News
Schizophrenia Awareness Week 17-24 May
Schizophrenia is a common mental health condition which affects the way people think, feel and behave. Up to one in a 100 people experience schizophrenia worldwide, and it often develops between the late teenage years until the early 30’s but can occur at any time. There is a lot of stigma associated with schizophrenia which
May Group Activities Calendar
The MHACA Group Activities program is a community based program which aims to improve the quality of life for individuals with mental illness by offering structured and socially based activities. Group activities also provide an opportunity for participants to develop personally and professionally as Peers. Currently all MHACA programs, including the Day Program, remain open
MHACA Services During COVID-19
The Mental Health Association of Central Australia (MHACA) is providing an essential service to people who have severe and complex mental health issues and will continue to support our participants through this difficult time. At this stage all our programs, including the Day Program, remain open with increased hygiene and physical distancing measures in place.
Mental Health Support During COVID-19
If you are feeling anxious or distressed, or are concerned about the mental health of someone else, MHACA can assist you to find the support you need in the local community and beyond. Phone 89504600 between 8am-4pm. Outside of these hours please use phone and online services that are available 24 hours a day. Lifeline
Looking after your mental health during the coronavirus pandemic
In recent weeks the global response to the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) has escalated, making many people feel anxious and stressed. The Mental Health Association of Central Australia offers the following tips to help reduce anxiety during this time: Source information from credible sources Get information from official sources to avoid misinformation. For NT updates
March Group Activities Calendar
The MHACA Group Activities program is a community based program which aims to improve the quality of life for individuals with mental illness by offering structured and socially based activities. Group activities also provide an opportunity for participants to develop personally and professionally as Peers. Download the March Group Activities Calendar To participate in MHACA group
New MHACA resources encourage help seeking
The Mental Health Association of Central Australia (MHACA) has developed new printed resources to encourage people to seek help early for mental health challenges or suicidal thoughts. 1 in 5 Australians are experiencing mental ill health each year and recent figures (2017-2018 Australian Bureau Statistics) show that 1 in 8 Australians are currently experiencing high
Supporting Communities in Responding to Suicide Being Used as a Threat
A resource tackling the issue of people using suicide as a threat has been redeveloped to assist Northern Territory community members and service providers to respond to this difficult issue. ‘’The Little Red Threat Book’’, originally published in 2007, has been revised and further developed by the Central Australian Life Promotion Network (LPN) with input
Productivity Commission Draft Report Into Mental Health
Public comment closed this week to the Australian Productivity Commission Draft Report Into Mental Health. MHACA was broadly supportive of the draft report, however highlighted some key concerns in our submission: The draft report does not consider in depth the very key role of the community managed mental health support sector in assisting people with mental health
February Group Activities Calendar
The MHACA Group Activities program is a community based program which aims to improve the quality of life for individuals with mental illness by offering structured and socially based activities. Group activities also provide an opportunity for participants to develop personally and professionally as Peers. Download the February Group Activities Calendar To participate in MHACA group
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We hope you have a good weekend - remember to do something relaxing or that you enjoy!
Image: MHACA participants at a recent weekend group activity visiting the Alice Springs Desert Park.
Last week MHACA facilitated an event that provided a focus on women's mental health as part of Women’s Health Week. A range of events happened across the country.
This year, more than ever, we all need a laugh and Jean Hailes for Women's Health is delighted to be able to share the laughs with even more women with the 4th annual Women’s Health Week Comedy Gala.
Date: Saturday 26 September at 7.30pm (AEST)
Where: Live Streaming on Zoom
Tickets: On sale now at go.jeanhailes.org.au/comedy-gala-2020
Age: 18+ (adult content and language). Running time: around 75 mins.
This one-night-only event celebrates women supporting women in a laugh-out-loud night of comedy and music. Hosted by Claire Hooper, this fun event will feature the impressive talents of Celia Pacquola, Cal Wilson, Steph Tisdell, Zoe Coombs Marr, Jude Perl and Aditi Mittal. Produced by Janet a. McLeod.
There will be no topic off limits as these women tell it like it is!
Women’s health is powerful stuff and Jean Hailes’ annual Women’s Health Week (7-11 September) is dedicated to improving the health of all women in Australia.
The MHACA Health Promotion Team participated in the R U OK Day breakfast last Thursday organised by Steven Satour, Campaign Manager – Stronger Together | R U OK?.
R U OK? Day was the same day as World Suicide Prevention Day and Steven also spoke at the "Working Together to Keep Each Other Safe" event on the Council Chamber Lawns.
Heading into the weekend like.....!
MHACA participants recently enjoyed a visit to the Road Transport Hall Of Fame as part of the weekend group activites program. More info on activities and supports at mhaca.org.au/supportandrecovery/groupactivities/
Have a good weekend!
More than 120 people attended ‘Working Together to Keep Each Other Safe’, today's World Suicide Prevention Day event in Alice Springs.
MHACA, in partnership with Central Australian Aboriginal Congress, National indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA), Drug and Alcohol Services Australia (DASA), and Tangentyere Men's Family Safety Group hosted the community event to highlight the important role of communities working together in suicide prevention.
World Suicide Prevention Day is a day to remember those who have died by suicide and it is about acknowledging families, friends, workplaces and communities who have been impacted by suicide.
A local focus for the event was the issue of suicide and Aboriginal men, and it was great to hear about some of the programs that are supporting men and mental health more broadly in our community. Attendees were part of a smoking ceremony for healing led by local Elder Sabella Turner, and enjoyed a BBQ and music with Jessie K and Anders.
#WSPD2020 #mentalhealth #EndTheStigma
It's Women's Health Week! We celebrated today in Alice Springs with a small gathering on the Council Chamber Lawns that provided a focus on women's mental health, and we heard from speakers and enjoyed cupcakes. Thank you to Sabella Turner who provided a Welcome To Country, Kay Eade from the NT Working Women's Centre, and Sophie and Chloe from Central Australian Women's Legal Service Inc. for sharing information about important services for women in our local community. The event was organised by MHACA, Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia NT and headspace Alice Springs. Women's Health Week is organised by Jean Hailes for Women's Health
Join us for 'Working Together To Keep Each Other Safe' - a World Suicide Prevention Day event. 11.00am Thursday 10th September, Council Chamber Lawns, Todd St, Alice Springs. All welcome.
For more information contact MHACA on 08 8950 4600 or email info@mhaca.org.au
Mental Health Association of Central Australia
mhaca.org.au
MHACA provides psychosocial support services and educational programs aimed at enhancing mental health and well being of people living in Central Australia.