Independent Mental Health Advocacy (IMHA) are offering self-advocacy and rights workshops for the community as part of a 18 month project. IMHA supports people who are at risk of, or are currently receiving, compulsory mental health treatment with free and confidential information and advocacy.
The next session will take place at Castlemaine Safe Space, 74 Mostyn St, Castlemaine, on Thursday August 6 at 6pm.
IMHA has run these workshops in inpatient settings and where possible in the community since our service began in 2015, and are excited to be able to focus on running workshops in the community to increase awareness of the Mental Health and Wellbeing Act, 2022.
The workshop is inclusive and accessible to anyone in the community such as those:
– receiving, or at risk of compulsory treatment
– receiving voluntary treatment
– who have had treatment in the past
– who want to learn about mental health rights
– who care and support someone receiving treatment or who maybe be considering accessing mental health and wellbeing services.
The session is relaxed and informal with time for discussion and includes information about:
– IMHA- Independent Mental Health Advocacy
– Mental Health and Wellbeing Act- Rights and Principles
– Advance Statement of Preferences
– Self-Advocacy
Each attendee receives an information pack with relevant documents and forms.
IMHA believes it’s important for individuals to understand their rights within the mental health system, so consumers (those who use mental health services) can make decisions about their treatment informed by knowing their rights, advocate for themselves, with or without the support of an IMHA advocate. When consumers are supported to make their own decisions and supported in their decisions, they have agency and can build confidence.
These community workshops aim to increase community awareness about IMHA and consumer rights, including providing advocacy services to people should they need it. Having these discussions helps to reduce the social stigma around mental health and increase community knowledge.
There has been some really positive consumer feedback about the sessions, one participant commenting, “I didn’t realise I had any rights. Seems I need
to plan and be ready so I can ask my doctor for what I want and what will work for me. Thank you so much for this information. Great session.”
To book your spot please email workshops@imha.vic.gov.au
To find out more about IMHA and the services they offer go to www.imha.vic.gov.au