From the CEO
Hello Everyone!
October was a busy time as we celebrated NSW Mental Health Month, World Mental Health Day (10 October), and National Carers Week. These important dates bring with them many opportunities for coming together in fellowship to share experiences, explore new pathways, and show our support for people living with mental health concerns and their families, friends, and carers.
During the month, One Door hosted and attended many events in our local communities across NSW. One such event was the coming together of our Primary Integrated Care Supports (PICS) team, our Carer Advocates, and team members from our Head to Health program to join other providers at Newtown Neighbourhood Centre's Information and Referral Service. Our staff provided important mental health and wellbeing information to a diverse range of people, including people at risk of homelessness, people struggling with lower incomes, people living with mental illness, older people, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse example. Just one example of the wonderful work our teams do in their local communities!
Caring for carers is an important part of our work at One Door. We operate the Family and Carer Mental Health Program across five Local Health Districts in NSW (Hunter New England, Murrumbidgee, Southern NSW, Sydney, and South Western Sydney) supporting the families and carers of people living with mental illness to access information, education, referrals, respite, advocacy, and support. We also have many carers in our workforce and we value the insight their lived experience brings to our work and helps us to support others. National Carers Week provides an opportunity for us to celebrate the amazing work of carers, but also to acknowledge and reflect on the unique challenges they face. It was great to see so many of our carers connecting with one another during Carers Week at support groups meetings and other events - we know that peer support can really make a difference for carers!
October also brought with it the sadness and disappointment of the cancellation of our annual Wellness Walk Bridge Walk. This was necessary for the safety of participants, given the severe storm conditions and heavy rain in the week prior to the event - something we can't control, unfortunately! I managed to get out for a walk in my neighbourhood during some rare clear skies and hope that you were able to take your own Walk for Wellness too. We look forward to seeing you when a new date is announced for the event next year.
On a final note, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to our Illawarra Committee (formerly the Light and Hope Committee) for raising needed funds for One Door at their annual Corporate Mental Health Luncheon. I am very grateful for the tireless work and commitment of the Committee in supporting our Wollongong Clubhouse and look forward to our continued collaboration in the new year.
Kathi