Have your say on mental health
• DSPN member and Scottsdale Library Manager Trish Sattler is encouraging the community to have their say on mental health. Surveys are available at multiple venues around the region.
By Taylor Clyne
April 01, 2020
During one of the most trying times our community will ever face, now more than ever it’s important to shine a light on mental health.
In a bid to continue the conversation and best understand how residents would like to be supported the Dorset Suicide Prevention Network (DSPN) have launched a feedback survey to develop an action plan alongside their usual services.
DSPN chair Cheryl McCartie said the group invites all residents and those who work in Dorset to have their say in developing a plan for an inclusive and socially connected region.
“The focus of the plan is to increase the amount of support our community receives by raising awareness and building community skills, connections and resilience to improve community mental health and wellbeing and prevent suicide in our community,” she said.
“The information will help us plan activities relevant to our community, acting as an inclusive group that advocates to ensure different needs are being addressed.”
The group is being assisted by Relationships Tasmania in developing the plan which is funded by the Tasmanian Government in an aim to address the incidence of suicide, suicidal behaviour, and the impact this can have on Tasmanians.
“We aim for the survey to run for six to eight weeks in the hope of getting as much feedback as possible,” Mrs McCartie said.
“It’s important for people to know that all survey responses will remain confidential.
“The face to face forums we were planning have obviously been postponed but any groups who would like to do this later in the year we would love to hear from you.”
For those unable to complete the survey online there will be hard copies available at numerous places across the North-East including the Bridport Library, Bridport Pharmacy, Gladstone Shop, Winnaleah, Derby and Ringarooma Post Offices, Ringarooma Garage, Dorset Community House, Scottsdale Library, Terry White Chemmart Scottsdale, Ochre Medical, NESM Hospital and the Lilydale Medical Centre.
Alternatively, this survey can be completed online using the following link: www.surveymonkey.com/r/DORSETSP
In light of the current situation, online may be the best option for those restricting their movements.
“The DSPN also wants to remind members of the community that the outreach services we have available in Dorset can still be contacted by phone and are offering support via phone, facetime and skype etc,” Mrs McCartie said.
“The current situation will undoubtedly have increased the levels of anxiety in our community and we encourage you all to keep in touch with your support networks and to seek help from local services.
“Beyond Blue has a great resource for strategies to manage your mental health if you are self-isolating or reducing your face to face contact with others.”
If you would like to discuss this further and provide feedback, please call Cheryl McCartie on 0467 532 401.