Options for Change

1

• Options for Change
• A collaborative Drought Project
• Funded by the Department of Health and Ageing

2
Options for Change

• Funding
• 95K for each division per year.
• 2 Years of funding

3
Division Boundaries
Flinders Far North 512 Mid North 508
4
Options for Change

• The rationale for collaboration
• The two divisions bordered some of the hardest
  hit drought affected country in the state.
• A large portion of the area had been in
  dry/drought condition for 10 years and continue
  to be.
• Similar issues existed across regions
• Both had identified a need for additional
  services
• MNDRM had already formulated a possible response
  with the skills to implement.

5
Options for ChangeA dual approach

• Crisis counselling service
• John Ashfield
• Roger Kleinig
• Working with GPs
• GP or Self referral
• Surgery or property visits
• Free service
• No limitations on sessions

• Community Activities
• Collaborate to Survive and Thrive Dinners
• Beyond Blue Rural Work Force Training sessions
• Pilot Hawker Mens Breakfast Club
• Bush Dance and Dinner
• Womens Pamper Day
• Tim Fischer Dinner
• Education to Ministers Pastoral Workers
• In-service to other Rural Health Teams

6
Options for ChangeCounseling Service

• CONSULTING LOCATIONS
• Quorn
• Hawker
• Leigh Creek
• Jamestown
• Orroroo
• Booleroo Centre

7
Options for Change

• Statistics from February (service commenced)-June
• 197 patient contacts
• 31 Depression
• 27 Anxiety
• 23 Relationship Issues
• 6 Chronic Stress
• 8 Suicidal Ideation
• 22 Other issues

8
Options for Change

• Over 500 people have attended a community or
  education event

9
Options for Change

• Funding Ceases 2009
• Other activities to undertake
• Drought Plan to assist communities in times of
  drought
• Comprehensive list of local services
• Landcare/Woolworths Grant for further
  collaborative dinners
• Collaborative community events with local Rural
  Health Teams
• Beyond Blue community forums
• Square Suicide Awareness Community Training

10
Thank you

• Questions or comments?