International Women’s Day – Tuesday 8 March

MHACA attended a fantastic International Women’s Fair Day event on the Alice Springs Hospital Lawns on Tuesday 8 March.

An initiative of Tangentyere Council and the Alice Springs Women’s Shelter for International Women’s Day, the fair celebrated the talents and hard work of women from Alice Springs and town camp communities.

The MHACA stall asked fair goers to describe a small activity they could do regularly to keep themselves mentally healthy – in return for a MHACA water bottle filled with icy water – perfect for a hot day in Alice Springs!

These ‘mental health promises’ were written on coloured pieces of paper and stuck to poster boards to inspire other fair goers to think about the small actions that we can each take as individuals to keep ourselves mentally healthy.

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Mental Health Association Central Australia

17 hours ago

Trigger warning: this post contains information on domestic, family and sexual violence and could cause distress.

#16DaysOfActivismAgainstGenderBasedViolence

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women are disproportionately impacted by domestic, family, and sexual violence (DFSV). In the Northern Territory, the victimisation rate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women is 18 times higher than in other parts of Australia, with domestic violence related assaults occurring at three times the national average.

The drivers of violence against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women include:
• Ongoing impacts of colonisation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, families and communities
• Ongoing impacts of colonisation for non-Indigenous people and society
• The gendered drivers
o Condoning violence against women
o Men’s control of decision-making and limits to women’s independence in public and private life
o Rigid gender stereotyping and dominant forms of masculinity
o Male peer relations and culture of masculinity that emphasise aggression, dominance and control

By challenging harmful myths and understanding the drivers of DFSV for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, we can work together to create meaningful change and build safer, stronger communities.

For more information go to www.ourwatch.org.au/preventing-violence/aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-women

If you are feeling unsafe or would like to talk with someone you can call:

Sexual Assault Referral Centre - SARC (Free, confidential support services to people who have been sexually assaulted) Office hours and 24/7 crisis support phone: 8955 4500

WoSSCA (Women’s Safety Services of Central Australia) (Crisis accommodation and support for women and children experiencing domestic or family violence) 24/7 phone support: 8952 6075

1800RESPECT (National sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service). 24/7 phone support: 1800 737 732

13YARN (Crisis support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples). 24/7 phone support: 13 92 76

In case of an emergency call 000. ... See MoreSee Less

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Mental Health Association Central Australia

2 days ago

A big congratulations to MHACA's Craft and Music Connection groups for being recognised by the Alice Springs Town Council for their outstanding work in the mental health sector as part of the International Day of People with Disability Mayoral Awards.

Both groups have been running at MHACA's Drop-in Centre for many years providing a therapeutic and supportive space where participants can connect, create, and learn from one another. These groups offer participants the opportunity to express themselves through art while promoting mental, emotional and social wellbeing.

Well done team! ... See MoreSee Less