WELCOME THE TALK FEST NEWSLETTER SUMMER 2019/2020 TO THE FIRST EDITION OF THE TALK FEST NEWS. WE HOPE TO VISIT YOUR INBOX OR MAILBOX BI-ANNUALLY. The LET’S TALK Foundation is a grass roots community initiative aimed at changing the stigma associated with mental ill-health and raising the level of community competence to empower us all to take responsibility for our own mental health and support each other to have the courage to talk and seek help when needed. The LET’S TALK initiative arose in response to the increasing loss of life to suicide in South West Victoria. We deliver our message through workshops in schools, clubs, large businesses, volunteer and community groups. The program involves awareness events and campaigns as well as presentations by people with lived experience of mental illness and mental health professionals. SINCE 2016, OVER 13,000 LISTENERS HAVE HEARD THE “LETS TALK” PRESENTATION WHICH HAS BEEN WIDELY EMBRACED ACROSS ALL AGE GROUPS IN THE SOUTH WEST OF VICTORIA. Over 117 presentations have been delivered across the South West. The LET’S TALK Foundation aims to engage everyone to be part of a culture change in our community to break the mental health stigma. For too long the taboo of speaking out and about our mental health has seen sufferers hiding. The silence of the conversation has led to the inability of those suffering anxiety & depression to talk & seek help. WILL AT SOME TIME IN OUR LIFE EXPERIENCE SYMPTOMS OF ANXIETY DEPRESSION STRESS RELATED SYMPTOMS Unless people who experience these symptoms feel more comfortable to “Step Out” and be more open about their thoughts and feelings to those around them, they will continue to feel ashamed which can lead to unnecessary suffering and in some cases cause an individual to make a choice that Life for them is too hard to bear. REDUCE THE STIGMA FOR SUFFERERS OF MENTAL ILLNESS INCREASE HELP SEEKING BEHAVIOUR START A CONVERSATION WHERE THERE ARE CONCERNS FOR ANOTHER PERSON’S EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING 1 /3 THE LET’S TALK PROGRAM HAS IDENTIFIED 3 MAIN AREAS TO PROMOTE IN ORDER TO SHIFT THE EMBEDDED CULTURAL ATTITUDE IN RELATION TO SUFFERERS OF MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES. 1 2 3
Transcript
WELCOME
THE TALK FEST NEWSLETTERSUMMER 2019/2020
TO THE FIRST EDITION OF THE TALK FEST NEWS. WE HOPE TO VISIT YOUR INBOX OR MAILBOX BI-ANNUALLY.
The LET’S TALK Foundation is a grass roots community initiative aimed at changing the stigma associated with mental ill-health and raising the level of community competence to empower us all to take responsibility for our own mental health and support each other to have the courage to talk and seek help when needed.
The LET’S TALK initiative arose in response to the increasing loss of life to suicide in South West Victoria. We deliver our message through workshops in schools, clubs, large businesses, volunteer and community groups. The program involves awareness events and campaigns as well as presentations by people with lived experience of mental illness and mental health professionals. SINCE 2016, OVER 13,000 LISTENERS HAVE HEARD THE “LETS TALK” PRESENTATION WHICH HAS BEEN WIDELY EMBRACED ACROSS ALL AGE GROUPS IN THE SOUTH WEST OF VICTORIA.
Over 117 presentations have been delivered across the South West.
The LET’S TALK Foundation aims to engage everyone to be part of a culture change in our community to break the mental health stigma.
For too long the taboo of speaking out and about our mental health has seen sufferers hiding. The silence of the conversation has led to the inability of those suffering anxiety & depression to talk & seek help.
WILL AT SOME TIME IN OUR LIFE EXPERIENCE SYMPTOMS OF
ANXIETY DEPRESSION STRESS RELATED SYMPTOMS
Unless people who experience these symptoms feel more comfortable to “Step Out” and be more open about their thoughts and feelings to those around them, they will continue to feel ashamed which can lead to unnecessary suffering and in some cases cause an individual to make a choice that Life for them is too hard to bear.
REDUCE THE STIGMA FOR SUFFERERS OF MENTAL ILLNESS INCREASE HELP SEEKING BEHAVIOUR START A CONVERSATION WHERE THERE ARE CONCERNS FOR ANOTHER PERSON’S EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING
1/3
THE LET’S TALK PROGRAM HAS IDENTIFIED 3 MAIN AREAS TO PROMOTE IN ORDER TO SHIFT THE EMBEDDED CULTURAL ATTITUDE IN RELATION TO SUFFERERS OF MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES.
1 23
KEEPING CURRENTTHE MENTAL HEALTH OF OUR COMMUNITY CONTINUES TO DETERIORATE DUE TO NUMEROUS SHIFTS WITHIN OUR SOCIETY’S BEHAVIOURAL PATTERNS.
