Helpforce’s Post

A CAREER WHERE THE LITTLE WINS COUNT In a sector that rarely gets good publicity, Helen Rawlings is a beacon of positivity. For Helen, watching a person recover from a mental illness is an achievement and a privilege. She wonders why the public never hear stories about people who get well. Perhaps, for many people, recovery is still an intensely private experience or maybe, we’re just not interested. “That’s a sad thing,” Helen says. “A large number of people have positive experiences with their mental health and do get on with their lives. We never hear good stories about people who get well. I just don’t think we highlight that enough.” Helen began her career in mental health as a social worker in Bairnsdale and Sale in 1992 when community teams were first introduced to the region. As an intensive youth mobile outreach worker, she travelled to some of the most remote parts of Gippsland to support children and young people experiencing some pretty big challenges. “Back then there was a lot of hidden stuff like family violence and abuse. Because the communities were quite remote, a lot of kids were isolated in those families and highly traumatised. There were no mobile phones or computers,” Helen says. “All they had was school and you used to try to make school their haven because there was nothing else.” After 10 years, Helen quit to restore an old house in East Gippsland and run a bed and breakfast. That dream lasted 18 months. “I missed being among people – in the thick of it. Yes, we had guests at the B&B but it wasn’t really the same.” So, Helen returned to LRH’s mental health service in 2002 where she learnt to celebrate any win, no matter how small. “The small achievements count in mental health. When I used to work in the community, you would see people at their worst and then you might go to their house and they make you a cup of tea and it might be the first time they’ve done that without you asking them to put on the kettle. And they are up and showered and dressed. For someone who is mentally ill, that is a massive achievement,” Helen says. It’s a message Helen will share with the team at Latrobe Valley Community Mental Health Service when she retires this week. People working in the sector generally do a fantastic job, she says, despite the stress, frustration and changes that are accompanying the transformation of mental health services locally. “In that day-to-day slog staff think they are not doing a good job and things aren’t going as well as they would like. It’s taking the little wins, remembering them and building on it. “I’m hoping the system will be better. There are some good and some not so good things about it. You’ve always got to try to stay positive and make it better for people. And whenever there is any change, your focus has always got to be on the consumer and if you keep that person-centred care, you can’t go wrong.”

💜🧠 Today is World Mental Health Day 🧠💜   This year the theme is ‘Prioritising Mental Health in the Workplace’. Mental health continues to be a major concern for our industry with construction workers nearly four times more likely to die by suicide and issues including depression and anxiety estimated to cost the UK around £2.1 billion each year. 💚 At Aptus the diversity of skills and the varying demands placed on our workforce are key considerations in our mental health support strategies. This includes our commitment to making mental health awareness training and #mentalhealth first aid training available to all our colleagues – we’re proud to have 40 of our team successfully complete their training with MHFA England® so far. 💚 Our Health & Wellbeing Campaign is another avenue through which we offer practical tools and resources to help people maintain their mental wellbeing. We also know the importance of connection and events including our annual family fun day and Christmas party are another way we can bring people together and reinforce relationships that can be beneficial for wellbeing. 💚 One of the most important steps we can all take on #WMHD2024 is to talk about mental health and collectively work to remove the stigma which prevents people from discussing their problems. 💭 In our post we look at more of the ways Aptus supports mental health in the workplace, which includes links to support groups and charitable organisations like The Lighthouse Charity, #ANDYSMANCLUB and the Mental Health Foundation - who are all there to help anyone in need. Please take a look at ➡️https://lnkd.in/ep3pCBs9 #WorldMentalHealthDay #mentalhealthawareness #construction #utilities

Did you know May is #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth? Head to our blog for an inside look at how The Bowman Family Foundation (BFF), is working to solve the mental health, substance use, suicide and overdose crises by ensuring broadscale access to treatments that are proven to be effective. Read here >> https://hubs.li/Q02wgRyx0 #mentalhealth #socialimpact #philanthropy

