Designed to build common ground and improve volunteer knowledge, the mental health awareness workshop at QEC was well attended with up to 40 volunteers participating, asking questions and sharing their experiences of volunteering in mental health.  Also challenging the stigma and discrimination often associated with mental illness.

Basic knowledge and the skills required to understand common child, youth and adult mental health issues were presented by Bree Achterbosch and Ann Mennan, from Ballarat Health Services Mental Health Education Department.

A snapshot of local mental health resources and how clients can access and benefit from mental health services available from Ballarat Health Services was provided.

‘Voices for Change’ graduate Suzanne was a guest speaker, sharing her patient story of living with chronic mental illness.

‘Voices for Change’ is a program developed by Ballarat Community Health to encourage people with lived experience of chronic illness to share their stories to help others.

Suzanne was a brilliant guest speaker and gained the respect of every volunteer and educator in the training room.  People with lived experience of mental health issues hold unique insights into how services can best respond to the mental health needs of clients and promote recovery.  Suzanne did this brilliantly.

Suzanne has lived through the ups and downs of her bipolar condition; survived childhood sex abuse and a very public court battle; cared for her children as a solo mum; loved a dog and built a garden. She has now become a volunteer mental health spokesperson.  Bravo Suzanne!

The mental health awareness workshop for volunteers concluded with a lively Q&A session. The workshop was a huge success, equipping volunteers with knowledge about what mental illness is and some of the ways to interact and support patients who are experiencing mental health issues.

Article written by Barry Nixon, Volunteer, ED & Steele Haughton