Supportopedia - Peninsula Health

Transcription

Supportopedia
A guide to
Mental Health Services at
Peninsula Health
In case of emergency dial 000
Contents
Who is this guide for? .................................................................................... 2
Emergency contact numbers ......................................................................... 2
Peninsula Health Mental Health Service ........................................................ 2
Contact Numbers ........................................................................................... 2
Other Public Mental Health Services.............................................................. 2
24 hour Crisis and Counselling Services ........................................................ 2
Crisis information ........................................................................................... 2
ACCESS........................................................................................................ 2
Other Support and Counselling Services ....................................................... 2
Common abbreviations .................................................................................. 2
Understanding mental illness and the mental health system ......................... 2
Being diagnosed with a mental health illness ................................................. 2
Common terms used in the mental health system. ......................................... 2
Information about Mental Health Diagnosis .................................................... 2
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) .................................................................. 2
Mental Health Services at Peninsula Health .................................................. 2
Private services ............................................................................................. 2
Allied Health providers ................................................................................... 2
Peninsula Health Mental Health Service Staff ................................................ 2
Frequently asked questions ........................................................................... 2
Mental Health Medication .............................................................................. 2
Alcohol and other drugs ................................................................................. 2
Illicit Drug information .................................................................................... 2
Missing persons............................................................................................. 2
Suicidal thinking............................................................................................. 2
Violence and Family Violence ........................................................................ 2
Family Violence Assistance ........................................................................... 2
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Services ............................................... 2
2
Support for our Multicultural Community ........................................................ 2
GLBTIQ Gay Lesbian Bi Trans Intersex and Questioning .............................. 2
Support for People with a Mental Illness ........................................................ 2
Information & support for specific conditions .................................................. 2
Community Health Centres ............................................................................ 2
Community Support/Emergency Centres ....................................................... 2
Education for Consumers .............................................................................. 2
Leisure and work, community recreation and self-development ..................... 2
Accommodation and respite .......................................................................... 2
Support for Carers ......................................................................................... 2
Support Services for Carers and Families ...................................................... 2
Carer Support Groups ................................................................................... 2
Other General Family Supports ..................................................................... 2
Education for Carers ...................................................................................... 2
Other general housing services ..................................................................... 2
Funding Options ............................................................................................ 2
Support For Youth and Children .................................................................... 2
Childrens Respite .......................................................................................... 2
Support for the Aged...................................................................................... 2
Material assistance ........................................................................................ 2
Other useful internet sites .............................................................................. 2
Complaints .................................................................................................... 2
Charter of health Care Rights ...................................................................... 93
Purpose of this booklet ................................................................................ 94
In an emergency ............................................................................................ 2
3
Who is this guide for?
This guide is for Carers, families and consumers who attend public mental
health services in the Frankston and Mornington Peninsula region – from
Aspendale to Seaford, Frankston, Mornington to Portsea, and Flinders to
Bittern.
It contains information about many aspects of mental health that may be
helpful when dealing with our services.
Information about mental health services in the Frankston and Mornington
Peninsula region, including crisis services.
Lists of general, non-psychiatric resources.
General information, including terms used in mental health services.
Information for both consumers and their carers or families. Where
consumers and carers have different information needs, some material is
provided separately.
4
Emergency contact numbers
Police, Ambulance, Fire 000
POLICE
South Eastern Division 4 covers
the following police stations
FRANKSTON
9784 5555
CHELSEA
8773 3200
MORNINGTON
5970 4900
HASTINGS
5970 7800
ROSEBUD
5986 0444
RYE
5985 2582
SORRENTO
5984 2000
Local Hospitals
Frankston Hospital
9784 7777
Rosebud Hospital
5986 0666
Dandenong Hospital
9554 1000
Mental Health Emergencies
Alfred Health
1300 363 746
Peninsula Health
1300 792 977
Monash Health
1300 369 012
5
Police requests for assistance should be
directed to:
Mental Health Triage
PH 1300 792 977; or
0439 208 197 (Police only)
CLIPS – 24 hour 7 days telephone triage service
1300 792 977
WARD 2 WEST (Adult Mental Health In-patient Unit)
PH 9784 7160 and request to speak to the ANUM / Nurse in Charge
of the shift
WARD 1 WEST (Aged Mental Health In-patient Unit)
PH 9784 7095 and request to speak to the ANUM / Nurse in Charge
of the shift
ACMHP (Adult Community Mental Health Program)
PH 9784 6999 and request to speak to the Manager
6
Peninsula Health Mental Health Service
Contact Numbers
Mental Health Service
Peninsula Health – Triage
Phone
1300 792 977
Davey Street Clinic
9784 6999
Youth Mental Health Team (Yuille St)
9784 8620
Adult Acute Inpatient Unit (Ward 2 West)
9784 7160
9784 7161
Aged Acute Inpatient Unit (Ward 1 West)
9784 7095
9784 7093
Community Care Unit (CCU)
9781 4288
Carinya
9783 7277
Rosebud – Bayview House
5986 0684
Y-PARC Yuille Street, Frankston
9238 8600
A-PARC Beach Street, Frankston
9788 4900
Carer Consultant – Frankston Hospital
9238 8634
Consumer Consultant – Frankston Hospital
9238 8627
Peninsula Health covers the following areas:
All areas of the Mornington Peninsula Region–
including Tyabb, Somerville, Baxter, Hastings and French Island
City of Frankston west of McClelland Drive – from the shoreline of Port Phillip Bay
approximately 3 kilometres inland of Aspendale, Edithvale, Chelsea, Bonbeach
and Seaford, and then onto Frankston.
Peninsula Health does not cover Langwarrin, Patterson Lakes, Pearcedale,
Aspendale Gardens, Chelsea Heights, Carrum Downs, Cranbourne or
Pakenham.
These areas are covered by Monash Health (Triage: 1300 369 012).