As Volunteer Managers and Coordinators, we wear many hats — organisers, mentors, advocates and sometimes, counsellors. It’s a role that requires empathy, adaptability and an ability to work with people from all walks of life. While it’s incredibly rewarding, it can also be emotionally demanding, especially when supporting volunteers who may be navigating their own mental health challenges. I’ll be honest - I’ve struggled with separating myself from difficult situations at times. There are moments when the weight of it all can feel overwhelming. However, I’ve learned that to continue showing up for the incredible volunteers I work with, I need to prioritise my own wellbeing. By taking the time to look after my mental health, I ensure that I can keep supporting and uplifting those who give so much of themselves to our cause. Volunteers are remarkable people. They are selfless, compassionate, and generous with their time. They come to our organisations because they care deeply about the work we do and it’s our job to ensure they feel supported and valued. But as we pour our energy into supporting others, we must also recognise the importance of caring for ourselves. This Mental Health Month, I urge you to take a moment to check in with yourself. Reflect on how you’re feeling and make time to do something that brings you joy. Whether it’s taking a walk, spending time with loved ones, or enjoying a quiet moment, prioritising your own wellbeing is key to continuing the great work you do. #mentalhealthmonth #volunteering Volunteering Queensland

As the prevalence of mental health disorders continues to rise, the need for compassionate and accessible care has never been more urgent. The NHS is under ever-increasing financial pressure, so collaboration with mental health charities is more important than ever. Some fantastic examples of these collaborations form a vital aspect of mental health care in the UK. We will look at those here, along with why collaboration is so important. https://lnkd.in/eQuKxn4t #bridesupport #mentalhealthsupport

"The very nature of the type of #work we do exposes us to #trauma on a daily basis -- people often come to us in #distress, and that puts us at risk for being affected by their distress. This is called #secondarytraumaticstress, which is defined by the National Child Traumatic Stress Network as: “The emotional duress that results when an individual hears about the firsthand trauma experiences of another.” Secondary traumatic stress is related to other similar concepts, like #compassionfatigue, #vicarioustrauma and #burnout. [...] We need to show our employees that they are not alone. #Secondarytrauma is part of the nature of our profession and not a sign of weakness. Most of us understand the need to take care of ourselves, both personally and professionally but find it difficult to find time and motivation to integrate self-care strategies in our day-to-day lives. Part of our job as leaders in our sector is to ensure we promote the best conditions for our employees and colleagues to thrive and continue to do the important life-changing work that they do." Please check out the full article here: https://lnkd.in/eHpWPg4J #dutyofcare #organizationalculture #psychosocialrisks #wellbeingatwork #mentalhealthmatters #humanitarian

We recently released our inaugural Vital Signs report, an initiative aimed at measuring the health, wellbeing and quality of life indicators within the Geelong region. Vital Signs, a globally-recognised program utilised by Community Foundations worldwide, employs a data-driven approach to present a comprehensive overview of community trends, strengths, and needs. The report will now guide and inform funding decisions and provide valuable insights for community organisations in the Geelong region. October is World Mental Health Month and data shows that the Geelong Community is grappling with poor mental health, with rates of mental health conditions, self-harm and suicide above the state average. 10.6% of all residents of the Greater Geelong Community identified as having a mental health disorder in the last census, with the rate increasing to as high as 17.6% in some suburbs. Dr Elise Davey, GP and Practice Principal at Kensington Hill Medical Centre, said that one of the great challenges of mental illness in our community is that these numbers don’t begin to convey the ripple effect this has on the individual’s loved ones. "Poorly managed mental illness has consequences far outweighing that of an individual. It limits employment, social connection, and the ability to manage any co-existing health conditions," Ms Davey said. In our 2024-25 Main Grant Round, the Foundation provided funding of $297,300 to 1️⃣1️⃣ organisations that support mental health, including: Art of the Minds, Cherished Pets, Foundation 61, Geelong Youth Engagement, Hope Bereavement Care, LifeChanger Foundation, Ocean Grove Surf Life Saving Club, Ocean Mind - Therapeutic Surfing, Reach Foundation, Read the Play and Sports Challenge Australia. Read our Vital Signs Report here: https://lnkd.in/g7zZ6ZWj Image via Ocean Mind #GivingForever

