Help Available for Mental Health Carers

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Hunter residents with a friend of family member who has attempted suicide can now access a free support service. 

Newcastle-based mental health service Everymind, has launched two new programs as part of its Minds Together initiative, to recognise the important role carers play in supporting their loved ones through a tough time.

The first program provides support for the family and friends of someone who has attempted suicide. 

The second, is for those helping to the support the mental health of a paramedic. 

They each feature practical tips from suicide prevention experts, to help family and friends to talk about suicide, respond to stigma, and navigate complicated feelings. 

Program Manager and Clinical Psychologist Dr Sally Fitzpatrick, said the mental health of paramedics is often overlooked. 

"They face high-stress, they're often exposed to trauma, they have really long working hours, and they're not great at seeking help themselves; they're always there to be able to focus on someone else, and find it really hard to reach out and seek help when they need it," she said. 

Dr Fitzpatrick said anyone in a support role is encouraged to sign up for the free programs, to help ensure the good mental health of themselves and their loved ones. 

"It's really important if you're going to be able to support someone else, that you look after yourself; make time to ensure that your mental health and your wellbeing levels are high and that you have support around you." 

Privatisation Of Disability Services Could Affect The Hunter

BY ARIANA GATTI

The NSW State Government has this week, finalised the move to fully privatise disability services previously available across the State and the Hunter.

The full privatisation will restrict the availability of support services for not only those living with a disability but also for their carers.

The State Government has utilised the roll-out of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) as an excuse to shut down all available government-run disability services, with NSW going through with this move alone.

No other state across the country has followed suit in a move to privatise their disability support, fearing the impact it may have on their populations.

Throughout NSW, including the Hunter area, it is approximated that more than 80% of people living with disabilities will not be eligible for NDIS plans anyway.

NSW Labor has recently secured an inquiry into the execution of the NDIS and the provision of support services, with submissions from individuals and support providers now being actively sought after.

Shadow Minister for the Hunter, Kate Washington, says people are suffering and will continue to feel the pressures from the level of support now available.

"Under the heartless Berejiklian-Barilaro Government, there are no safeguards and there is no safety net. The most vulnerable people in our communities are falling through the cracks and there's no-one to catch them".

"We're seeing early intervention services having to close their doors, along with people with complex and profound disabilities are being evicted from their accommodation. This is a situation that is almost in crisis", she says.

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Hunter charities receive welcome funding

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

Health and wellbeing projects carried out by Hunter charities are set to receive a welcome boost, with the nib foundation's announcement of this year's Community Grant Program recipients.

Amongst the 10 beneficiaries, six will conduct projects to improve the health of youths and carers within the Hunter region- Camp Quality; Family Planning NSW; Youth Off the Streets; Diabetes NSW; Waves of Wellness and the Australian Trust for Conservation Workers.

They'll share in $300,000 worth of funding, with grants ranging from $5000 to $50,000 being awarded by the foundation.

Executive Officer of the nib foundation, Amy Tribe, said it represents a continued commitment to improving local health services.

"This is our ninth annual Community Grant round," she said, "we've provided nearly $16 million in grant funding to more than 105 charity partners here in the Hunter and across Australia during that time."

Ms Tribe said nib foundation has recognised the need for better access to health services and education and programs which develop life-skills and social connectedness as a priority.

She believes the charities chosen are making a real difference in the lives of at-risk individuals.

"We'll be helping Camp Quality to train more volunteers, we'll be expanding the Waves of Wellness therapy programs for young people with mental health problems in the Port Stephens area, and our grants will also support Youth Off the Streets to continue their work with highly disadvantaged youths in the Kurri Kurri region."