Mental Health

A good overview of mental health within the country and/or region of the patient and carer will provide a framework of knowledge and support.

Patients and carers find mental health organisations useful for support groups, crisis support, and for obtaining a wide range of information on many issues. Most importantly though, mental illness is very isolating, and support groups provide much needed companionship from like-minded people. The resources below are also available as PDF attachments that can be downloaded and printed for personal, patient and carer use. Click to view Mental Health Agencies 4.2.pdf and Mental Health Agencies and Resources for Carers 4.2.pdf

• The Mental Health Commission New Zealand
It advises the Government of New Zealand on the requirements of people experiencing mental health illness and addictions, and advocates for improvements in the way mental illness and addiction are perceived and responded to.                                                                                                                                 http://www.mhc.govt.nz/

• The Mental Health Foundation New Zealand
It works towards creating a society free from discrimination, where all people enjoy positive mental health and well-being. The work seeks to influence individuals, whānau, organisations and communities to improve and sustain their mental health and reach their full potential.
http://www.mentalhealth.org.nz

• The Mental Health Council of Australia (MHCA)
It is the peak, national non-government organisation representing and promoting the interests of the Australian mental health sector and is committed to achieving better mental health for all Australians.
http://www.mhca.org.au/

• Māori Health
This site provides information about Māori health and highlights the policies, programs and people addressing Māori health.
http://www.maorihealth.govt.nz/

• Richmond Fellowship New Zealand
The Richmond Fellowship is a national provider of community mental health and support services.
Phone: (64) 03 365 3211
www.richmondnz.org

• Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet
This site is an innovative internet resource that aims to inform practice and policy in Indigenous health by making research and other knowledge readily accessible. In this way, the HealthInfoNet aims to contribute to ‘closing the gap’ in health standards between Indigenous and other Australians.
http://www.healthinfonet.ecu.edu.au/

Information for carers

The first two websites in particular will serve as excellent starting points for carers.

• Carers Australia
This is the national peak body representing the diversity of carers in Australia. The site offers practical information for carers and has an About Carers section. Organisations are state and territory based; this site has links to each of these. The Carer Advisory and Counselling Service telephone number is 1800 242 636.
http://www.carersaustralia.com.au/

• Supporting Families in Mental Illness New Zealand
Supporting Families provides education, advocacy and support for family/whānau of people experiencing a major mental illness. Branch contact details are provided.
http://www.supportingfamiliesnz.org.nz/ 

• Carers New Zealand
This site is a general carer’s website offering help, advice, information and resources.
http://www.carers.net.nz/

• SANE (Australia)
This is a national charity working for a better life for people affected by mental illness.     
http://www.sane.org/

 The following list names other useful resources for carers.

• Beyondblue is the Australian national depression initiative with an informative website. The site offers a free carer’s booklet and DVD, carer’s resources, publications, links to organisations and research findings.
http://www.beyondblue.org.au/index.aspx?link_id=59.1178

• Mental Illness Fellowship (Australia) – The Well Ways Project run by the Mental Illness Fellowship Australia offers family education programs, information and support to families and friends of people with mental illness.
http://www.mifa.org.au/well-ways-suite 

• Carers supporting people with Chronic Mental Health Conditions 
This resource is due for completion in 2010 and will comprise an education and training DVD. It aims to enhance the existing and future health workforces’ understanding of how to work effectively with carers of people with chronic mental health and comorbid health conditions and risk factors. This resource would be appropriate for carers as well.                                                                                                                                            http://som.flinders.edu.au/FUSA/CCTU/research.htm

• Recovery from Mental Illness. RANZCP. This DVD can be obtained by contacting RANZCP on (61) 03 9640 0646.

Government

The relevant governments of Australia and New Zealand are responsible for policy, implementation of policy and initiatives and funding and also provide information for patients and carers on personal entitlements and support agencies in each country.

• In Australia, mental health is the responsibility of the Department of Health and Ageing. Included on this website is a patient (consumer) specific tab including a section for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health.
  www.health.gov.au

• In New Zealand, mental health is the responsibility of the Ministry of Health.
  www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/indexmh/mentalhealth