In these challenging times, it’s crucial for us as a nation to understand and process our reactions to the recent tragedy at Bondi Junction. Many in our community are experiencing shock, grief, anger, fear, and a deep sense of sadness. Now, more than ever, it is essential that we connect with one another, engage in self-care, and encourage others to do the same. A close friend recently shared this touching video with me, which I am now choosing to pass on. The message was clear: dedicating just eight minutes of our time can have a significant impact on someone who is struggling. As one of many mental health first aid officers at DEMIRS, we are here to offer proactive support to those among us feeling isolated in their pain. Let us all be compassionate and supportive, providing a listening ear or words of comfort when needed. I would like to invite everyone who reads this to consider reaching out to a friend or colleague — not just today, but whenever the moment feels right, especially during these trying times. It can truly make a difference. If you find yourself in need of support, please also consider reaching out. Whether it's contacting me or someone else, I am of course prepared to offer far more than eight minutes of my time — this is just the bare minimum. Finding even a brief moment, like eight minutes, can be profoundly impactful. While we may not have all the answers, we can commit to being there for one another, listening and offering support. Here are a few gentle ways we can connect: ⭐️ Begin with a simple check-in: “How are you today?” ⭐️ Engage in active listening, focusing fully on the other person. ⭐️ Share words of encouragement and remind them that they are supported. ⭐️ If appropriate, remind them of the numerous resources and organisations standing by ready to assist. These include but are not limited to: 💫 their company’s Employee Assistance Programme (EAP); 💫 Beyond Blue - 1300 224 636; 💫 Lifeline - 13 11 14; 💫 a trusted mental health professional they already know and trust; or 💫 their local GP. ⭐️ Thank your friend or colleague for being brave enough to share a moment of vulnerability, and encourage them to seek more help if they feel they need it. Sending positive thoughts to everyone. Let’s commit to making time for these important connections to ensure that no one in our community feels forgotten, not just in times of crisis but at any moment.

Empower your volunteers to help save lives 🌟 Today is World Mental Health Day and the theme this year is: time to prioritise mental health in the workplace. We're incredibly grateful to our Helpforce Network for sharing a vital resource relevant to this year’s theme: free online training to support any of your volunteers who may come into contact with patients or service users experiencing suicidal thoughts. This invaluable training, taking just 5-30 minutes to complete, could be a game-changer for volunteers working with vulnerable patients. It's completely free and accessible online, making it easy for busy healthcare professionals to fit into their schedules. To our dedicated volunteer leads in #health, #care, and the NHS: this could be an essential tool in your toolkit. By equipping yourselves and your teams with these skills, you're potentially saving lives every day. Ready to make an impact? Learn more about this training here: https://lnkd.in/e5SJguj9 Remember, if you or someone you know is struggling, help is always available. Samaritans are available to talk 24/7 on 116 123. Together, we can create a stronger, more compassionate support network. Thank you for your dedication to helping others. Laura Greene, Catherine Jowitt, NHS and Care Volunteer Responders, Association of Volunteer Managers, NAVSM (National Association for Voluntary Service Managers) You can learn more and download other resources this World Mental Health Day via mental health charities including Mind, Mental Health UK, YoungMinds and more.

As the prevalence of mental health disorders continues to rise, the need for compassionate and accessible care has never been more urgent. The NHS is under ever-increasing financial pressure, so collaboration with mental health charities is more important than ever. Some fantastic examples of these collaborations form a vital aspect of mental health care in the UK. We will look at those here, along with why collaboration is so important. https://lnkd.in/eQuKxn4t #mntahealthsupport #bridgesupport #everymindmatters