No Suppression Group: Paula Hanlon and Linda Mizzi

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By April 17, 2015 No Comments

Authors: North Shore Ryde MHS, Northern Sydney Local Health District, NSW

Year: 2013

Event: 2013 TheMHS Awards

Subject:

Type of resource: TheMHS Awards

Award state: NSW

Award level: Silver

Award category: Consumer Provided

Abstract: No Suppression, a peer facilitated group meets monthly on a Saturday afternoon. The purpose of the group is to provide a safe and encouraging environment for people living with mental health issues to share their creative self, through art, music, poetry, comedy, drama or just expressing their thoughts on a topic. Living with mental illness can, at times suppress this part of ourselves and the facilitators and participants of this group believe that not suppressing this creative aspect is an important part of recovery and a full life. People are welcome to attend if they do not wish to perform, as an audience is just as valuable as the performers. Description of Facility/Organisation: The No Suppression Group meets at The Studio, a group room in Digby House on the grounds of the former Gladesville Hospital. The group is open to any person living with mental health issues who wish to attend. Participants come from all over Sydney, reaching the Northern, Eastern and Inner West suburbs. A partnership exists with North Shore Ryde Mental Health Service from the Northern Sydney Local Health District with the venue provided at no charge to the group and a time in lieu arrangement for Paula Hanlon, Manager Consumer Participation Services (Ryde Mental Health Service). As there is no funds for catering, people are encouraged to bring something to share for afternoon tea. From March 2011 to March 2013 there has been 20 groups, with a total attendance of 309 from 54 individuals. Group attendance ranged from 7 – 23, with an average of 15.45.

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