New community clinic opens
10 October 2011
A new mental health drop-in clinic to help support and empower Tamworth’s Aboriginal community will be launched at Coledale on Monday, 10 October 2011.
The Coledale clinic is an initiative of Hunter New England Mental Health and has been developed in partnership with local Elders and the community.
Aboriginal clinical leader with HNE Mental Health Bronwyn Pascoe said the outreach service aimed to help prevent escalation of mental health issues by providing easy access to a culturally appropriate service.
“About one in five Australians will experience a mental illness at some stage in their lives. There is no shame in that,” Ms Pascoe said.
“However, we know that Aboriginal people in the Coledale community don’t generally access existing mental health services, so we are taking the service to them.”
The drop-in clinic will operate from the Coledale Community Centre for half a day each fortnight. Appointments are not necessary. It is open to all members of the Coledale community, about a third of whom are Aboriginal.
“This is a very exciting project for us,” she said.
“The clinic is not a crisis service. Instead, it gives us a chance to sit down and yarn with local people, hear their stories, support them and respond to their needs.”
The team of mental health nurses, clinicians and a psychiatrist will provide prevention, promotion and early intervention activities, education and advice to support families and carers, specialist clinical services, and support for people recovering from mental illness.
Hunter New England Mental Health Acting General Manager David McLeod said the service worked with Elders in the community to develop the clinic.
“They stressed the need for an accessible and culturally appropriate service that could meet the community’s needs in a setting and way that could reduce the stigma and shame often attached to having a mental illness,” Mr McLeod said.
“Hunter New England Health is committed to closing the gap in life expectancy and health outcomes for Aboriginal people, and this is one way we can help do that.”
A community day of activities (from 10am to 3pm) has been organised for Monday’s launch, including an Aboriginal dance company, didgeridoo player, painting, tai chi demonstrations, laughter yoga, a jumping castle, information stalls and opportunities to meet and talk with staff.
Contact: Frances Holz
Phone: 4939 2216