Working at the car wash reaches a healthy milestone

A program that has been providing work and support for people with a mental illness is celebrating its 10th birthday.

A Hunter New England Health initiative, the successful Car Wash program is a pre-vocational skills program and provides meaningful work for people with a diagnosed mental illness.

Current and past participants and health staff will celebrate the milestone at a special lunch on Friday 10 October at Amber House, 144 Commerce Street, Taree, from 11am.

The celebration is one of a number of community events and activities being held in the Manning area during Mental Health Week from October 5 to 11.  The theme, ‘appreciate the little things in life,’ focuses on building resilience to help foster mental health and wellbeing.

Building resilience is also one of the aims of the Car Wash program.

Co-ordinator of the Car Wash program Debra McMurtry said the part-time car wash serves corporate fleet vehicles as well as some private vehicles.

“It is based on the understanding that ‘work’ of and by itself is beneficial to health,” Ms McMurtry said.

“There is still a lot of stigma out there in the community surrounding mental health and a lot of it is a fear of the unknown.

“Unfortunately our participants are all people who have been excluded by their mental illness from work in the mainstream community.”

Working at the car wash gives participants a point of contact between mental health consumers and the community, offers membership of a peer group, helps develop participants’ skills, and provides meaningful work, a ‘work’ routine, and a small income supplement.

“It gives the participants a sense of pride because of their work, teaches the value of team work and is a source of self-esteem,” Ms McMurtry said.

 “Ten years is a long time for a program like this and its longevity is testament to its success, but also the need.”

To arrange an interview or photo opportunity please contact the Hunter New England Health Communication Unit on 4985 5522.

Contact: Communication Unit

Phone: (02) 4985 5522