Update July 2010
Well it's official Camp n' Cycle for Mental Health raised $10,470! Well done everyone for a tremendous and inspiring effort.
In the coming weeks a write up of my experiences during the event will be posted and "where to from here" will also be explored. For example will the event be held again and what will it look like?
Briefly here is a snap shot of what has happened since the event finished:
- The YMCA Journey To Strength Program (previously the mental health camps) will continue to run with YMCA funding staff for the operations and the Camp n' Cycle funds will go towards participants accessing the program
- Ballarat Centacare (http://www.centacareballarat.org.au/index.php?p=19&t=mentalhealthservices) heard about the bike ride and have been inspired to use the money they will raise from an art auction being hosted in Spring, to go towards participating in a Journey To Strength Program
- The Minister for Mental Health (Lisa Neville) has shown interest in being involved in future Camp n' Cycle for Mental Health, but this depends on the outcome of the state election. Sorry even with my connections I have no exclusive to offer you about the date of these elections...
- I won an award! Yes stranger things have happened. The award is the SACS Consulting Emerging Leader in not for profit. Check out the details here http://www.sacsconsult.com.au/index.php?ID=18
- I presented to my local Darebin Bicycle User Group (BUG) about Camp n' Cycle for Mental Health. Guys I still have the membership form to sign up!
- Also.... I have a new job. Yes I am now the Program Manager (Social Inclusion) for the day programs at Doutta Galla http://www.doutta.org.au/www/384/1002113/displayarticle/1002348.html. It was time to take the next step in my professional development and take on a management position and who could have asked for a better combination of mental health and social inclusion? What does that mean for Camp n' Cycle for Mental Health.... well not much. This initiative still has my same level of committment and enthusiasm as if I worked for the YMCA. So let's keep it moving :)
- I am attending the Active Girls Breakfast as a role model on 30th July 2010. The theme aptly named "You don't have to be a sports star" is hosted by Sport and Recreation Victoria http://www.sport.vic.gov.au/web9/dvcsrv.nsf/allDocs/RWP4B266BE7941DA9B4CA25712A001AFC44?OpenDocument
- Check out the document in the left hand navigation providing a brief wrap up of the event and feedback that I presented to the YMCA Youth and Community Services Board
Until next time
Cheerio!
Liz
The event for 2010! Well it is for me anyway - Camp n' Cycle for Mental Health.
On April 17th 2010 I'll be embarking on a 1,450km bike ride mentto various campsites and communities around Victoria to raise awareness about the YMCA mental health camps and the outcomes they are achieving. For example, improving the physical quality of life (better sleep patterns and activity levels during the day) and increasing the social connectedness of people who experience mental illness.
This is important because facts from Vicserv Health Inequalities & Social Inclusion papers outline some of the disturbing facts for people experiencing mental illness:
- The death rate of people with mental illness is 2.5 times greatear than that of the general population, which is equivalent to a life expectancy of 50-59. People with schizophrenia have a mortality rate that is up to three times higher than that of the general population.
- People living with severe mental illness are homeless (and imprisoned) more often than others, their health status is poor, they are more likely to be unemployed, and their engagement with education and connections to the community are often tenuous
With statistics like this and after working for four years with people who experience mental illness… “I thought someone should do something, then I realised that I was someone” J.F.Kennedy. Hence the creation of Camp n’ Cycle for Mental Health to spread the urgent message of improving the physical and social health of people with mental illness. YMCA mental health camps are one way of addressing these challenges but it needs support from the community - YMCA community and broader, to continue.
For fundraising information www.everydayhero.com.au/cc4mh
For more information about Camp n' Cycle for Mental Health
