members prior to the state election on Saturday 27 November 2010...

beyondblue Anxiety and Depression Awareness Month

October 2010 is beyondblue Anxiety and Depression Awareness Month. To help raise awareness and reduce stigma beyondblue suggests you can:
- wear a beyondblue wristband during October
- take a beyondblue carry bag with you when you're shopping
- put a beyondblue magnet on the fridge
- encourage your family and friends to keep active - organise a group walk, bike ride or game in the park
- visit www.beyondblue.org.au to find out about beyondblue events and activities...

Money Help Victoria

MoneyHelp is an initiative of the Victorian Government which aims to assist, community service providers, local councils, businesses, industry groups and individuals by providing:
- a free phone financial counselling service, offering a financial counselling and debt advice service for Victorians experiencing financial difficulty as a result of job loss or reduced working hours, ...