7
Other Public Mental Health Services
8
Alfred Health – Triage
1300 363 746
Ballarat Mental Health – Triage
1300 661 323
Barwon Mental health
1300 094 187
Bendigo Mental Health – Triage
1300 363 788
Box Hill
9843 5800
Dandenong Hospital – Switchboard
9554 1000
Gippsland Mental Health – Triage
1300 363 322
Glenelg (South Western) Mental Health
1800 808 284
Goulburn and Southern Shepparton
1300 369 005
Maroondah
1300 721 927
Mercy Mental Health – Triage
1300 657 259
Monash Health – Triage
1300 369 012
North Eastern Hume – Wodonga
1300 881 104
North Eastern Hume – Wangaratta
1300 783 347
North Western Centralised - Triage
1300 874 243
Northern Mallee
1300 366 375
St Vincents
1300 558 862
Sunshine - Triage
1300 874 243
The Alfred - Triage
1300 363 747
The Austin Clinic
9496 6500
The Austin – Triage
1300 859 789
Werribee
9916 8552
Western Centralised - Triage
1300 874 243
24 hour Crisis and Counselling Services
Alcoholics Anonymous Peninsula
1300 880 390
CareLine
1800 052 222
Child Abuse/Prevention (24 hours)
1800 688 009
Child Protection Crisis (A/H)
13 12 78
DirectLine (24 hours)
Alcohol & Drug Counselling
1800 888 236
Directory Assistance
12 23
Family Drug Helpline (24 hours)
1300 660 068
Gamblers Helpline (24 hours) Dandenong
1800 156 789
Kids Helpline (24 hours)
1800 551 800
Lifeline
13 11 14
Lifeline Suicide Helpline
1300 651 251
Maternal and Child Health Line
(24 hours)
13 22 29
Mensline Australia (24 hours)
1300 789 978
Nurse on Call
1300 606 024
Parentline (24 hours)
13 22 89
Reverse Charge
1800 7383773
Salvation Army Crisis Contact
1800 627 727
South East CASA (24 Hours)
9594 2289
SECASA TOLL FREE (24 hours)
1800 806 292
Suicide Helpline (24 hours)
1300 651 251
WAYSS/Hanover Crisis Line Frankston
9791 6111
Womens Domestic Violence
Crisis Line (24 hours)
1800 015 188
9
Crisis information
It may not always be possible to wait for your next appointment with a
Recovery Clinician or Doctor to get help. An action plan may be useful for
a crisis because of a mental health problem. Here are some suggestions
for an action plan.
Before a crisis happens: forward planning
With people you trust, write out a plan of what to do if a crisis occurs. Each
of you will notice different things to look out for. Include in your plan any
arrangements needed for the care of children and pets if a crisis happens.
Give a copy to each person involved in doing your plan. Keep your own
copy in a place where it will be easy to find.
Talk with your recovery clinician and others you trust about your warning
signs and what these mean for you. Keep a checklist of these signs in a
Keep Well/Recovery Plan (ask your clinician about this).
When there is a crisis
When you notice early warning signs, write them down with dates. You can
refer to this if there is a next time.
Ask others to tell you if they notice any of these warning signs, so you can
keep a record and tell your recovery clinician or doctor.

If you are concerned about the warning signs you notice phone
9784 6999 (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm).

After hours, phone Triage on 1300 792 977. They will assess the
situation and help you decide what action to take.

If violence is an issue, we recommend you call 000. This can be a
frightening experience and it may be difficult for you to call the police.
However, if you feel in danger or the person you care for may be in
danger, this may be the only option.

Once the crisis has subsided, it can be helpful to talk about the
experience with someone you trust.
10
ACCESS
The first point of contact for information and referrals to a wide range of
community health, aged care, rehabilitation and specialist services
provided by Peninsula Health.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Phone: 1300 665 781
Fax: 9787 9954
11
Other Support and Counselling Services
Anxiety Recovery Centre
1300 269 438
ARAFEMI – Mind Aust and Carer Helpline
1300 550 265
Beyond Blue
1300 224 636
Carer Advisory Line (range of Languages)
1800 242 636
Child Protection (after business hours)
131 278
Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre
1800 052 222
Diabetes Australia
1300 136 588
DirectLine (Alcohol & Drug Counselling)
1800 888 236
Eating Disorders Hotline
1300 550 236
ERMHA
1300 376 421
Family Drug & Alcohol Helpline
1300 660 068
Family Relationships Advice Line
1800 050 321
Gay and Lesbian Switchboard (6pm-10pm)
9827 8544
Gay and Lesbian Country
1800 184 527
Grief Line (12 noon – 3am)
9935 7400
or mobile
1300 845 745
Hepatitis C Info line (business hours)
1800 703 003
Legal Aid Frankston
9784 5222
Legal Aid Metro (business hours)
1300 792 387
Legal Aid Rural
1800 677 402
Lifeworks Frankston
9783 7611
Lifeworks Frankston
1300 543 396
Mens Referral Service
1300 766 491
Mental Health Legal Centre
9629 4422
12
Mental Health Legal Service Country
1800 555 887
Mental Illness Fellowship Helpline
8486 4222
Mens Shed Frankston
9784 8403
Mind Australia Clients 1300 286 463
Carers
1300 550 265
Relationships Australia (9am – 5pm)
1300 364 277
Sane Mental Illness Helpline (9am – 5pm)
1800 688 382
Sexual Assault Crisis Line
(5:00pm – 9am, Monday to Friday) all w/end
1800 806 292
Specialist Trauma Cleaning Service (Sandra)
1300 583 583
Women’s Information and Referral Service
1300 134 130
Victorian Transcultural Psychiatry Unit
9288 3300
Youth Substance Abuse Service
(business hours)
1800 458 685
Victorian Interpreter and Translating Services
9280 1941
Mental Health information/support services
Carers Victoria
1800 242 636 or 9396 9587
Alfred Health Carer Services
1800 052 222
VMIAC (Peer Support Organisation)
9380 3900
Mental Illness Fellowship Frankston
9784 6800
1800 555 887
Peninsula Support Service Mornington
5970 5000
Partners in Recovery
1300 642 774
Mental Health Community Support Service
1300 379 462
13
Common abbreviations
The following list may help you make sense of some of the abbreviations
used in this booklet and elsewhere.
