WHETHER it be raising awareness for women\u2019s safety during her time as a student, or to the security of casual contracts while at Federation University, Dr Mary Hollick said advocating for others has been a lifelong drive for her. <\/p>\n
Working for decades in the mental health advocacy space she said her goal, like many of her pursuits, was born out of lived experience. <\/p>\n
\u201cMy mother was a very sensitive, lovely person who suffered with mental ill health. I lost a sister to it, and I have a son who lives with it too,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn this sphere, they\u2019ve been my three great teachers from whom I\u2019ve learned everything. Then in speaking to families and carers, you learn a great deal about the extent and degree of unnecessary suffering.<\/p>\n
\u201cBecause of the invisibility of it, people can appear able but are having these crucifying thoughts. They suffer a double discrimination.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dr Hollick\u2019s mental health advocacy is lately being utilised as part of Grampians Health\u2019s Interim Regional Body, which will see her impart hers and other\u2019s lived experience in establishing systemic mental health reforms across Victoria.<\/p>\n
She said a highlight for her in the space has been working as part of the Ballarat Mental Health Collective for about a decade, which organises the free mental health expo and circle of solidarity. <\/p>\n
Growing her advocacy concerns from those experiencing chronic mental health to their carers to supportive psychosocial housing, Dr Hollick\u2019s efforts have continuously expanded.<\/p>\n
As a steering group member for Compassionate Ballarat, Dr Hollick helped lead the Safe Shelter project, which attempted to provide housing for those experiencing homelessness, using the Ballarat Central Uniting Church as a shelter.<\/p>\n
Dr Hollick said she plans to revive the initiative, and is currently part of an effort to bring a Sleepbus to the region. <\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s a lot of misunderstanding with people on the street,\u201d she said. \u201cThey can be disturbing at times when they\u2019re particularly unwell.<\/p>\n
\u201cMost of the time, they\u2019re self-medicating because they can\u2019t access appropriate treatment. It\u2019s been proven they can flourish with love and support. <\/p>\n
\u201cRather than achievement, I think about contributions that are ongoing. I\u2019m very privileged to be part of a very active congregation at Ballarat Central Uniting Church.\u201d <\/p>\n
Dr Hollick\u2019s contributions in advocating for those experiencing chronic mental health, and homelessness have seen her honoured as one of six inductees in this year\u2019s Ballarat\u2019s Great Women honour roll coordinated by the Zonta Club of Ballarat.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
WHETHER it be raising awareness for women\u2019s safety during her time as a student, or to the security of casual contracts while at Federation University, Dr Mary Hollick said advocating for others has been a lifelong drive for her. Working for decades in the mental health advocacy space she said her goal, like many of […]<\/p>\n