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This website is the initiative of the Mutual Support group which runs its program through Wings of Care (Kanfei Chesed) inc. which in turn supports people with a mental illness in the Jewish community and their families. The group is made up of consumers who form a closed group for about three months and have occupational therapy sessions also during that time. At the end of three months the group disband, swapping phone numbers and continue to connect by being involved in a variety of recreational activities. Group members decided to develop a consumer website for their own use and to be in touch with other Jewish consumers in Victoria, nationally and in other parts of the world, as part of their ongoing support for each other. An activity of this group is to make Tzedakah boxes and distribute them to the Jewish community asking for funds for the group to purchase books for a library for Wings of Care supporters. Tzedakah (charity) boxes are also available on request. Your donation will help Wings of Care purchase books for a library that will assist clients with a mental illness. Contact us. Other activities available to consumers are art, drama, Jewish studies and creative writing. Wings of Care train volunteers to visit people with a mental illness in hospitals and at home. Volunteers are professionally supported if the need arises. We have useful resource information for the Jewish and mainstream communities. There are also internal professional development programs and external (community) educational programs. A helpline also operates from 9am - 5pm, Monday - Thursday; 9am - 3pm Friday and 1:30 - 5pm Sundays. A new group is being formed to help support family members of someone with a mental illness. This will be an open group and also professionally run. Advocacy will also be available to consumers when needed. In 2002 an organisation called the Jewish Mental Health Network was piloted and formed by Wings of Care. This consists of eight well-known and respected organisations coming together to form a network and the benefit of mental health in our Jewish community:
Chevrah Hatzolah The Network publishes a newsletter, which caters to a readership of consumers, mental health professionals and the general public. It is continually expanding its circulation and as well as being available in Melbourne is also being sent to other parts of Australia – Queensland, NSW, Western Australia, Canberra and South Australia. Copies are being sent to the United Kingdom, Israel and the United States. Readers are encouraged to write to the Readers Forum on matters of concern in mental health in the community. So consumers have now got two places in Wings of Care to "have a voice" - so to speak; this new website, and the Jewish Mental Health Network newsletter. You can contact Wings of Care for any of the above, further information on the mutual support group or go on our mail or email lists for the newsletter. Sincerely,
Lorraine GRUMD Levy |
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Copyright © 2004 Mutual Support Group  |
