MENTAL HEALTH

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (15:30): Earlier this year I, like all other members of parliament, received a letter from the Mental Health Coalition of South Australia inviting MPs to visit a mental health service in the lead-up to Mental Health Week. The Mental Health Coalition of SA is the peak body for the non-government mental health sector in South Australia. Their mission is to influence the development, range and responsiveness of services to support those affected by mental illness. This is the first time they have arranged the initiative to involve members of parliament. Their aim is to support members of parliament to learn more about mental health and meet the people involved, and I commend the Mental Health Coalition for this initiative.

Mental illness is a significant issue in Australia and one that touches the lives of most Australians. Many of us will experience a mental illness at some point in our own lives or we will see someone dear to us experience it. The impact can be devastating and, for some, lifelong. Mental illnesses include depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety and personality disorders.

Australian data shows that one in two people aged 16 to 85 will experience mental illness at some time and that one in five people will experience mental illness in any given year. It is even more common in young adults, affecting 25 per cent of this age group. It is felt across all sections of society.

People who experience mental illness have a higher risk of social isolation and economic disadvantage and people who experience social and economic disadvantage have higher rates of mental illness. According to the Red Cross, people with mental illness generally have poorer physical health, are more likely to abuse alcohol and other drugs and have higher rates of suicide. They are also more likely than the rest of the population to experience homelessness, be imprisoned, have their children placed in out-of-home care or be unemployed.

For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, there is an even greater prevalence of mental health issues compared to the general population. According to the Red Cross, research indicates that 27 per cent of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experience high or very high levels of psychological distress, twice the rate of the non-indigenous population. Additionally, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are hospitalised for instances of self harm at twice the rate of non-indigenous people.

I was one of a number of members of parliament who took up the offer from the Mental Health Coalition, visiting the Mental Illness Fellowship SA (MIFSA) centre called Panangga. MIFSA is a community-based not-for-profit organisation providing a range of services to people with mental illness, carers and the community since 1983. MIFSA has locations around SA, including Wayville, Reynella, Christies Beach, Port Lincoln and Mount Gambier.

MIFSA provides activity programs such as learning new skills, becoming active and productive, connecting with the community and generally having fun and reintegrating with society. They also run therapy groups, facilitate peer worker support and provide personal helpers and mentors. For families and friends of those with a mental illness, they have a respite program to provide carers with a short-term break from their caring responsibilities. They also have support groups for carers.

I was very impressed when I attended Panangga recently and had a chance to spend time with their friendly and capable team. The Panangga Activity Program is a community-based service run by staff and volunteers in conjunction with participants. Any person who is living with a disability (in particular individuals with a mental illness), their carers, relatives and friends can access the services. No referral is required.

The centre promotes wellbeing in a supportive environment by offering opportunities for individuals to progress their recovery and prevent a relapse by improving their ability to manage their illness. This occurs by providing a place where people can participate, build skills, develop friendships, be accepted and connect with the community. The Panangga centre provides a flexible and supportive environment in which people can choose to participate in structured activities, meet and socialise. Staff are friendly and approachable and support and assist people with a range of programs.

Some of the activities at Panangga include physical and outdoor activities such as tennis and bike riding, lunch groups, over 60s fitness, quizzes, computer skills, tenpin bowling, outdoor trips, fishing, cooking, and a music group. I would like make a personal apology to the staff and participants at Panangga. When I visited them, I took part in their music therapy group and I do not think any of them appreciated my rendition of Crocodile Rock, but they put up with me and for that I am very grateful. I would like to again congratulate the Mental Health Coalition of SA for what I think is a fantastic initiative.