Tall Poppies II “Thriving Above Adversity” Multi media Art Exhibition will be held 10 May – Saturday 15 May 2010.  Come and view the sepctacular display!SF Rooms – 28 Ashworth Street, Alexandra.  Viewing Times: 11.00am – 2.00 pm Tuesday – Saturday, 5.00-7.00 pm Tuesday – Friday. 
The exhibiting artists are involved in the mental health

community of Central Otago and the Wakatipu Basin or are interested in supporting others to thrive above adversity.  Or, enter your own art work and join us in our support for people thriving above adversity. 

 Enquiries and entry forms: Supporting Families in Mental Illness, 03 448 7903 or linda@sfcentral.org.nz. ]]> http://www.sfcentral.org.nz/tall-poppies-ii/feed 0 http://www.sfcentral.org.nz/sunshine-support-group-programme http://www.sfcentral.org.nz/sunshine-support-group-programme#comments Mon, 18 Jan 2010 00:54:48 +0000 darcy http://www.sfcentral.org.nz/?p=174 SUNSHINE SUPPORT GROUP PROGRAMME 2010

Our speaker was extremely well received – she was very brave sharing her experiences with others. She had some really good suggestions for keeping well strategies – and she reinforced the idea of face the fear and do it anyway. One of the attendees did exactly that when he had to give a speech the next week. Great stuff!

The Sunshine Support Group is an activity based support group for people with present or past mental health issues and their family members.

People can self refer to the group or be referred by their doctor or the Mental Health Team.

The group has a positive focus and aims to assist members on their journey of recovery. This can be achieved through participation and sharing in group activities.

Membership of the group is free and voluntary with people belonging to the group for as long as they choose.

The Cromwell Support Group is an activity based support group for people with present or past mental health issues and their family members.

People can self refer to the group or be referred by their doctor or the Mental Health Team.

The group has a positive focus and aims to assist members on their journey of recovery. This can be achieved through participation and sharing in group activities.

Membership of the group is free and voluntary with people belonging to the group for as long as they choose.

Regular Meetings

The Cromwell Group meets every second Tuesday between 11.00 and 2.00 at the Catholic Church Hall, Sligo Street, Cromwell.

Artsenta is a Dunedin based art workshop for mental health consumers with regular outreach programmes to Central Otago.

Artsenta staff visit the Cromwell Support Group once a month and provide tuition, materials, inspiration and motivation for creative activities.

Members are encouraged to make their own travel arrangements but if this is a problem speak to a staff member.

Morning tea is provided free but members are encouraged to bring their own lunch or money to buy at a local cafe.

Support Group

The Depression Support Group is a support group based in Alexandra for people with present or past depression and their family members. (Family members – could be spouses, partners, work mates, friends, etc.)

You do not need a referral to this group and you do not need to be under the Mental Health Team either. Just come along to our meetings.

The group has a positive focus and aims to assist members on their journey of recovery or to stay well. Peer support has a major part to play in this as well as a positive and active approach .

Membership is free and voluntary with members belonging for as long as they choose.

Members Benefits

• A chance to belong to an ongoing support group (peer support)
• Learn to identify your triggers and strategies to deal with these
• Opportunities to hear educational speakers and take part in workshops
• Try out different forms of relaxation and physical activities
• Investigate alternative ways of working through depression
• Learn ways to support a depressed family member
• Support to develop personal goals and ways of working towards achieving them

Are times for discussions or sharing stories / problems and finishing work started at the Sunshine Support Group on a Monday.

Other times there may be a guest speaker or continuation of a previous workshop.

Group staff will be available for you to seek help with advocacy and ask questions or just listen so you can share a problem or an achievement.

If you wish to speak to staff in private let them know in advance so they can arrange for this to happen.

Wednesday 1.00 – 2.00pm

A small exercise group operates. If you would like to go for a walk or bike ride with some one else please let a staff member know so they can arrange it.

We have one spare bike and a helmet if you do not have your own.

Fridays 1pm – 5pm

Are times when you can work on developing skills you may need to return to the work force.

There are two computers and a printer available for you to work on your curriculum vitaes; or staff can arrange for Workbridge staff to show you how a CV is written and presented. We have examples for you to look at also.

There will be opportunities for practice of job interviews – how to present yourself and answer questions in a stressful situation – help you develop strategies for dealing with anxiety in an interview.

Fridays are also days when you can work on any study you may be undertaking – staff will be able to help you with this.

Art and craft projects can be completed using SF Central equipment on these days as well.

Who Can Attend

• People who have past or present mental health issues.
• Family members of a person who has or had a mental health issue.
• Friends, flat mates or workmates of a person who has or has had a mental health issue.

“We are pleased to announce that from today (1 July ’09), Schizophrenia Fellowship New Zealand will be known as Supporting Families in Mental Illness New Zealand (Supporting Families),” said Florence Leota, Chief Executive.

Supporting Families was established over 30 years ago and is New Zealand’s largest non governmental organization in the mental health sector that provides support to families/whanau affected by mental illness. It has 21 branches nation-wide and a national office located in Wellington.

“Our organisation is a great supporter of integrated care where the family, clinicians and service providers all work together to provide the best possible recovery plan for those experiencing a mental illness,” said Ms Leota. “We are committed to providing high quality information, education, advocacy and support for families.

“We believe that our new name shows the role we provide to families affected by all serious mental illnesses including schizophrenia, anxiety/panic disorders and bipolar,” Ms Leota said.

The Associate Minister of Health responsible for Mental Health, Hon Dr Jonathan Coleman, noted that one in five New Zealanders experiences a mental illness at some stage in their lives, with many more New Zealanders being directly or indirectly affected by that.

“Families/whānau can play a key role in the recovery process for someone who experiences a mental illness. The involvement of families is known to reduce the number of relapses.

“The new name highlights the focus on families. It also reflects the vital role this organization plays in the community. This is another positive step forward in enabling Supporting Families to reach out to families who need their help,” said Minister Coleman.

“It is important that families know they don’t have to face the challenges alone and work in isolation. We can help them. We encourage families to go to our website www.sfnat.org.nz where they can contact their local Supporting Families branch,” said Ms Leota.