May 16, 2014
A program that has the potential to assist people with mental illness in regional and remote Australia was explained at information sessions in Kingaroy today.
Mi Networks is not a crisis line. Instead, it is an information resource aimed at people who have a question about mental illness or are looking for support in the local community but don’t know where to start.
Mary-Anne Quilter, from the Mental Illness Fellowship Queensland, spoke to professional health workers before hosting a session for the general public.
She told southburnett.com.au she had also tried to contact all the local “go to” people, ie the people most likely to be approached by someone with a mental health issue, including GPs, schools, church leaders, service clubs, police, fire brigade, ambulance, employment agencies and community organisations.
Mi Networks aims to help people to access different services – people living with a mental illness, carers, employers etc.
“It’s a whole of community response,” Mary-Anne said.
To access Mi Networks, phone 1800-985-944 from Monday to Friday (8:30am to 4:30pm) or visit the Mi Networks website.
Callers are connected to an experienced mental health worker who can provide up-to-date information about mental health concerns and answer questions.
Mi Networks staff can also assist by linking people to a broad range of services in the local area including housing, employment, support groups and other community services.
Mary-Anne said the service was free, confidential and could be accessed from anywhere in Australia.
It was launched on World Mental Health Day in 2012 and is funded by the Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia.
The roadtrip to promote the service – which has so far visited Stanthorpe, Warwick, Maryborough, Bundaberg and Gympie and will go to Biloela, Blackwater and Emerald – has been sponsored by the Aussie Farmers Foundation.
- Related link: Where To Turn For Help
