Authors: Family & Carer Mental Health Program, Far West Local Health District
Year: 2013
Event: 2013 TheMHS Awards
Subject:
Type of resource: TheMHS Awards
Award state: NSW
Award level: Special Judges Award: Carer Focus
Award category: Mental Health Promotion or Mental Illness Prevention Program or Project
Abstract: The Intangible Storytelling Project shares the journey of seven carers, supporting someone they love living with mental illness, from the Far West of NSW. Intangible has been themed around the local landscapes, allowing a common visual link to the communities the carers live in and a connection with the underlying themes of Intangible – tempest, isolation, diversity, connections, resilience, rejuvenation and thriving. Speaking up and being identified in a small community can be as daunting as it is empowering. Being allowed the privilege of entering another’s world and sharing their story with us takes much courage. These stories reflect strength, insight and unconditional love. Intangible wants the viewer to stop, take a moment, reflect on their own views and maybe for some, even change the way they think. For those that are supporting a loved one living with mental illness, it is hoped that Intangible will remind you that you are not alone and inspire you to stand up, acknowledge your very important role and be heard.
Description of Facility/Organisation: Far West Local Health District (FWLHD) is the second largest LHD in NSW and covers a distance of almost 195,000 square kilometres with an estimated population of 30,099. The LHD covers 5 Local Government Areas (LGA) with the Broken Hill LGA representing 62% of the catchment population with 19,361 people. The LHD is unique in that it shares a border with three states – South Australia, Victoria and Queensland – and geographically is closer to Melbourne and Adelaide, than Sydney (1,100 km away). The LHD includes eight public health facilities, two community Mental Health Drug and Alcohol teams in Broken Hill and Dareton and the Child and Family Health Centre in Broken Hill. The Family and Carer Mental Health Program is delivered in partnership with Mental Health Drug and Alcohol Services, FWLHD and CentaCare Wilcannia-Forbes and has 2 FTE and provides a wide range of supports, advocacy and wellbeing activities for families and carers supporting someone living with a mental illness. The Program is funded by NSW Health.
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