See also the section ‘Commonly used terms’ on page 17.
ACMHS
Adult Community Mental Health Service
A&D
Alcohol and Drug
AH
After Hours
AMA
Acute Management Area
ANUM
Associate Nurse Unit Manager
AOD
Alcohol and Other Drugs
APARC
Adult Prevention and Recovery Care
APMHT
Aged Persons Mental Health Team
ARAFEMI
(Mind) Association of Relatives and Friends of the
Emotionally and Mentally Ill
(pronounced ‘are-af-mee’)
AWOL
Absent Without Leave (pronounced ‘ay-wol’)
BH
Business Hours
BPAD
Bipolar Affective Disorder
BPD
Borderline Personality Disorder
CALD
Culturally and Linguistically diverse
CAMHS
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service
CATT
Crisis Assessment and Treatment Team
CCU
Community Care Unit
CLIPS
Consultant Liaison Inpatient Psychiatry Service
CTO
Community Treatment Order
CTP
Community Treatment Program
DHS
Department of Human Services
DEPOT
Medication given by injection
14
DSM/V
Diagnostical and Statistical Manual of Mental
Disorders/Fifth Edition.
ECT
Electroconvulsive Therapy
ED
Emergency Department
EN
Enrolled Nurse
ERECA
Equal Rights for Equal Care Advocate
FaMDAS
Frankston and Mornington Drug and Alcohol Service.
(previously Pendap)
GAD
Generalised Anxiety Disorder
GP
General Practitioner
HARP
Hospital Admission Risk Program
ICU
Intensive Care Unit
ITO
Involuntary Treatment Order
IV
Intravenously
MEACAS
Mount Eliza Aged Care Assessment Service
MHCC
Mental Health Complaints Commissioner
MHCSS
Mental Health Community Support Services
MH-HARP
Mental Health Hospital Admission Reduction
Program
MO
Medical Officer
MSE
Mental State Examination
MST
Mobile Support and Treatment
OCD
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
OH&S
Occupational Health and Safety
OT
Occupational Therapist
PCC
Peninsula Carer Council
PCU
Palliative Care Unit
PDRSS
Psychiatric Disability Rehabilitation Support Service
15
PH
Peninsula Health
PHMHS
PHx
Past History
PSA
Patient Services Assistant
PSS
Peninsula Support Services
PTSD
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
R/C
Recovery Clinician
RCRC
Rosebud Community Rehabilitation Centre
RPN
Registered Psychiatric Nurse
SNRI’s
Serotonin and Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitor
(antidepressant group)
SSRI’s
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (antidepressant
group)
SRS
Supported Residential Services
SW
Social Worker
VCAT
Victorian Civil and Administration Tribunal
VMIAC
Victorian Mental Illness Awareness Council (pronounced
‘vee-mee-ak’)
YPARC
Youth Prevention and Recovery Care
16
Understanding mental illness and the
mental health system
Many people in the community don’t understand mental illness. There is
confusion about what it means and how it can be managed. Most people
with a mental illness are treated voluntarily. Some people need to be
treated even though they don’t agree to it, usually because of the nature of
their illness.
The law on the treatment of people with a mental illness and their rights is
set out in the Mental Health Act 2014. People have different rights
depending on whether they are voluntary or compulsory. It is important for
everyone to understands their rights.
Mental illness
A mental illness is a medical condition where a person’s thought, mood,
perception or memory is significantly disturbed. Some examples are:
Depression
Schizophrenia or Bipolar disorder
Anxiety disorders.
When a person has a mental illness, these disturbances may make it
harder for them to cope in the community. They may become isolated or
behave in a way that seems unusual to others. They may hear or see
things that are not there or have strong beliefs that can be difficult to
reason with. When a person has a serious mental illness, their behaviour
may at times cause great distress, to themselves and to others.
17
While we know that mental illnesses are associated with physical problems
within the brain, we do not know exactly what triggers the illness. Some
possible explanations are:
Chemical imbalance in the brain, which can be helped with appropriate
medication
Genetics (what we inherit through our genes)
Stress – and how we perceive and deal with stressful things.
You are not mentally ill just because:
of your political, religious, philosophical or sexual beliefs or activities
you are involved in sexual, immoral or illegal conduct
you have an intellectual disability
you have an anti-social personality
you belong to a particular economic, social, cultural or racial group.
You are not described as being mentally ill just because you take drugs or
alcohol. However, if your mind or body is seriously affected because you
take drugs or alcohol, this could be taken as a sign you are mentally ill,
whether the effect is permanent or temporary.
18
Being diagnosed with a mental health illness
Diagnosis of a mental health illness is made after a full assessment by
suitably qualified mental health practitioners. Treatment is offered once a
person has been diagnosed as having a mental illness.
People with a mental health illness may be treated as a 'voluntary' patient,
or as a 'compulsory' (involuntary) patient.
Voluntary patients
A voluntary patient may be admitted to hospital, but is free to leave
whenever they want.
Compulsory patients
‘Complusory’ means ‘against your will’. A Compulsory patient may be
treated for a mental illness against their wishes.
There are set rules that have to be followed before someone can be made
a compulsory patient.



If a doctor examines you and believes you fit the conditions of a
compulsory patient, they may recommend that you are placed on:
a community treatment order, which requires you to get treatment
for your mental illness while you live in the community
a compulsory treatment order, which requires you to get treatment
in an approved mental health service, such as a hospital.
For more information, see 'compulsory treatment orders'
(see The Mental Health Act 2014 and the client section of this book)
19
Common terms used in the mental health
system.
