10 JULY 1998 ** A WEB NEWSLETTER FOR PSYCH CONSUMERS IN AUSTRALIA

Delegates to the Aussie MH cønsumer Network met in Gladesville on 16 May and passed the Network constitution, also several motions that were required for incorporation of the Network. The Network will conduct its 1998 AGM during the week of the THEMHS conference in Hobart. (see later item)

There is a report that the Aoteroa Network of Psychiatric Survivors [ANOPS] in New Zealand has recently collapsed. After a controversial conference in Rotorua in June, the peak NZ survivors group may be ceasing its work. More news later.

Mental health week this year will be conducted October 19 - 25. For enquiries in Victoria, check the Web page of the Mental Health Foundation, or phone 9427 0406.

A recent report from The Australian Institute of Criminology, Police Shootings: 1990-97, refers to a 'new' phenomenon, whereby allegedly suicidal individuals are pleading with police to shoot them dead. Vicki Dalton, the author of this report, contends that this might partly explain the high number of individuals shot dead by police in Victoria ... perhaps dark, disturbed individuals are literally throwing themselves onto Police pistols.

A group of 20 cønsumers living in Mont Park hospital, in the northern suburbs of Melbourne will be moving into a new unit development in North Fitzroy. The units will be staffed 24 hours a day and managed by the nearby St. Vincent's Hospital. Under the Aussie Government's de-institutionalisation program, Mont Park and Larundel are to be decommissioned by December 1999. At its peak in the 1970's, Mont Park had 2000 beds in dormitories for "long term patients". (from the Melbourne Times)

Out of the Blues - Depression in Young People : this national seminar will be happening 6 -7 November 1998, at the Radisson Playford Hotel in Adelaide, South Australia.

The program will "disseminate new concepts in the recognition and management of depression in young people up to the age of 24 years, and will bring together a broad spectrum of professionals, who work with young people, to share knowledge and ideas."

Abstracts and Registration of Interest to SAPMEA Conventions 68, Greenhill Road, Wayville, South Aust. 5034 [ fax: 08 82746000 ].

THE PRIVATE EXPERIENCE ... { some personal views on staying in a private psych. hospital ... thanks David }

"There are some who care; Some who are fair; Some who are just there ..

This is true throughout the psychiatric"industry". It remains true for the private sector too. The only difference is that you as the consumer do have a little more say in how you are treated. Although"the powers that be" still exert a lot of pressure. You can still leave, and as the bottom line is cash, there is a likelihood that your voice will be listened to.

However, don't expect the psychiatrist to spend a lot of time listening; with a few exemptions the philosophy seems to be 'my time is money', or 'get as many through as you can' - this is the culture. The main advantages are that the food is usually better than the public sector, and a private room is something that is not offered in the public area. {If you don't count the seclusion rooms}

The 'nursing' is about the same i.e. they spend most of their time in the office, doing who knows what. God help anyone if a real emergency occurred i.e. a heart attack or a suicide attempt. In the five years in which I have been associated with (the hospital), about five people actually committed suicide whilst in the hospital. There's after care -- a day care programme {rather like a kindergarten for adults} .

Cost per day for in patient care $480. Day program $150 per day.

I would say this is the best out of a bad lot as regard to hospitals, both private and public. Yes psychiatric Health care has come a long way. It had to - it was that bad. But it still has a long way to go. If psychiatric nurses had to work as hard as their general colleagues, and showed as much dedication and professionalism, maybe we would see a real difference. "

THEMHS is an annual conference for mental health services and cønsumers in Aussie land & N.Z. THEMHS 1998 will be held September 7 - 9 at the Wrest Point Hotel (yes, near the Casino) in Hobart, Tasmania. with pre-conf. sessions on the 6th.

Cønsumer issues to be covered at THEMHS: "the national cønsumer Network, escaping poverty, mainstreaming, self-esteem, employment, peer programs, rehabilitation, the clubhouse model, migrant and indigenous " people ...

There will be a cønsumer day (forum) on Sunday September 6 ~ 9:15 am. to 5 pm. Registration for this day is $10, and a detailed program is available from the THEMHS office. THEMHS organisers are also offering a generous concession this year for the main conference sessions - registration at $50 per day. A cønsumer/carer feedback session is scheduled for Tuesday afternoon.

If you can reach Melbourne and you want to visit THEMHS this year, you can join a cønsumer group from Melbourne, who are making arrangements now for the trip. Also VMIAC may be organising a transport/accomodation package for a group of cønsumers - phone (03)93878317 BH.

Future editions will include a story about the intriguing cønsumer initiatives in Caboolture, Queensland, and news about the Human Rights Centre for MH, Melbourne.

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image courtesy University of Montreal

Across the world, the cønsumer movement is gathering momentum as users of psych. health services realise their own wisdom and resources. "an aussie cønsumer newsletter" is published on the Web by cønsumers, for cønsumers Down Under; the newsletter assists cønsumers to develop contacts across Australia.

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