2010 News
August
Data collection for discrimination survey
In early September, 5,500 people who have used DHB mental health services in the previous 12 months will be mailed a questionnaire to identify how much discrimination they have experienced as a result of having a mental health problems.
The survey is being undertaken as part of the research programme for the Like Minds programme. It is being conducted by Phoenix Research and is funded by the Ministry of Health. The survey will be repeated every five years to see how much levels of discrimination are changing as a result of Like Minds and other activities.
If you receive a questionnaire, please take 10 to 15 minutes to fill it out, as this is a very important survey – no names are recorded. If you know others who have received the questionnaire, please encourage them to fill it out. Only those who are sent a questionnaire can take part, as the sample has been randomly selected.
What can you do to support someone with experience of mental illness?
Eight great new ads are now on your TV screen to encourage you to stay involved with those you love who experience mental illness.
Whether you’re a friend or a family member, what you do can make the difference – be there for them, stay involved, is the key message.
Many people want to help, but don’t know what to do, or are fearful, according to the Like Minds, Like Mine programme, which is responsible for the new ad campaign.
“In fact, it’s just the small things that make a huge difference, and simply staying involved and being there is the most important thing we can do for our loved ones,” Foundation Chief Executive Judi Clements says.
One of the ads features Johnny, who talks about a friend who always came to visit him.
“I was trying to hide and he came in and put a smile on his face… I was real happy that he was there,” Johnny says.
The ads remind us that being there as a friend, and believing in your friend’s recovery is important.
The campaign is supported by the Foundation’s latest research Walk a Mile in Our Shoes. At its launch, Associate Minister of Health Dr Jonathan Coleman said “Like Minds, Like Mine is having a profound impact on public attitudes towards people with experience of mental illness.”
Watch the ads online.
July
Are we nuts, or what?
Colmar & Brunton today began conducting an independent online research project into The Nutters Club. The club is a Radio Live programme hosted on Sundays from 8pm-12am by comedian Mike King and supported by the Mental Health Foundation.
The online research is made up of a survey and a blog, and both are completely anonymous; personal details are not collected at any stage. This is your opportunity to have your say and let us know how you feel about this radio show.
In order to get the broadest possible sample or respondents, it would be much appreciated if you could circulate this invitation to friends, family and networks.
Thank you all for your help!
Writers, actors and directors – put your thinking caps on!
Here’s an opportunity for creative types to get involved in a cool and creative Like Minds, Like Mine programme regardless of where you live!
Writers are invited to submit a short MAD script (under 10 minutes) from which the best will be selected to be performed at the RETHiNK Theatre Challenge, to run during Mental Health Awareness Week, 9-10 October.
Actors and directors are also needed to perform, but there’s a catch: they have to put their plays together with only 24 hours notice – that’s the challenge!!!
The final show will be made up of a series of short, sharp, exciting and innovative performances that will span a variety of styles - from comedy to tragedy, song and dance to puppetry - the only limit is your imagination.
While those performing will need to be available to do so in Auckland, there is no geographic restriction on writers. Scripts can be submitted up until Wednesday 1 September.
Actors and directors may submit an expression of interest anytime, but must be available in Auckland between 6pm 8 October and 10pm 9 October, including a matinee and evening performance on 10 October.
This competition is for a great cause but, instead of raising money, we are raising awareness of the stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness.
The Improv Bandits will open the event, and scripts are being submitted from writers of Dr Who, Wallace and Grommit and Shortland St. A line up of well-known comedians and actors will by MCing and performing over the two nights.
For more information on the Theatre Challenge, visit RETHiNK M.a.D Theatre
You must have your script in by 1 Sept.
May
Karaoke contest 2010 - "Get mad on the Mic!"
Nau mai, haere mai to all you Stan Walkers, Kelly Clarksons and Susan Boyles - this is your time to shine and raise money at the same time.
Karaoke contest 2010 - "Get mad on the Mic!" is presented by Hapai Te Hauora Tapui - Maori Public Health and supported by the Mental Health Foundation. It's an opportunity to dedicate your performance to promote mental wellbeing and supportive environments especially for those whanau affected by mental illness.
Auditions are open to anyone and will be held on 23 and 24 June at Te Unga Waka Marae, in Epsom. There will be a finals dinner on 9 July, with great prizes!
Register online now!
April
Calling all healthcare professionals
The Like Minds Like Mine team at Mind & Body Consultants is collecting clinician opinions in an online survey about working with people who experience mental ‘illness'. The clinician feedback is to be used to develop a series of workshops that will help healthcare professionals understand and discuss mental un/wellness with their clients.
