AN updated room has been made available for the supporters of people undergoing treatment for mental health issues.
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The room at the Panorama Sub-Acute Mental Health Unit was able to be renovated through a program of House with no Steps, which partners with the Western NSW Local Health (WNSWLHD) district in operating the clinic.
The improved space will provide a comfortable space for people visiting loved ones, giving them a place to catch up and offer support.
It was developed based on input from consumers, who also helped to construct the furniture and arrange toys.
Member for Bathurst Paul Toole and Minister for Mental Health, Tanya Davies, attended the Panorama Clinic on Tuesday to officially open the space.
Director of Integrated Mental Health and Drug and Alcohol Services for the WNSWLHD, Jason Crisp, also attended.
Mr Crisp said it was important to acknowledge the work of carers, family and friends, in addition to staff, who are all vital in the recovery journey for people.
“Family and carers provide that support for people with lived experiences of mental health or drug and alcohol issues 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and for me that’s why it’s so important that we do what we can to support family, to support carers, and the room is but one step,” he said.
A lot of the credit for the evolution of the room was given to Kelly Leonard and Aurora Bondareff, who were committed to changing something that needed to be changed.
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Ms Davies said she was pleased to be in Bathurst for the opening of the family and carers room, as she knew the room was more significant than it seemed.
“It could be quite easy to walk past the entrance to that door and go ‘Oh, that’s nice’ and keep walking, but what that room will actually deliver for the mental health recovery journey for consumers, we can’t underestimate,” she said.
“To have a place where they can come alongside family and friends, be in a place that’s quiet, that’s comfortable, that’s inviting, that in a sense shows what home is like, is a huge boost to their mental health recovery journey.”
- If you or someone you know needs crisis support, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14, MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978 or the Kids Helpline on 1800 011 511.
