Connections to improve mental wellbeing

BALLARAT Community Health’s new program, Connecting2Community will link people experiencing mental health challenges with those with similar lived experiences and aims to assist in recovery.

Jane Measday, general manager social support at BCH, said creating the program with a co-design methodology and mindset was liberating, working to fill a mental health service gap.

“People are experts in their own lives. It’s a program where a peer worker meets with people, sits and listens…to find out what would make a difference to them if they were connected back into the community,” Ms Measday said.

“What is something of interest to them so that they can make connections locally? An example being, if someone has an interest in line dancing, where are the line dancing classes?

“How do people get there, what stops them getting there, and working on those things to empower people to form natural relationships and be sustained and supported by the community.”

Mental health peer worker, Rick Corney named the program, having developed it with Ms Measday over 18 months.

He was diagnosed with schizophrenia 22 years ago and lost his ability to communicate with people in Avoca, his home.

When he was encouraged to get involved with the local cricket club, his world gradually brightened, and having a connection to community gave him hope and supportive networks again.

“I can really feel from my own experience how important it is to feel like there’s some connection to your community,” Mr Corney said.

Catherine King, federal member for Ballarat, said mental health challenges are on the rise.

“If you have a program or programs that are designed with people right at the centre…we are more likely to enhance recovery,” she said.