| Events and Activities – regular groups & outings
Consumer Lunch Forum
The Consumer Lunch Forum is an informal gathering for consumers to get together, have some lunch and receive information from guest speaks on a range of topics identified by them. A critical focus of the forum is to have consumers drive the event themselves to encourage and create self-motivation and help with task-orientated skills.
The Consumer Lunch Forum seeks to ensure consumers maintain responsibility and control over their own recovery and integration into the wider community. The forum should be seen as a passage way in this process and used to develop many avenues to communication not just an opportunity to meet and eat …but also to strengthen self-awareness and self-determination.
Previous topics have included developing skills in self-advocacy, interview techniques and basic communication. More recently, an invigorating forum was held in August 2006 with guest consumer and international mental health trainer Helen Glover on 'Creating Conversations Around Our Recovery', which engendered positive encouragement to clients’ recovery.
It is hoped that these lunchtime forums and the learning of new skills will support consumers to recognise where improvement is required and assist them to implement change.
Some suggestions for future lunches include: doing a basic speech craft course, awareness training around Mental Illness (eg.Mental Health First Aid), Mental Illness Education Training and training from the Self Advocacy Kit: a guide to the advocacy we choose to do. Staff draw from consumers’ feedback and also service agencies (such as Disability Advocacy Service) to help guide us with planning future sessions.
Fine food and good company accompany every Consumer Lunch Forum ... Who could ask for more!!
For further information check out our Monthly Community Calendar or call Rangi Ponga on 8950 4602.
Men’s Group
The men’s group is for all men who are consumers at MHACA. There are generally between 3 and 7 consumers who come along and we do a mix of local and regional activities. Some of the local activities include playing pool, 10-pin bowling and BBQs while some of the regional activities have included half-day trips to Ellery Creek Big Hole, Ormiston Gorge, Simpson’s Gap, Jessy Gap, Emily Gap and Trephina Gorge.
Activities are suggested by consumers as things they think will help them to develop socialisation skills as well as give them enjoyment. Many of our consumers enjoy nature so the nature trips are eagerly anticipated. There is normally more interaction when we go on these trips as there is plenty of time to talk in the car. Consumers also enjoy the activities in town and find this a good way to have some friendly competition.
When: The Men’s Group meets every second Friday at MHACA. The time varies depending on what we have planned. If we are heading out for a nature trip we often leave Alice Springs about 11:30am and get back at around 3.00 pm. If we are doing something local we normally get together after lunch around 1.00pm and finish around 3.00pm.
For further information check out our Monthly Community Calendar or contact Tim MacDonald on 8950 4604 or email Tim.Macdonald@mhaca.org.au.
Women’s Group
The Women’s Group is for all women who are consumers at MHACA. There are generally between 2 and 7 consumers who come along to the weekly activities.
The Group meets every Friday morning and we do various activities, such as 10-pin bowling, going to the movies and going to various places for lunch.
The consumers are the ones that suggest the activities that they would like to do as part of developing their socialisation skills, building networks within the community and enjoyment. The women enjoy getting together and talking about issues that they’re going through and developing their coping skills.
When: The Women’s Group meets every 2nd Wednesday morning 10.30am -12.30pm at MHACA.
For any further information check out our Monthly Community Calendar or contact Joanne Ruby - phone 8950 4606 or email joanne.ruby@mhaca.org.au
Monthly Consumer Outings
Each month Pathways runs a Monthly Consumer Outing. Past activities have included BBQs at the Desert Park and at the Telegraph Station, and a luncheon at the Memorial Club (as well as some skilful games of 8-ball!),
If you want to know more about these groups or outings call Tim MacDonald on 8950 4611 or Joanne Ruby - phone 8950 4606 or email joanne.ruby@mhaca.org.au
Annual MHACA “Matt Deer Camp”
Each year the Pathways Program runs a MHACA camp for consumers, now officially called the “Matt Deer Camp” (in rememberance of Matthew Deer).
The MHACA community would like to thank Jackie Deer and her family for their donation towards the annual MHACA consumer camp, and, in memory of her brother Matt and in recognition of this contribution, the management committee have renamed the annual camp in his honour. Matt attended the first camp in 2005 and enjoyed the experience, as did others who attended. It is hoped opportunities like this one provide people with a therapeutic as well as social and enjoyable experience.
If you want to know more about these groups or outings call Tim MacDonald on 8950 4611.
Matt Deer Camp 2007
Matt Deer Camp 2006
Matt Deer Camp 2005 |
