Networks & Advocacy

The Deniliquin Mental Health Awareness Group raises awareness of mental health and signposts the way to mental health services and resources in Deniliquin and surrounding areas. For further information click here

Operates a 24hr telephone crisis line 1300 133 911. Griffith Suicide Prevention and Support Group Inc offer counselling, advice and referral support for people lonely, depressed or affected by suicide. This service is provided by trained people who listen care and can help. This is a confidential and free service.

Click here for more information or call 1300 133 911

GROW is a community based organisation designed to help people recover from mental illness through a program of mutual support and personal development. Grow Groups typically meet weekly and vary in size from three to ten members. The groups are run by seasoned ‘Growers’ who have taken a voluntary leadership role within the Group.

Over the course of each meeting, the group engages is a series of group discussions, interactions and readings that follow a structure and timetable to ensure everyone has an opportunity to participate. Practical advice and understandings are discussed from a range of literature some of which has been written by the founders of GROW. The groups also provide an opportunity to develop new friends and interests and support each other in practical ways.

Grow groups are run in several sites in the Murrumbidgee including Griffith, Leeton and Wagga Wagga. If you would like to attend a meeting or you are interested in starting a new meeting then please call the NSW GROW Office on 02 9633 1800

Click here for further information

The Hilltops Suicide Prevention Network consists of volunteers who meet 11 times a year. The group aims to educate and help lessen the stigma that is often associated with mental illness. See Facebook for further details about the activities of this group.

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is an international mutual aid community with the aim to enable its members to stay sober and help other people with alcohol dependence to achieve sobriety.

The only requirement for membership of AA is a desire to stop drinking. The group works through members telling their stories of what they used to be like, what happened and what they are like now. The AA program known as The Twelve Steps provides a framework for self-examination and a road to recovery, free of alcohol.

To find a group near you click here

These teams (also known as CDATS) are made up of passionate and dedicated volunteers who want the best for their community. Since 1999, CDATS have led activities that engage at-risk youth, education parents and the wider community through community activities and campaigns to prevent and minimise the harm caused by alcohol and other drugs.

Click here to locate your local CDAT or call 03 9611 6100

Narcotics Anonymous (NA) is modelled on Alcoholics Anonymous and uses a traditional 12-step model that has been expanded and developed for people with varied substance use issues. NA is designed for people for whom drugs have become a major problem. Groups consist of individuals recovering from substance use issues who meet regularly to help each other stay clean. The program is based on complete abstinence from all drugs. The only requirement for membership is the desire to stop using substances. NA is not connected to any political, religious or law enforcement groups.

To find a group near click here  or call 1300 652 820 or 0488 811 247

SMART Recovery Australia helps people help each other to manage addictive behaviours.

SMART (Self- Management and Recovery Training) Recovery is a free group program for a range of problem behaviours including addiction to drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, gambling, food, shopping, Internet and others.

Guided by trained peers and professionals, participants come to help themselves and help each other using a variety of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and motivational tools and techniques. The program focusses on: enhancing and maintaining motivation; coping with urges, problem solving; and lifestyle balance.

To find a SMART meeting near you click here

CASE is a voluntary, not for profit organisation which aims to serve the Hay community and surrounding areas to:

• Support people who have suffered loss from suicide of a loved one
• Educate the entire community about the signs to looks for which may help identify a person contemplating suicide
• Educate people so they can offer support to people at risk
• Encourage the community to have an attitude of caring for each other
• Develop mental health resources and information for the community
• Educate and encourage the community to see mental illnesses without stigma.

Monthly meetings are held to reinforce training, foster mutual support and provide a venue for people to speak.

For further information click here.

The Deniliquin Mental Health Awareness Group raises awareness of mental health and signposts the way to mental health services and resources in Deniliquin and surrounding areas. For further information click here

The Wagga Wagga and Region Suicide Prevention Network Inc. is a locally operated charity that is committed to informing, connecting and empowering the Wagga Wagga community and surrounding communities to prevent suicide.  The Network seeks to improve our community’s understanding and awareness, reduce social stigma and remove barriers for those at risk to seek help.  Through education, training and resource sharing the network aims to provide the community with the tools needed to actively prevent suicide.

