Monthly Archive for March, 2010

Follow Up - Vicky & Lenny’s Trip

Following on from the Queensland/ NSW remote health facility trip Lenny and I did in July/August last year as you may remember, I’ve started ringing folk at these facilities again to reconnect, say hello, see how things are going and if there is anything I can do to help.  Been able to help in a number of cases and promote the BSS Stress Competition and Blanket knitting activity.
There’s lots of water out there and when I talked to a couple today large amounts of rain with townships and stations cut off by road. Makes the sense of isolated and remote even greater.
Will be expanding on this, making contact with members and non-members through their workplaces further a field into South and Western Australia. So don’t be surprised if you get a call from me sometime soon, but hey why wait? Call me then I’ll get back to you at a convenient time for you and then you don’t have to bear the cost! This doesn’t have to be in business hours, I’m really flexible with it.
Anyway look forward to connecting and listening.

Vicki Gordon – Remote Support

Mental Health First Aid

I went along to this two day workshop recently here in Alice and found it well worthwhile. All members of the community would benefit from this standing alongside First Aid and like it has an action acronym. Undoubtedly courses like this help with the fear and stigma generally associated with mental health.
Mental health it seems unfortunately is an increasing or more recognized problem that is under-resourced. This was highlighted in the National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission Report.
This award-winning course is available nationally and if you look up the website (www.mhfa.com.au) you’ll be able to see where and when to access it.
Crisis situations of suicidal behaviours, acute stress reaction, panic attacks and acute psychotic behaviour are covered, as are depression, anxiety, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

- Vicki Gordon