Changing Minds
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The peak times of onset for mental health issues are during adolescence and young adulthood. Appropriate education has proved to be an effective way of reducing the risk and promoting good mental health. Arafmi provides services for young people through School Education and Youth Services programs.
The Arafmi Changing Minds School Education Program is an innovative mental health/mental illness program aimed at dispelling the myths and misconceptions surrounding mental illness and promoting mental health.
The Changing Minds School Education Program covers the Perth metropolitan area as well as extending out as far as Bunbury.
The program is aimed at secondary school young people. Arafmi’s main aim is to address the stigma of mental illness. However some schools have certain issues they face and we can then cater for those needs and present on specific issues like depression and eating disorders.
The school education program has proven to be extremely effective through evaluation processes from young people, school staff and volunteers who make the program immensely powerful.
The Arafmi Changing Minds School Education Program is an innovative mental health/mental illness program aimed at dispelling the myths and misconceptions surrounding mental illness and promoting mental health.
The Changing Minds School Education Program covers the Perth metropolitan area as well as extending out as far as Bunbury.
The program is aimed at secondary school young people. Arafmi’s main aim is to address the stigma of mental illness. However some schools have certain issues they face and we can then cater for those needs and present on specific issues like depression and eating disorders.
The school education program has proven to be extremely effective through evaluation processes from young people, school staff and volunteers who make the program immensely powerful.
Some Feedback:
From students…
“I learnt anyone could get a mental illness, it is not the person's fault. Even famous people can get a mental illness.”
From teachers…
“Excellent! The program is relevant to the students. It is a subject most people don’t like talking about. It shows to students that it is OK to talk about their feelings.”
Arafmi's vision for young Australians is that they will gain a more positive attitude towards and understanding of people with mental illness and their carers. They will develop an awareness of their own mental health; that those students who may now, or in the future, live with mental illness themselves, or in a friend or relative, will be less isolated and afraid and be more empowered to seek help and support.
To date, the overall outcome of this program has opened a door in the hearts and minds of the students, staff and the general community who have witnessed classroom presentations. It has provided information and presented real life experiences on a subject once
regarded as social taboo. Students recognise and openly state that without this program they would still be ignorant of the facts; the affects on family and friends living with mental illness; the perspective of the person with a mental illness and the help and support now available within the community.
This program is about the health of the communities and working within the school community is about advancing the mental health of that community. To promote and create a more informed healthier and socially just society for all Australians.
To find out more or organise a session please contact:
School Education Officer Cally Jeffers
Ph: 9427 7100
Fax: 9427 7119
Email: anna@arafmi.asn.au or cally.jeffers@arafmi.asn.au
“I learnt anyone could get a mental illness, it is not the person's fault. Even famous people can get a mental illness.”
From teachers…
“Excellent! The program is relevant to the students. It is a subject most people don’t like talking about. It shows to students that it is OK to talk about their feelings.”
Arafmi's vision for young Australians is that they will gain a more positive attitude towards and understanding of people with mental illness and their carers. They will develop an awareness of their own mental health; that those students who may now, or in the future, live with mental illness themselves, or in a friend or relative, will be less isolated and afraid and be more empowered to seek help and support.
To date, the overall outcome of this program has opened a door in the hearts and minds of the students, staff and the general community who have witnessed classroom presentations. It has provided information and presented real life experiences on a subject once
regarded as social taboo. Students recognise and openly state that without this program they would still be ignorant of the facts; the affects on family and friends living with mental illness; the perspective of the person with a mental illness and the help and support now available within the community.
This program is about the health of the communities and working within the school community is about advancing the mental health of that community. To promote and create a more informed healthier and socially just society for all Australians.
To find out more or organise a session please contact:
School Education Officer Cally Jeffers
Ph: 9427 7100
Fax: 9427 7119
Email: anna@arafmi.asn.au or cally.jeffers@arafmi.asn.au
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