Our History of Fellowship
One Door Mental Health was established in 1985 under the name Schizophrenia Fellowship of New South Wales by a group of people living with schizophrenia and their families, friends, advocates, and health professionals.
While over time the Schizophrenia Fellowship grew and changed, what has never changed is our commitment to improve the wellbeing of people living with complex mental health concerns and their families and carers - the concept of working together in fellowship is still at the heart of everything we do.
While One Door now provides a range of mental health, carer, NDIS supports, and clinical services to over 13,000 people per year in communities across NSW, we remain focused on our vision of a world in which people living with mental illness are valued and treated as equals.
A New Opportunity
Our long-term supporters tell us that one of the things they miss about the early years is the sense of pride and camaraderie that came from working towards a shared purpose as part of the Schizophrenia Fellowship, so we invite you to join us in a community of action where you can connect and belong.
Through the One Door Mental Health Fellowship, our Fellows will be able to make a meaningful contribution to the One Door community, helping us to amplify the voices, perspectives, and experiences of people living with mental ill-health and their families and carers. Fellows will be able to identify one another through their sunflower lapel pin – an enduring symbol of hope and recovery.
Benefits for Fellows
- A Fellowship Officer as a dedicated point of contact at One Door.
- The support to drive change through participation in our advocacy campaigns.
- Discounted tickets to events, including our annual Symposium during Schizophrenia Awareness Week.
- The option to volunteer with us at community-based activities and events to raise mental health awareness, promote social connection, and boost our services.
- Regular ‘Cuppa & Chat’ time with other Fellows (in person/virtual) and a personal invitation to One Door program launches/open days.
- Access to guest speaker sessions during the year on a variety of topics.
- Opportunities to participate in consultation and help design One Door programs.
- Subscription to our monthly newsletter, including a new section devoted to the activities and achievements of The Fellowship.
- The option to receive communication from us via post rather than email.
For more information, please reach out to fellowship@onedoor.org.au or contact our Community Engagement Specialist - Valerie Tarela on 0455 450 576.