Services are stretched with demand far out weighing supply as stress, substance use, anxiety and depression continue to increase. Our level of health literacy is reducing as people are not aware of what they need to do to look after their physical and mental health. Our dietary habits have shifted to eating more unhealthy/fast foods as we say we are too busy and yet Australia is now the most overweight country in the developed world. Our degree of planning has become erratic. We’re going from being caring and supportive to more self-centred and materially orientated. Money is defined as success, but it can’t buy happiness as material purchases are satisfying for a short time only. The Let’s Talk Foundation (LTF) is committed to changing the culture of social engagement and sharing stories with each other, including problems that ease the emotional pressure and reduce internal stress that if not addressed can lead to anxiety/depression. The earlier you share feelings you are struggling with, the better the chances are of decreasing your vulnerability to experiencing symptoms of distress and anxiety.
Look after yourself as your life is your most precious gift
JOHN PARKINSON MENTAL HEALTH & COMMUNITY RELATIONS MANAGER
TRUCKERS CALENDARGET YOUR COPY NOW. TRUCKERS ACROSS THE REGION HAVE AGAIN BARED THEIR ALL TO BREAK THE STIGMA AROUND MENTAL ILL-HEALTH.
The ‘Aussie Truckers Calendar’, aims to give people the courage to seek help when it’s needed.The calendar stars local truck drivers in their underwear. Funny, confronting and tasteful, the calendar encourages people to get out of their comfort zone and represents the thousands of people who silently suffer from mental illness each day.
100% of the money raised from calendar sales will go towards THE LET’S TALK FOUNDATION...Thanks must also go to the Livestock Rural and Transporters Association of Victoria for supporting and promoting our calendar and the Foundation.
The 2020 Aussie Truckers Calendar is now available to purchase at the Mortlake Roadhouse and Heywood Hardware for $25.00 each or visit the Aussie Truckers Calendar Facebook page and they will sort you out for sure.
BIKE &ROD RUN2019THE COMMITTEE OF THE BIKE AND ROD RUN HELD IN OCTOBER ARE A TRUE EXAMPLE OF LET’S TALK AMBASSADORS.
Not only have they successfully established a fundraising event that is fi rmly entrenched on Bike and Rod riders’ calendars but they have provided a platform to share the Let’s Talk message and raise awareness around mental ill-health stigma. The Foundation presented to a large group of cold and wet vehicle enthusiasts and families in Halls Gap before they headed to the Woolsthorpe Hotel for a fantastic night of good food, music and friends. Next year the commitee have promised sunshine and gentle breezes and a new and exciting route and format. We can’t wait! For more information visit theBike & Rod Run Facebook page.
REGIONALDEVELOPMENTLET’S TALK NEWSWe are so pleased to have a new committee of committed Let’s Talk Ambassadors working for the Colac area. The team of passionate volunteers held their fi rst presentation as part of Seniors Week with a morning tea at the Gellibrand Store. Thank you to the Colac Otway Shire and all who contributed and participated in this day.
SAVETHE DATE
KEY OUTCOMESTHE FOUNDATION HAS MADE CONSIDERABLE PROGRESS IN A SHORT TIME. WE ARE VERY PROUD OF THE CONTRIBUTION FROM SO MANY VOLUNTEERS AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS TO HELP MAKE CHANGE TO THE WAY WE SUPPORT EACH OTHER TOWARDS MENTAL WELLNESS.
Our goal over a 10-year period is to make real and tangible cultural change in our community to the way we handle and respond to mental ill-health. So far, we have had the following response to our message.
• Positive feedback from attendees• Increase in community members seeking help for their mental health• Business’s using Let’s Talk logo on work shirts / vehicles and shop fronts• Increased community engagement in awareness campaigns and events• Increased numbers of community members coming forward to share their stories of anxiety & depressionn
IF YOU SEE SOMEONE FALLING BEHIND WALK BESIDE THEM IF YOU SEE SOMEONE BEING IGNORED FIND A WAY TO INCLUDE THEM ALWAYS REMIND PEOPLE OF THEIR WORTH ONE SMALL ACT COULD MEAN THE WORLD TO THEM
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Early birds have already snapped up 3000 copies of our fundraising calendar with all funds supportingLet's Talk.
The 2018 calendar raised $21,000 and interest in the 2020 was strong from the onset with all 3000 copies sold with weeks of publication. Patient Eye Photography’s Perry Cho has spent countless hours in search of rare and beautiful birds to photograph.
The calendar features a photo taken in Victoria of a crimson chat bird that is usually is only seen further north. It's a bird that is normally found in inland Australia but because of the massive drought around Queensland and New South Wales, they have come south of the divide. Perry drove four hours to Hopetoun to capture the photo.
