Message from the CEO: COVID-19 and CoMHWA

CoMHWA would like to acknowledge that in such uncertain times people with lived/living experience of mental health issues will experience extra stress and anxiety.Because we are all so different, we will have a huge range of responses to that – and they are all OK.Whatever your response, you are valuable and important.Here are some suggestions to help you take care of yourself during this time:

  1. Take a break from the news and social media;

  2. Look after yourself – get plenty of sleep, eat healthy meals and practice self-care strategies;

  3. Stay in touch with friends and loved ones over the phone;

  4. Seek accurate information from sources such as WA Health or the World Health Organisation;

  5. Have a plan in place on where to go and how to seek help for physical and mental health if required.

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People across Spain have been doing their best to each others' spirits up as the usually social nation gets used to life under lockdown. Click here to read more.

Financial and Household HelpFor individuals on government benefits such as Newstart, Carer’s allowance and Family Tax Benefits, you will receive a payment of $750 designed to combat the economic impacts of this outbreak. This one-off payment will be placed directly in your bank account from 31st March if you are eligible for this money. Please click here to read more about the incentive.It has also been announced that effective immediately, a freeze will be placed on household fees and charges including electricity, water, motor vehicle charges, the emergency services levy and public transport fares to provide some relief for WA households. You can read the full media release here.Personal CrisisIf you are thinking about suicide or experiencing a personal crisis help is available.  If you require immediate mental health support, please contact your usual support team, or call Lifeline on 13 11 14. You don’t need to face problems alone. What is CoMHWA Doing?I am in regular contact with the CEOs of mental health consumer organisations in NSW and Victoria to help us to work together and ensure the wellbeing of people is supported at a national and state level.CoMHWA is meeting with the Parliamentary Secretary Hon Alannah Clohessy to discuss the impact of the Corona Virus on individuals and those people at risk of developing psychological and mental health distress.  We will look to implementing ways to reduce feelings of isolation, anxiety and stress and help to people to stay safe as a matter of urgency.We will also be meeting with Dr Sophie Davison of the Office of the Chief Psychiatrist, the lead of the public health system’s planning for mental health services, to safeguard the safety and human rights of individuals with experience of mental health issues.CoMHWA is working to ensure your needs and perspectives are acted upon with urgency. To prioritize the safety of our members, staff, Board and visitors CoMHWA has re-scheduled our upcoming in-house training and focus groups to a later date.  We request that enquiries to the office are made via phone or email, and not in person.  CoMHWA will continue to operate with minimal staff in the office, so please bear with us if you do need to get in touch.Courage and kindness can help us all to create hope and peace even in these trying times. Remember that things will get better and this will pass. For all updates on COVID-19 please refer to the Department of Health WA website or call the Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080.Shauna GaeblerCEOConsumers of Mental Health WAReaching Out...

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