Assessment Order is an Order made by a registered medical practitioner
or mental health practitioner that enables a person who is subject to the
Assessment Order to be compulsorily examined by an authorised
psychiatrist or taken to, and detained in a designated mental health service
for further examination to determine whether the treatment criteria apply to
the person.
Treatment Order is an Order made by the Tribunal that enables a person
who is subject to a Treatment order to be Compulsorily treated in the
community or taken to, and detained and treated in a designated mental
health service.
Community Temporary Treatment Orders is an order made by an
authorised psychiatrist after assessing a person. A CTTO enables some
compulsory patients to live in the community while they receive treatment
for their mental illness.
Inpatient Temporary Treatment Order is an order made by an authorised
psychiatrist after assessing. An ITTO is a treatment order for a person who
is taken to, detained, and treated in a designated mental health service.
Confidentiality means that information about a consumer is not given to
people outside the service agency without the consumer’s permission. An
exception is when families and carers can obtain information that may be
reasonably required so they can care for and support a family member or
friend who has a mental illness.
Voluntary status means the person has agreed to receive treatment.
20
Informed consent happens when the consumer gives permission for a
specific treatment to occur. For consent to be ‘informed’, the consumer
must be given information that helps them understand the procedure or
treatment, the risks involved in having the treatment, the consequences of
not having or agreeing to the treatment, and other available treatments.
Compulsory status means a person who appears to be suffering from a
mental illness has refused or is unable to agree to hospitalisation and
necessary treatment as an informal patient. The person is subject to an
Assessment Order, a Court Order, a Temporary Treatment Order or a
Treatment Order.
Triage is run by the Consultant Liaison Inpatient Psychiatry Service
(CLIPS). It is a 24-hour telephone service for all new referrals and for
general or urgent enquiries. Triage also provides after hours crisis
intervention and may refer to the Community team if required. Triage
decides what is urgent or high priority, and what response is needed for
that situation.
Duty Workers in the Community provide support, information and referral
for current and recent consumers when the clinician is unavailable. The
service operates during business hours.
Victoria Mental Health Act 2014 is the law in Victoria that governs the
treatment and protection of people who have a mental illness.
Consumer means a person who has received, is receiving, sought is
seeking mental health services from a mental health service provider, or
was assessed by an authorised psychiatrist and was not provided with
mental health services.
21
Carer means a person, including a person under the age of 18 years, who
provides care to another person with whom he or she is in a care
relationship.
Treatment is when a person receives treatment for mental illness to
remedy the mental illness or alleviate the symptoms and reduce the ill
effects of the mental illness. Treatment includes ECT.
Recovery is defined as a ‘deeply personal, unique process of changing
one’s attitudes, values, feelings, goals, skills and or roles’. It is a way of
living a satisfying, hopeful, contributing life. Recovery involves developing
new meaning and purpose in one’s life as one grows beyond the
debilitating effects of psychiatric disability. Recovery is both a process and
an outcome. It is essential for promoting hope, well-being and a valued
sense of self-determination for people with a mental illness.
Recovery Plans involve an assessment, outlining a consumer’s goals and
ways to meet these goals. Recovery plans are regularly reviewed by the
clinician, the consumer and where appropriate, their family or carer and
other workers.
What is a Nominated Person? Is a trusted person to provide the patient
with support and to help represent the interests of the patient. A nominated
person can receive information about the patient in accordance with the
Act and must be consulted in accordance with the Act about the patient’s
treatment and assist the patient to exercise their rights. Nomination is in
writing, signed and dated by both the nominated person and the nominee
and witnessed by an authorised witness. For further clarification see s23
Mental Health Act 2014.
22
What is an Advanced Statement? Is a document that sets out a persons
preferences in relation to treatment in the event that the person becomes a
patient. Advanced Statements can be made at any time and must be
signed and dated by the person making the Advanced Statement.
For further clarification see s19 Mental Health Act 2014.
The Mental Health Tribunal (www.mht.vic.gov.au) Independent Statutory
Tribunal) is an independent review tribunal that conducts reviews and
appeals of compulsory treatment orders. Although it has legal powers, it is
not as formal as a court. It has members who are psychiatrists, lawyers
and community members.
The functions of the Mental Health Tribunal are to hear and determine:





A matter in relation to whether a Treatment Order should be made.
An application to revoke a Temporary Treatment Order or
Treatment Order.
A matter in relations to an application involving the transfer of the
treatment of a compulsory patient to another designated mental
health service.
An application to perform electroconvulsive treatment on a patient
who does not have capacity to give informed consent.
For other functions refer to Mental Health Act 2014.
The Mental Health Tribunal will look at reports of your mental health, your
treatment, and information about your whole life situation. You have the
right to actively take part in the hearing and have your say.
23
Information about Mental Health Diagnosis
Please note: It can be difficult to diagnose a mental illness straight
away as you will notice below the signs and symptoms of the
following diagnosis can be similar.
It is important to note a diagnosis can change over time and it is
important to get appropriate medical input.
Psychosis: Describes a loss of contact with reality. When someone is
psychotic, their everyday thoughts can become extremely confused and
what they say may not make sense to others. Their behaviour can seem
very strange and out of character. They may seem to have strong false
beliefs also known as ‘delusions’. They may experience hallucinations
where they see, feel, smell or hear something that is not actually there.
Some women may experience psychosis soon after giving birth.
Schizophrenia: When someone is ill with schizophrenia they may
experience psychosis. For instance, they may believe someone is
interfering with their mind or that their thoughts are not their own, or that
everyone can hear what they are thinking. If you have a family member or
friend with schizophrenia you may notice one or more of the following
behaviours: a lack of energy and interest in life, flat emotions and
expressions, inappropriate emotions (laughing at a sad event), preferring
to be alone, or spending many hours on their own.
Depression: Many of us experience mild depression because of sad or
difficult experiences in life. However, major depression can occur without
an apparent cause, although a distressing event may trigger the condition.
A person with major depression can feel guilt, worthlessness or
hopelessness. They may withdraw and lose interest in doing anything,
including looking after themselves. Severe depression can lead to people
having thoughts of suicide, and some people may action these thoughts.