Perry Cho & Engin Torun of Patient Eye Photography
Mr Cho’s commitment to supporting the Foundation stems from a fi rsthand understanding of the importance of breaking the stigma around mental illness as he deals with a lot of people who are stressed or suff er from mental health issues in his line of work.
The 2020 calendar for the fi rst time has given businesses and employees the opportunity to personalise the calendar and off er clients a stunning gift over the Christmas/new year period.
IF YOU WOULD LIKE MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE 2021 CALENDAR PLEASECONTACT US [email protected]
THE LET’S TALK FOUNDATION ARE THRILLED TO AGAIN PARTNER WITH PATIENT EYE PHOTOGRAPHY AND BREAKWATER INSURANCE TO PUBLISH A SPECTACULAR COLLECTION OF PHOTOGRAPHS IN OUR 2020 CALENDAR.
MEET OUR AMBASSADORS
JACINTA ROACHE
FOUNDATION CO-ORDINATOR
MICHAEL HOFFMAN
COMMUNITY EDUCATION OFFICER
JOHN PARKINSON
MENTAL HEALTH PRACTITIONER & PRESENTER
YOU MAY HAVE ALREADY MET JACINTA AND KNOW
SHE IS PASSIONATE ABOUT GAINING AWARENESS AND ENGAGING THE
COMMUNITY IN SUPPORT OF OUR MISSION TO
CHANGE THE STIGMA ASSOCIATED WITH
MENTAL ILL HEALTH.
Jacinta has a background in community and volunteer
organisations, event management, and education and works closely with the local community to ensure
Let’s Talk is recognised for the important work it is doing. Jacinta is the ‘go to’ for all foundation enquiries and
information.
MICHAEL JOINED THE LET’S TALK FOUNDATION IN JULY
2019 IN THE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT / EDUCATION
SPACE.
Michael liases with local businesses, schools and community
organisations to provide presentations and workshops
for organisations. Michael works closely with the passionate
network of Let’s Talk speakers who volunteer their time sharing their personal experiences in managing
their mental health.
Michael is a great believer in the power of community to
address and solve problems and is committed to breaking down the
stigma of mental ill health.
JOHN HAS WORKED AS A CLINICIAN IN MENTAL
HEALTH FOR OVER 40 YRS.
John has gone above and beyond in the lead of embedding Let’s
Talk in our community, delivering presentations, supporting other
community members to tell their stories and incorporating innovation into the Let’s Talk
program.
John is committed to leading change in our community to
improve mental health outcomes. We are so fortunate to have an
individual who voluntarily is making a difference.
GET INVOLVEDVolunteer time or skills.
Host a LET’S TALK presentation and/or become a LET’S TALK business/community and actively practice the LET’S TALK message. We have resources available including speakers with clinical experience and lived experiences of anxiety & depression. We will provide you all with the information and support you need to get started.
Display the LET’S TALK logo, stickers and publications in the workplace and community.
Encourage staff to be an ambassador of LET’S TALK.
Provide support information/literature to all staff and customers.
Use the LET’S TALK logo on uniforms, websites, vehicles, emails, etc.
Help us to be seen. The livestock, farming, logistics and agricultural sector can get the TALK message out by displaying signs and logos on trucks and carriers so that our logo is well recognised, and our message understood.
Implement an Employee Assistance Program to enable staff to seek help from GP’s & Counsellors. Instigate awareness through print and online media etc. showing the commitment by your Executives & Staff to the Let’s Talk concept. Sponsor a LET’S TALK event. We will be holding an annual sporting event and supporting a calendar of community awareness campaigns and events throughout the year. We encourage businesses, clubs, and individuals to host an event. Hold or participate in a fundraising event. Check out our Facebook page for the many community inspired events being held. Become a corporate sponsor and assist our team to continue to deliver high impact presentations and undertake new projects that will increase our reach and reduce the rising death toll from suicide. We would be happy to discuss ways your support will help.
BE PART OF THE SOLUTION-BE AN AMBASSADOR FOR LET’S TALK
IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW NEEDS HELP YOU CAN SPEAK WITH SOMEONE TODAY
CONTACTDETAILS
FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO BECOME AN AMBASSADOR FOR THE FOUNDATION PLEASE EMAIL OR MESSAGE US OR PHONE JACINTA ROACHE ON 0407 504 779
The Let’s Talk Foundation is registered as a charity with the Australian Charities and Not For Profi ts Commission ABN 26618964293.The Let’s Talk Foundation is an endorsed Deductible Gift Recipients Charity.