For more information click here

We are a Community Support Group. Positive, encouraging atmosphere where you can chat to people in similar situations. Once a month we meet up at Apex Park for a free BBQ and we walk around Lake Albert. This group is run for the community by the community- and is no replacement for seeking proper medical advice.

Anyone is welcome to come along. (also friendly dogs on leads)

Check our Facebook page for upcoming events. For more information click here

It is important to acknowledge a person living with a mental illness, rather than labeling a person by their illness. In Australia, this has led to a preference for people living with mental illness to be called “consumers”.

A mental health consumer is someone who identifies as either living or has lived with a mental illness.

A person who has a lived experience of drug and/or alcohol dependency. The term client can also be used to refer to a person who is currently utilising, has previously utilised, or may use a Drug and Alcohol Service in the future.

Consumer and carer participation in all levels of decision-making is fundamental for the improvement of mental health services and crucial to improving the lives of people with a mental illness.

The continued participation and engagement of consumers and carers in the development, implementation, delivery and evaluation of services is essential for mental health reform.

(Reference: Mental Health Australia) 

A person with a “lived experience” of mental ill health and/or drug and alcohol dependency employed by a service to advocate for and support consumers. They do this at both a systemic and personal level, with the overall aim of improving mental health or drug and alcohol service delivery.

A person who has the “lived experience” of mental ill health or drug and alcohol dependency who formally participates in giving feedback to support service improvement in a voluntary or paid capacity.

BEING

BEING is an independent, state-wide peak organisation for people with a lived experience of mental illness (consumers).

BEING works with consumers to achieve and support systemic change. BEING acts as a bridge between mental health consumers and the government.

To view website: Click here, phone (02) 9332 0200 or e-mail: info@being.org.au

Mental Health Australia

Mental Health Australia is the national peak body for mental health. Mental Health Australia works aims to promote mentally healthy communities, educate Australians on mental health issues, influence mental health reform so that government policies address all contemporary mental health issues, conduct research on mental health issues and carry out regular consultation to represent the best interests of its members, partners and the community.

Click here for more information

Mental Health Commission of NSW

The Mental Health Commission of NSW is responsible for monitoring, reviewing and improving mental health and wellbeing for people in NSW. The Commission works with government and the community to secure better mental health and wellbeing for everyone and availability of appropriate supports in or close to home when people are unwell or at risk of becoming unwell.

The work of the Commission is guided by people with lived experience of mental health issues, their carers and families. The Commission promotes policies and practices that recognise the autonomy of people who experience mental health issues and support their recovery, emphasising their personal and social needs and preferences.

To view website click here

Mental Health Coordinating Council

The Mental Health Coordinating Council (MHCC) is the peak body for community managed mental health organisations in New South Wales.

http://www.mhcc.org.au/

National Mental Health Commission

Australia’s first National Mental Health Commission, set up in 2012 to provide independent reports and advice to the community and government on what’s working and what’s not.

http://www.mentalhealthcommission.gov.au/

National Mental Health Consumer & Carer Forum

NMHCCF members represent mental health consumers and carers on a large number of national bodies, including government committees and advisory groups, professional bodies and other consultative forums and events.

Members use their lived experience, understanding of the mental health system and communication skills to advocate and promote the issues and concerns of consumers and carers.

To view website: Click here, phone (02) 6285 3100 or e-mail: nmhccf@nmhccf.org.au

NSW Farmers Mental Health Network

The Rural Mental Health Network is a group of agencies and individuals who share a common goal and have agreed to work together to improve the mental health and wellbeing of farming people and farming communities.

There is a growing body of evidence that the people in agriculture are not coping with the pressures that they face, and the mental illness or mental distress that they experience. Male farm owners and managers commit suicide at around twice the rate of the national average.

There are many people and agencies contributing to ensuring the health and wellbeing of the farming sector in NSW. Each agency’s work needs to be understood and recognised, and where possible there should be no duplication of effort or resources.

Click here for more information.