Holistic, person-centred approach to mental health a focus in Western Australia – conference

Holistic, person-centred approach to mental health a focus in Western Australia – conference

Richmond Wellbeing, a not for profit organisation, has been developing the mental health industry and supporting the community in Western Australia for the past 40 years.

The WA Association for Mental Health (WAAMH) Conference is coming up on 10-11 March and four of the conference speakers will hail from Richmond Wellbeing, and present on prevalent mental health issues within both the health and public sector, including:

Lindsay Harlow – ‘Beyond Risk: From Suicide to Hope’. Lindsay will speak about the best way to support people at risk of suicide, outlining Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), a program designed to equip members of the community with skills to support those at risk of suicide.

Adrian Munro – ‘A Model for Working Alongside Aboriginal Elders’ – Adrian will share his experience in bridging the cultural divide, having worked with Aboriginal people, especially Elders, over some years. Adrian will present a model which he has developed to assist non-indigenous people to work in a more culturally sensitive manner with Aboriginal people.

Jolene Olde – As part of a panel discussion, Jolene will explore the experience of the partners and families of those suffering from mental illness, alcohol and drug addiction, physical health and criminal justice systems.

Lyn Mahboub –  on behalf of Curtin University’s Lived Experience program, Lyn and Curtin will provide an overview of the Valuing Lived Experience Project.

The WAAMH Conference is an annual event supported by the Mental Health Commission to provide a forum for learning, development and networking with a holistic, person-centred perspective, and engaging the full spectrum of the WA mental health sector and the community.

The Conference will be held at Fraser’s Function Centre in Kings Park. Further details and limited tickets are available through the WAAMH website: www.waamh.org.au/conference-2016/registration.aspx.

Learning about Hearing Voices

In the leadup to the conference, Danish-based mental health expert Trevor Eyles, in Perth in early March on the last stop of an Australian tour, will share his expertise with the local mental health community.

At a training day on March 4, Trevor will share his professional insights into The Aarhus Model, an innovative approach to recovery for auditory hallucinations, otherwise known as hearing voices. For details, email Tammy Wayne-Elliot: tammy@devahasdinpr.com.au