Thank you very much for your kind donation

20 November 2009

Hunter New England Mental Health staff and patients have been overwhelmed by the generosity of Tamworth and New England residents who responded to a recent call for magazine donations.

About 400 magazines were received from the Tamworth and Narrabri area.

The magazine drive was held during Mental Health Week in October and aimed to make a positive difference to people’s stay in hospital. It was organised by Hunter New England Mental Health in partnership with Tamworth Library.

Mental Health Promotion Officer Charmaine Alley said the magazines have been distributed to the mental health in-patient units in Tamworth and Armidale.

“We want to say a big thank you to our local community, the response was fantastic,” Ms Alley said.

“We had about 400 magazines donated and there was a great range too – from cooking and crafts to cars, off-road driving to women’s magazines.

“We are hoping we can run it again next year and maybe extend it to include other libraries in the region as collection points.”

Donations were left at Tamworth Library and also Narrabri Library.

Ms Alley said the magazines have added to the leisure activities available for patients.

“We have three inpatient units in the region and while they offer a range of leisure and recovery focused activities for patients to link in with, our patients really appreciate and benefit from up-to-date general reading material during their stay,” Ms Alley said.

“When people are in hospital for long periods of time it is very easy to feel disconnected from what is happening outside. This is a way to keep ‘in the loop’ with current happenings. 

“Something as simple as reading through a magazine is an enjoyable activity and can be a distraction from feeling unwell. It is also a chance for people to read about and learn something new, and perhaps be inspired by other people’s stories.”

Contact: Frances Holz

Phone: 4939 2216