Sometimes a person with depression can become psychotic. Some
women experience depression after giving birth.
24
Bi-polar Affective Disorder: This is the new name for ‘manic depression’.
A person with bi-polar affective disorder can experience two opposite and
extreme types of moods:
1. Mania, where there can be overactivity or excessive cheerfulness,
irritability and reduced need for sleep. The person may have little idea
of how their behaviour is affecting others around them and may do
things that are out of character.
2. Depression (as described above).
People with bi-polar affective disorder usually have times when they are
well, and other times when they alternate between manic and depressive
episodes.
Other terms you may hear.
Dopamine: is a neurotransmitter that helps control the brain's reward and
pleasure centres. Dopamine also helps regulate movement and emotional
responses, and it enables us not only to see rewards, but to take action to
move toward them. Dopamine deficiency results in Parkinson's Disease,
and people with low dopamine activity may be more prone to addiction.
The presence of a certain kind of dopamine receptor is also associated
with sensation-seeking.
Seratonin: is a hormone and a neurotransmitter Also called 5HT (5hydroxytryptamine). This is a chemical necessary for communication
between nerve cells. This messenger in the brain affects emotions,
behaviour, mood and circadian rhythms.
25
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) is a medical treatment given by trained
health professionals supervised by a psychiatrist.
ECT can be very effective in treating some mental health conditions such
as severe depression, mania or some forms of schizophrenia.
How does ECT work?
The brain works through complex electrochemical processes which can be
disrupted by certain mental illnesses.
ECT temporarily changes some of these processes and then stabilises the
chemical processes.
This helps to start the recovery phase of your illness.
Why ECT?
ECT may have been recommended because:
Medications have not worked well
You cannot tolerate medications
Your condition is life-threatening or you are at high risk of suicide.
For more information please refer to Beyond Blue fact sheets.
If you are not sure why you are having ECT, ask your nurse or doctor.
26
Mental Health Services at Peninsula Health
All urgent or non-urgent referrals to Mental Health
Services at Peninsula Health: Phone Triage 1300 792 977
Triage
Triage is a service run by the CLIPS team. It operates 24 hours a day, seven days
a week. Triage assesses and refers people who are experiencing a mental health
crisis. Triage may refer people to the Community team instead of admitting them
to hospital.
Phone: 1300 792 977
Aged Acute Inpatient Unit (Ward 1 West)
Ward 1 West is a 15-bed Aged Acute Inpatient Assessment unit at Frankston
Hospital. It is for people aged 65 years and over.
Ward 1 West staff includes a Consultant Psychiatrist, Registrar, Intern,
Occupational Therapist, Social Worker, Nurses, Administration and Patient
Services Assistants.
The Aged Treatment Program includes initial diagnosis and proposed treatment
plan, treatment options, physical and social needs, spiritual needs and a program
of structured group activities.
Admission to Ward 1 West is generally via the Emergency Department, ICT
(Intensive Care Team) or APMHT (Aged Persons Mental health Team). The
average stay is 3 to 4 weeks. Carers and family members: a recovery clinician
from our community services (APMHT) will follow up your relative after discharge
to provide ongoing care for as long as needed.
Ward 1 West Phone:
APMHT Phone:
9784 7095
9784 6952
27
.
Adult Acute Inpatient Unit (Ward 2 West)
Ward 2 West is a 30-bed Acute Inpatient Assessment unit located at Frankston
Hospital. It is for people aged 18 to
64 years.
Ward 2 West staff includes a Consultant Psychiatrist, Registrar, Intern,
Occupational Therapist, Social Worker, Nurses, Administration and Patient
Services Assistants.
Admission to Ward 2 West is generally via Triage, Emergency Department or
through the Community Mental Health service.
Ward 2 West Phone: 9784 7161
Adult Community Mental Health Program (Davey Street)
The Adult Community Mental Health Program
The Adult Community Mental Health Program includes three specialists and
multidisciplinary and integrated teams that cover specific geographical areas.
Previously called the ‘CAT’ team, the Adult Community Mental Health Program
provides an Acute and Recovery Service for people on the Frankston and
Mornington Peninsula area.
This program ensures that people referred to the service, who are experiencing a
serious mental health crisis or a relapse of a mental health illness, have easy and
seamless access to treatment and support that meets their individual needs.
The teams also direct psychiatric and psychosocial treatment and care of their
clients if they are admitted to the inpatient unit.
Open 9.00am – 5.00pm Monday to Friday.
Closed on public holidays.
Phone: 9784 6999
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CLIPS (Consultation Liaison Inpatient Psychiatry Service)
CLIPS is the first point of entry to Peninsula Health’s Mental Health Service. It
operates 24 hours, 7 days a week.
CLIPS covers three areas:
Phone triage
Emergency Department face-to-face assessments, and
The Consultation Liaison team that works on Frankston Hospital’s medical and
surgical wards.
(Consultation Liaison operates Monday to Friday 8.00am to 5pm.)
Anyone can contact CLIPS, and there are no age restrictions.
In most cases, CLIPS takes referrals by phone or via the Emergency Department.
Clients may self-refer or their carer or doctor (such as a GP) may also refer them.
Triage clinicians screen information gathered from community sources to decide
appropriate input our mental health service needs to have.
The CLIPS team comprises senior nursing and allied health clinicians as well as a
Consultant Psychiatrist and Psychiatrist Registrar.
CLIPS Phone: 1300 792 977 (Triage)
PACER (Police, Ambulance and Clinician Early Response Team.
Police ambulance and mental health clinicians working together to assess and
treat people in the community who may be experiencing mental health issues. The
team treat the person and refer them to the most appropriate path of care with
minimal distress.
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Community Care Unit
Peninsula Health’s Mental Health Service Community Care Unit (CCU)
accommodates 20 residents. It believes recovery is something clients can work
towards and it addresses both clinical and personal recovery. Residents receive
support to allow them to take responsibility for their own recovery.
