a Web newsletter for psych. cønsumers in Australia
26 June 1998
next edition 10 July - optimised for Netscape browsers

The Human Rights Centre for MH in Melbourne is running a Know Your Rights Phoneline on (03) 9416-1585, every Monday nite 7pm - 11pm.

They also provide a Support Line for male survivors' of sexual abuse .. this operates every Thursday nite, 7pm - 11pm. "Your call will be answered by a qualified and experienced Counsellor and your confidentiality will be respected." Both phonelines are provided free.

The Centre is also looking for volunteers to undertake its free 12 week Mental Health Advocacy Training Program. This program will commence on Saturday 5 September, from 1pm-4pm. and will be co-facilitated by Steafan Kilkeary and Kon Karapanagiotidis. So if you are interested in becoming a mental health advocate at "Australia's most radical mental health service", ring the Center to register your attendance at one of two recruitment sessions during August.

The former Advocacy worker at VMIAC , Rod Salvage, has initiated a case alleging unfair dismissal at the (Victorian) Industrial Relations Commission. Rod was dismissed in March by the peak consumer organisation. The conciliation process is continuing; the Director of VMIAC and Rod have promised to comment once a judgement is made.

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. Also the Aussie MH cønsumer Network conducts its AGM during or immediately after this conference.

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. till 5 pm. Any cønsumer can attend these sessions. A detailed forum program is available from THEMHS' office; registration for the forum is $10. A conf. feedback session is scheduled for Tuesday afternoon. THEMHS organisers are also offering a generous concession registration this year for the main conference sessions at $150.

If you can reach Melbourne and you want to visit THEMHS this year, VMIAC may be organising a transport/accomodation package for a group of cønsumers - phone (03)93878317 BH.

You can also join another cønsumer group from Melbourne, who are making arrangements now for the trip - .

Lunatrix-L is an e-list designed for women who have been involved with the MH system and who are looking for a safe and stimulating place to discuss related issues.

To subscribe, please send e-mail to: LISTSERV@HOME.EASE.LSOFT.COM with SUBSCRIBE LUNATRIX-L <your name> in the body of the message ... for more info. contact Sasha McInnes at sasha@worldchat.com

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

Future editions will include a story about the intriguing cønsumer initiatives in Caboolture, Queensland, and an essay about life as a "in-patient" in a private psychiatric hospital.

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.

We are independent of any cønsumer group, network or service provider. And this is an un-funded enterprise, so if you as a cønsumer can help us or suggest improvements, we need you. We particularly value news from states outside Victoria.

Watch this space .. we collect cønsumer stories and material. We will accept files and GIFs/JPEGs - up to 64K anyway.

Content is composed and edited in Melbourne; a new issue is usually published every two weeks. Printed copies of this newsletter are available ... ask us.