Kai Xin Xing Dong seeking Indian community input
Kai Xin Xing Dong (Chinese Like Minds) is exploring the effectiveness of the Like Minds, Like Mine programme in the Indian community.
In order to do this, Ivan Yeo, mental health promoter for Kai Xin Xing Dong (KXXD), has produced an online survey, and is looking for people from the Indian community to fill it in. He hopes the answers will help KXXD to better understand Indian community needs in relation to stigma and discrimination issues related to Indian people who experience mental illnesses.
If you are part of the Kiwi Indian population, it would be very much appreciated if you could answer the survey questionnaire. Or, if you know of someone who may want to take part, please send them the link to this news item.
March
How Like Minds makes the difference
Over one hundred people dedicated to reducing stigma and discrimination faced by those experiencing mental illness meet this week at Auckland's Waipuna Lodge for a two-day seminar. Despite vastly improved attitudes toward mental illness in New Zealand, there are still a number of challenges ahead in completely eliminating stigma and discrimination, say mental health advocates.
The annual event brings together service providers from all over New Zealand who work under the Like Minds, Like Mine programme. The Ministry of Health-funded programme was established thirteen years ago and challenges discriminatory attitudes and behaviours by individuals, organisations, and communities.
This year the Hon Dr Jonathan Coleman will be in attendance on Thursday. The seminar was opened today by Darryl Bishop, the Ministry of Health's Like Minds programme leader and Judi Clements, Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation and will feature various keynote speakers including Dr Coleman, Lynne Pere, Vito Nonumalo and Robyn Hunt.
The seminar also includes a number of parallel sessions discussing topics as varied as cultural attitudes and barriers to seeking help, working with rural communities, young peoples' views on mental illness, and using radio and other media to spread the Like Minds message.
"The Like Minds providers are out in their communities making a real difference" says Judi Clements, "this seminar gives them a chance to learn, share and grow together and then to take that knowledge back home with them to continue raising awareness around the discrimination facing those with experience of mental health problems."
The seminar is an exciting opportunity for ideas to be shared and is an integral part in creating a nation that values and includes all people with experience of mental illness.
New bipolar publication looking for people willing to share personal stories
Bay of Plenty primary school teacher Georgie Tutt is producing a publication that will share New Zealanders' personal experiences of bipolar affective disorder. Aubrey Quinn (from the Like Minds, Like Mine TV ads) is writing the introduction.
Georgie, who lives with the disorder, says she wants the book to challenge misconceptions about the disorder, reduce discrimination and promote wellness and recovery.
"I feel there's a need for those with bipolar to be inspired by a diverse range of people, in various fields, who are managing, and living fulfulled lifes despite their diagnosis," Georgie says.
A number of people have already responded to the call for contributions, but Georgie is looking for others, from all walks of life, happy to share their stories.
For more information, or to be part of the publication, email Georgie at tuttenbelt "at" xtra.co.nz or ph: (07) 548 0948.
February
Are you passionate about fighting stigma & discrimination?
The Mental Health Foundation and the Regional Consumer Network are hosting a free public forum on countering stigma & discrimination associated with mental illness on Thursday 18 March, 10 am-2.30 pm (lunch included) at Western Springs Garden Hall,956 Great North Road, Western Springs, Auckland.
Aubrey Quinn discusses his experience of being the face of the national Like Minds campaign to counter stigma and discrimination. Find out what you can do to get involved.
January
Have your say in The National Conversation
The National Conversation is a new initiative by the Human Rights Commission to promote and protect equal employment opportunities in New Zealand. The National Conversation is about fairness at work. They want to hear from workers and employers about equal employment opportunities (EEO).
They say they need a new strategy for EEO to overcome barriers at work, to reach rural and provincial New Zealanders, to talk with small and medium businesses and to progress equality for everyone and want to listen to your ideas. You can: post on their blog, complete the online survey, email a submission, read the online diary.
Kristian Lomath's exhibition opens
NZ Mental Health Media Grant recipient, Kristian Lomath, is opening his Seclusion circle series 2 exhibition in Hamilton's ArtsPost gallery today.
Kristian's art installation is a fresh look at his media grants project which toured Rotorua, Tauranga and Auckland late last year.
Kristian - along with guest artists - has created a three-dimensional experience for visitors by combining painting, scuplture, video and audio. They hope that people will walk away with the knowledge that it is possible to live with mental illness, pursue your dreams and be successful - and that the interaction between the project and the public will help break down some of the stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness.
ArtsPost: 120 Victoria St, Hamilton, 10am - 4.30pm daily
Exhibition opens: Friday 8 January
Exhibition closes: Monday 1 February
Celebration: Thursday 21 January 5.30pm
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