Referrals to CCU are made with the assistance of the Discharge Planning Nurse
from the Adult Inpatient Unit or from a Recovery Clinician in the community.
The resident’s length of stay in the CCU is dependent on their individual needs
and goals, and their willingness to work toward achieving these goals.
They receive assistance from Centrelink or their administrator to ensure they get
the appropriate amount of rental assistance. Residents are supported with
budgeting, health, medications and recovery planning. Carers and families are
encouraged to be involved and to have regular contact to assist with residents’
personal recovery plans.
The CCU is located at 4 Spray Street, Frankston.
Phone: (03) 9781 4288
Youth Prevention and Recovery Care Service (YPARC)
th
YPARC is for young people between the ages of 16 to the clients 25 birthday,
who live in the Peninsula Health Mental Health area and who present with
symptoms of serious mental health issues and/or co-occurring drug and alcohol
problems. It is also available for young people who have been unable to access or
have difficulty accessing Primary and Enhanced Primary Health options such as
their GP, psychiatrist and Allied Health team.
Anyone can refer to the YPARC through Triage.
Phone: 1300 792 977
Address: 21 Yuille Street, Frankston
Phone: 9238 8600
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Youth Mental Health Team
The Youth Mental Health Team works in the community and comprises of
occupational therapists, social workers, a psychologist, doctor, consultant
psychiatrist and a nurse, all of whom act as Recovery Clinicians. The team
provides comprehensive assessment and treatment planning with young people,
their families and other relevant services. Treatment options are flexible and can
occur at community-based clinics, in the young person’s home or at another
service provider’s location. Length of treatment depends on the young person’s
needs and can vary from 1 to 2 weeks, up to many months.
Referral can be made through Triage on 1300 792 977
Address:
17 Yuille Street, Frankston 3199
Phone: 9238 8620
Fax: 9783 8620
Adult Prevention and Recovery Care Service (APARC)
APARC is a short-term, person centred recovery service, with a maximum stay of
28 days. Each client’s stay is determined in collaboration with them, their family or
carers and other service providers.
APARC services are often called ‘Step Up/Step Down’ programs because they
provide care for:

People living in the local community who require and agree to, short-term
more intensive residential support to prevent a further deterioration or relapse
of mental illness, without which they may need to be admitted to hospital –
Step Up

People who no longer need to be in a mental health inpatient unit, but who
would benefit from and agree to a further short-term period of treatment and
support in a residential setting – Step Down
Referrals can be made through Triage: 1300 792 977
Address: 91 Beach Street, Frankston.
Phone: 9788 4900
Fax: 9788 4901
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Carinya Residential Aged Care Unit
Carinya Residential Aged Care Unit is a 30-bed high level care psychogeriatric
facility that caters for people over 65 years of age who have been diagnosed with
dementia and/or other psychiatric illness.
Carinya cares for people who need residential care but are ineligible for
mainstream nursing home placement.
Carinya is an interim facility for residents with challenging behaviours related to
their diagnosis. Residents are supported by psychiatric, medical, nursing and
diversional therapy staff.
Appropriate Diversional Therapy activities are provided and caring staff encourage
and facilitate maximum input from each resident in a happy and supported
environment.
Admission to Carinya is facilitated by APMHT.(Aged Person Mental Health Team.)
Location: Building 4, 125 Golf Links Road, Frankston 3199
Phone: 9783 7277
Fax: 9783 7515
MH HARP
The Mental Health Hospital Admission Reduction Program (MH HARP) offers a
short term service of up to six months to clients who present frequently to the
Frankston or Rosebud Hospital Emergency Departments. They cater to clients
aged 18-65 years of age who have a mental health issue as well as other complex
needs such as physical health problems, financial issues, drug and alcohol issues
etc.
The focus for the MH HARP is to support clients to develop skills to better selfmanage their mental health, as well as assisting the client to link in with local
supports and services. The team uses a structured, Recovery-focussed approach
to working with clients, and includes family members and carers whenever
possible.
For further information contact:
Frankston Integrated Health on
Or the Mental Health Triage service on
32
9784 8100
1300 792 977.
Private services
It is possible to use a mix of public and private mental health services, as
well as a private psychiatrist or general practitioner (GP), or both. Private
psychiatrists and GPs may work together with clinicians and other workers
from mental health services. Usually, a support plan is developed that
includes the client and their service providers. In the private system, you
are more likely to see the same worker on an ongoing basis.
General practitioners (GPs)
GPs are often the first contact for people with a psychiatric illness or other
mental health problems. GPs are:

an important, accessible source of support and information for families
and carers

more likely to know about other local support services, as well as
offering ongoing general medical treatment.
Private psychiatrists
The best way of seeing a private psychiatrist is through a referral from a
GP. This means the Medicare rebate can be claimed. Psychiatrists’ fees
vary, and some will bulk bill. Ask the referring doctor or the psychiatrist’s
office for information about fees and billing arrangements.
Private psychiatrists provide outpatient services from their consulting
rooms or inpatient services to private hospitals. Private psychiatrists
have a range of specialist interests, including expertise in working
with particular age groups.
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Allied Health providers
There are a range of private Allied Health providers who can assist with
recovery including psychologists, occupational therapists and social
workers.
Psychologists
Many psychologists work directly with those experiencing difficulties, such
as mental health disorders including anxiety and depression. They help
people to overcome relationship problems, eating disorders, learning
problems, substance abuse, parenting issues, or to manage the effects of
a chronic illness.
Occupational Therapists
Occupational therapists are trained to assist people to overcome
various problems in order to live more independent lives. People may need
assistance due to injury or illness, mental health problems, developmental
delay or the effects of ageing. They take a holistic approach to treatment to
improve skills for living so that people can accomplish more, and improve
wellbeing and quality of life. They work with the person, their family, and
other healthcare professionals where necessary.
