From the CEO
Hello everyone
Schizophrenia Awareness Week (21-27 May 2023) is one of the most significant weeks of the year for One Door Mental Health. One Door was founded as the Schizophrenia Fellowship of New South Wales in 1985 and we are still advocating to improve the lives of people living with this highly stigmatised mental illness. While schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders can impact a person’s thoughts, perceptions, emotions, and behaviour, making it hard sometimes to manage, we know that people experiencing them can and do live full and meaningful lives.
As the name suggests, Schizophrenia Awareness Week (SAW) exists to raise awareness and bust myths, to reduce stigma, and to promote inclusivity. This year, at our SAW Symposium, we will also be focusing on the importance of psychosocial supports (both in and outside of the NDIS) in helping people find an individual definition of recovery and achieving their recovery goals.
The theme for the Symposium, Rebuilding a better mental health system together, is timely given the current review of the NDIS and focus in Parliament, with NDIS Minister Bill Shorten recently addressing the National Press Club on ‘the future of NDIS’ where he outlined his 6 policy priorities for the Scheme. One Door is contributing to a joint submission to the NDIS review with other members of the Australian Psychosocial Alliance, and we hope that our SAW Symposium will provide an opportunity to gain further support from the One Door community. Tickets for our Symposium are sold out, but you still may join a waitlist or join the event online here.
In mid-May I will also be attending the Mental Health Australia Members Policy Forum in Canberra. The Forum provides an opportunity for Mental Health Australia to engage with other stakeholders to develop their policy positions for mental health reform, providing the platform on which they undertake systemic advocacy. I look forward to engaging in discussions that will hopefully lead to a better mental health system for all.
This month we will also be recognising several important dates of significance. We will acknowledge and celebrate the work of our Mental Health Nurses on International Nurses Day (12 May) and the wonderful work of our volunteers in our Telephone Referral and Information Support Service and other programs during National Volunteers Week (15-21 May). We will also pause for reflection and think about paths forward during National Reconciliation Week (27 May-3 June) and the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (17 May). The diversity and contribution of all members of the One Door community is what makes us strong!
Lastly, I’m happy to announce that the date has been set for the Wellness Walk – our annual walk for mental health. The main walk – to be held on Sunday 15 October 2023 - will once again depart from Government House and take walkers across the Sydney Harbour Bridge. But if you can’t make it to Sydney, there will also be the opportunity for people anywhere to participate by taking a walk in their local community. Save the date and keep an eye out for more information coming soon!
Until next month…
Kathi