ANGLICARE supported Mental Health Month
ANGLICARE’s mental health programs, the Personal Helpers and Mentors (PHaMs) and Urban Arts Base (UAB) celebrated Mental Health month by encouraging people to think holistically about their mental health and wellbeing.
Funded by the Federal Government, ANGLICARE’s PHaMs program is a mental health program that provides case management services for people with complex care needs. It is a strengths-based mental health recovery program that focuses on what people can do to facilitate their recovery from mental illness.
UAB is a creative space for young people (15-30) who experience mental health issues. Supported by ANGLICARE Sydney, it provides an environment where young people can regain the confidence and skills necessary to re-engage with education, employment, vocational training and social and community networks.
Throughout October PHaMs and UAB hosted events designed to create awareness around the many ways people can care for their wellbeing and invest in their life.
Encouraging people to take steps to maintain mental health, Christina Riolo, ANGLICARE PHaMs Program Manager said many things contributed to staying well and having a life that is fulfilling and engaged.
“Our PHaMs program for instance, organises walking and stretching groups that provide both an opportunity for physical activity and also a chance to get together with others and build supportive relationships.”
Community cafes also operate at Bondi and Maroubra, providing a safe space to socialise and reconnect with the community. On World Mental Health Day, October 10, cafe members came together to share fresh food and juices.
In partnership with Magnolia House, PHaMs provided a variety of workshops including meditation, sound play, art therapy and kiryuho. The workshops ran concurrent with the Bondi cafe, Mondays 11am-1pm and Maroubra cafe, Thursdays 2pm – 4pm and will continue into November.
Urban Arts Base facilitated an Art Challenge, culminating in an exhibition on Tuesday 25th October at Katipo Coffee House Deluxe, Bondi. Exhibited works included those created by UAB members and those produced during “Art Reach” sessions at the Kiloh Centre and Randwick Girls High School.
“The opportunity for UAB members to exhibit and sell their work is important in fostering their self esteem and self worth” says Rachel Shiels, UAB coordinator.
For more information about PHaMs, please contact Anglicare Bondi (02) 8362 3700. For more information about UAB please call (02) 9328 3014 or visit www.urbanartsbase.org.au.