Social Workers
A mental health social worker is a professional who treats people with
mental illnesses or substance abuse issues. The treatment may include
individual or group therapy, crisis intervention, teaching of necessary skills
for day-to-day living, and more. These social workers may work in inpatient or out-patient settings. In general, a social worker provides services
that help people deal with problems or issues that arise in their lives. They
may provide counselling, therapy, or practical assistance with situational
crises.
34
Peninsula Health Mental Health Service Staff
Who does what in hospital and in the community
Recovery Clinician: A Recovery Clinician coordinates assessment,
treatment and support to meet consumer needs. A Recovery Clinician
develops Individual Service Plans with consumers and families. Bilingual
clinicians are available for non-English speaking consumers and carers.
Consumer Consultant: Is a member of staff with personal experience of
being a client of mental health services – and a bridge between
consumers, mental health professionals and management. The Consumer
Consultant consults with consumers across all areas of our Mental Health
Service, from individual discussions to informal forums where information
about Mental Health Services is shared. Phone: 9238 8627
Carer Consultant: Is a member of staff who has been, or is, a carer of
someone with a mental illness. The Carer Consultant provides consultation
about carer issues and needs across our Mental Health Service.
Encourages carers to participate and links carers with carer-focused
support organisations.
Phone: 9238 8634
Duty worker: Is a mental health professional who deals with community
consumer issues when a consumer’s needs cannot be met through the
usual avenues. The duty worker may provide backup support in the
absence of a clinician.
Triage worker: Is a mental health professional who is available for new
referrals to our Mental Health Service. Triage workers can provide
after-hours crisis intervention.
Medical Officer: Is a registered medical practitioner who works in the
Mental Health Service, with a special interest in psychiatry.
35
Occupational Therapists: Works with people to develop the skills they
need to live safely and independently, at home and in the community.
Psychiatric Disability Support Workers: Work in the community to
support and assist with everyday activities, and help clients to access
health and recreational services.
Psychiatrist: Is a medical practitioner who has undertaken further
specialised training in diagnosing and treating mental illnesses.
Psychologist: Is a specialist in assessing behaviour and mental
functioning and interventions aimed at changing how people think, feel and
act towards themselves and others.
Social Worker: Works closely on the ward with individual clients, family
and other support people. They provide individual counselling, assist
families, and advocacy including negotiating access to social and
community supports, such as housing support.
Trainee Psychiatrist/Psychiatric Registrar: Is a registered medical
practitioner who is training to become a psychiatrist
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Frequently asked questions
What is mental illness?
Mental illness refers to disorders that affect thoughts, mood, memory
and/or behaviour. Mental illnesses include depression, bipolar disorder,
schizophrenia, anxiety and personality disorders. Some mental illnesses
involve experience of psychosis (where a person loses touch with reality).
Who is susceptible to mental illness?
Mental illness is more common than you may think. Mental illness directly
affects 1 in 5 Australians at some stage in their lives. It can vary from mild
or temporary to severe or prolonged. Mental illness is more common
among young adults, and affects 25 per cent of this age group.
Mental illness can touch people from every walk of life. It can affect
relationships, the ability to work, and enjoyment of life.
What causes mental illness?
Research shows that mental illness may be caused by a combination of
biological factors that create vulnerability. Genetics play a part, but some
people can develop a mental illness with no family history.
Chemical changes can occur that affect the functioning of the brain (both
dopamine and serotonin are involved. See page 25). People who are
vulnerable to mental illness can experience symptoms in response to
stress, social change or drugs.
Is recovery possible?
Yes. Advancements in medication, combined with psychological and social
support, means that most people diagnosed with a mental illness can and
do live active and fulfilled lives.
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How do I know if someone is developing a mental illness?
Early warning signs differ from person to person. Common signs include
behaviour changes (sudden or gradual). People may become unusually
suspicious, anxious, depressed, irritable or angry. They may experience
mood swings, sleeplessness, loss of motivation and energy, changes in
eating habits, and memory loss. Behaviour changes may disrupt a
person’s work or study, and their energy levels and sociability may change.
You may notice these symptoms as a reaction to major life events or
changes, especially for young people in adolescence. If in doubt, seek
advice from a health service as early intervention is better for all
concerned.
If I develop psychotic symptoms, do I have a mental illness?
Psychosis is when a person loses touch with reality and has confused
thoughts, perception, emotions and behaviour. Symptoms may include
disturbing delusions and hallucinations. Psychotic symptoms can occur in
an isolated episode or as part of an ongoing diagnosed illness such as
schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, psychosis or schizo-effective
disorder.
Three in every 100 people will experience a psychotic episode. Many
recover fully. Like any other illness, psychosis can happen to anyone.
Some isolated episodes of psychosis include substance-induced psychosis
and brief reactive psychosis.
Substance-induced psychosis: a first episode of psychosis may be
triggered by drug use, including heroin, cocaine, alcohol, marijuana, or
amphetamines (speed). Drug-induced psychosis subsides once the drugs
or alcohol are out of the person’s system.
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Mental Health Medication
Antipsychotic medication: used to treat the symptoms of a psychotic episode
(difficulty with thoughts, unusual behaviour, irritability, fear, loss of motivation,
strange beliefs and hallucinations), and to reduce agitation.
Commonly used atypical (newer) antipsychotics
Risperidone (Risperdal)
Olanzapine (Zyprexa)
Quetiapine (Seroquel)
Amisulpride (Solian)
Ziprasidone (Zeldox)
Clozapine (Clopine)
Aripiprazole (Abilify)
Paliperidone (Invega)
Typical (older) antipsychotics
Chlorpromazine (Largactil)
Haloperidol (Serenace)
Commonly used depot injections
Risperdal Consta injection
Flupenthixol Deconate (Fluanxol)
Zuclopenthixol Acuphase (Clopixol)
Paliperidone (Invega)
Trifluoperazine (Stelazine)
Zuclopenthixol (Clopixol)
Haloperidol Deconate (Haldol)
Zuclopenthixol Deconate (Clopixol)
Fluphenazine (Modecate)
Side effect medication: used to reduce side effects sometimes associated with
antipsychotics, such as muscle stiffness/spasms, and tremor or restless legs (also
internal restlessness).