LET'S TALK FOUNDATION LTDP.O. Box 164Warrnambool Vic 3280www.facebook.com/letstalksouthwest/[email protected]
LET’S TALK FOUNDATION LTDRef: Business Name(BSB) 013-743 (Acc No) 4100-09518https://enablr.org.au/charities
WARRNAMBOOL TO DONATE
WE ARE MOVING... 171 LAVA STREET WARRNAMBOOL
SPONSORS
PATIENT EYE PHOTOGRAPHY@patienteyephotography
WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK SOME OF OUR VALUED SUPPORTERS
East Framlingham Golf ClubMortlake Sharks FCWoondoo FCDeakin Sharks FCC’down Mercy CollegeNoorat FCTerang FCStanding TallBHP Gas PlantAUS Med Nurses Ed.W’bool Swim ClubTimboon P-12 CollegeMortlake Rotary ClubMortlake CollegeTerang P-12Timboon parentsSJOG R U OKRotary Day BreakSJOG NursesTimboon HospitalThe Laneway Night W’boolWarrnambool HotelTerang Lions ClubJohnny Mull. CricketMortlake Cricket ClubCobden Golf ClubMortlake Cricket Club20-20 Cricket MatchW’bool Race DAYEast Fram. Golf DayNetfit NetballXavier CollegeW’bool ProbisCobden F/N ClubPt.Fairy F/N ClubRISTSilvan RidgePort Fairy F/N ClubBrauer CollegePt. Fairy Footy/Netball ClubHawkesdale P-12Mortlake P-12W’bool Rotary ClubEmmanuel College Yr 11-12
Emmanuel College Yr. 9-10Terang Races (Jane)Mortlake racesSWMHS StaffMoyne Shire Pt. FairyCamperdown CollegeMoyne Shire MortlakeW’bool Lions ClubRelay 4 LifeRotary PresidentsGrass Growers, TerangCBA CamperdownGallaghersTerang RacesElders MortlakeRotary MortlakeSerra TerraSimpson LifelineSimpson StockfeedDay Break RotaryCobdenPenshurst CommunityW'bool Vet ClinicR U Okay SJOGMusic HomesteadRotary Art Show Roma Britnell MPM Health Week SJOGWCC M.H. PanelBike and Rod RunCobden Health AGMSHB AccountantsCobden Technical CollegeRock N roll NightBreakwater Insurance CRITECH PlumbersStewarts Real EstateIH, CRT, WESTFRIDGEHeywood Truck ShowMerriden CommunityWuddinna CommunityPort Augusta CommunityClare CommunityPerth to Warrnambool
homecoming - Civic GreenSD School W'bool Athletics ClubW'bool Livestock Ex.CLAASFonterra DenningtonEast W'bool Footy ClubSW Community FundMaddens LawyersRural Women’s Forum (TAFE) - JF and JRWVLX –MortlakeAllansford FNCCorangamite ShireSouth Warrnambool FNCColac CommunityGen UMoyne Shire Council Umpires AssociationPower Footy Club presentation (Noorat)Black Dog Bike RidersBendigo livestock transport Ass of VictoriaTerang P-12Hawkesdale School Cobden School Camperdown School Freemasons Victoria CFA PenshurstBega KoroitWarrnambool Uniting Church Bega, Koroit Bendigo Bank Portland Secondary College, VCAL Rural Bank Saputo, Allansford St. Joesphs Primary School Walshes Build Pro Ra White Real Estate Taste of the Coast
TO ALL OUR BUSINESSES WHO HAVE JOINED US AS AMBASSADORS FOR LETS TALK
THANK YOU
WHAT YOU HAVE TO SAY...IN LIFE THERE ARE SOME OPPORTUNITIES THAT PRESENT THEMSELVES SERENDIPITOUSLY. They turn out to be just what you needed even though you didn’t know you needed them. Let’s Talk is a wonderful initiative led by
local people who care about local people. Let’s Talk has provided the motivation, tools and experience for our community to begin to break down the stigma of mental health by talking, listening and normalising conversations about mental illness
and mental wellness. As a school leader I have greatly appreciated the proactive support Let’s Talk has offered, in particular, providing the resources for ‘Breaking the Man Code’ and ‘Breaking the Woman Code’ workshops for our students.
I WOULD ENCOURAGE ALL BUSINESSES, SPORTS CLUBS AND ORGANISATIONS TO CONSIDER HOSTING A PRESENTATION FROM LET’S TALK.
We had Michael and Bernie Moloney present recently to our staff and our staff families. It was great to see the younger demographic come and be part of it with their parents.
It is so important to get the message out that it’s ok to not feel 100% all the time and that it’s important to talk and share your concerns with others.
Bernie’s talk about his own experience was inspirational, down to earth and something the older and younger members of the group were able to identify with.
I think the work Let’s Talk do is great. I hope it has created a little more awareness around the importance of mental health and looking out for one another.
Just one thing or one person at a time CAN make a difference.