Benztropine (Cogentin)
Benzodiazepines (Valium etc)
Propranolol (Inderal)
Sedatives/antianxiety agents: sometimes used for short periods to help with sleep
or to temporarily reduce distress caused by psychotic symptoms, anxiety, agitation,
and insomnia.
Diazepam (Valium/Ducene/Antenex)
Clonazepam (Rivotril/Paxam)
Lorazepam (Ativan)
Alprazalam (Xanax)
Temazepam (Temaze/Normison)
Tolpidem (Stillnox)
Zopiclone (Imovane)
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Antidepressants: prescribed for depression.
Many antidepressants are also effective for anxiety disorders.
Fluoxetine (Prozac/Lovan/Zactin)
Escitalopram (Lexapro)
Paroxetine (Aropax)
Venlafaxine (Efexor)
Mirtazapine (Avanza)
Citalopram (Cipramil)
Sertraline (Zoloft).
Fluvoxamine (Luvox)
Duloxetine (Cymbalta)
Amitryptaline (Endep)
Mood Stabilisers: prescribed for Bipolar Disorder or Schizoaffective Disorder, or
to treat severe depression. Can be used with antipsychotics to make them more
effective.
Lithium (Lithicarb)
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
Olanzapine (Zyprexa)
Sodium Valproate (Epilim or Valpro)
Lamotrigine (Lamictal)
Know your medication and side effects
It is useful to know about the prescribed medication and side effects. To get this
information:
Ask the treating doctor, mental health professional or pharmacist
Read the printed information available in the hospital or community mental health
clinics
Buy your own drug guide through a specialist bookstore.
Important: Tell your doctor/clinician if you plan to stop your medication. Stopping
medication without supervision can have dangerous results.
Does a consumer have to take their medication?
If you or the person you care for has a Voluntary Status (see Common terms
(page 19), you can make a choice. As a Compulsory patient you may be required
to take medication.
Psychotropic Drug Advisor Bureau Phone: 9389 2920
This is a telephone service that offers independent drug information about the
drugs used in psychiatry, for clinicians, Mental Health Services consumers and
their families/carers.
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Alcohol and other drugs
Sometimes people with mental illness take illicit drugs or use alcohol
excessively, for the same reasons anyone else does. For example, they
may want to change the way they feel, as a social outlet, or to experiment.
They may take drugs or alcohol as a form of ‘self-medication’ to distract
themselves from their symptoms and situation.
Drugs or alcohol can increase the symptoms of mental illness.
Alcohol, cannabis and illicit substances like speed, ice and ecstasy
strongly interfere with medications and can delay recovery, cause
incomplete recovery or relapse. The use of these substances is one of the
major reasons why people need to return to hospital.
You may want help and information about the use of drugs and alcohol or
you may wish to talk with other people such as Mental Health or Alcohol &
Drug workers for your own support, i.e. FaMDAP.
Which alcohol & drug service should I contact?
1. Has the person been in recent contact with a drug and alcohol
service?
If yes, contact that particular Alcohol & Drug Service.
2. “I need to talk to people who have been there themselves.”
Self-Help/Family Support:
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
Families Anonymous (FA)
Marijuana Anonymous
9429 1833
9525 2833
9889 8112
0438 332 155
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3. “I need to talk to a professional about my alcohol and drug
problem.”
Counselling: Voyage
9296 1228
4. “I want to get off this stuff.”
Withdrawal: Agency
1800 304 050
5. Other special alcohol and drug services:
Tranquillisers TRANX/PADA
9886 0955
Pregnancy
9344 2277
Youth (24 hour phone counselling for people aged 12-21 and their
families and friends)
9418 1020
6. Private Alcohol & Drug Services:
Get Off Drugs Naturally East Warburton
WCTU Drug Free Lifestyles Melbourne
Innerspace Drug Safety Service
Collingwood
Melbourne Inner City Needle Syringe
Program Collingwood
7. FaMDAS
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1300 887 676
9654 6491
9468 2800
9417 1466
1300 665 781
Illicit Drug information
There can be serious consequences for using illicit drugs.
To read about the side effects and more please go to
www.drugs.health.gov.vic.au
Ecstasy or methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)
Ecstasy tablets are supposedly made up of the primary ingredient
methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), but as the ingredients required to
make synthetic drugs are becoming more difficult to obtain, the formulation of pills
marketed as ecstasy can vary greatly.
They are more likely to contain methamphetamine (speed) combined with a
synthetic hallucinogen or para-methoxyamphetamine (PMA). Ecstasy is known by
a variety of other names, including: E, pills, Ex, pingers, E n C, eccy, MDMA, XTC,
eggs and disco biscuits.
Marijuana
Marijuana (cannabis) primarily comes from the cannabis plant (cannabis sativa).
The cannabis plant is also used to produce hashish (hash) and hash oil.
Of the three, marijuana (cannabis) is the most common and least powerful but is
still capable of causing a variety of physical and mental problems resulting from
intoxication and long-term use.
Marijuana (cannabis) is known by a variety of other names, including: pot, grass,
weed, ya(r)ndi, rope, mull, dope, skunk, bhang, ganja, hash, chronic, reefer, joint,
cone or spliff.
Ice
Ice and base are methamphetamine, part of the amphetamine family of drugs
which also includes speed. The difference between ice, base and speed is that ice
is the most pure form, followed by base then speed. The 'high' experienced from
ice and base is much more intense, and with intense reactions come powerful
responses including comedown, the potential for dependence (addiction) and
chronic physical and mental problems. Ice is known as a variety of other names,
including: crystal meth, meth, crystal, shabu, batu, d-meth, tina and glass. Base is
also known as: speed dexedrine, dexies, dex, shad, go-ee, glass, tina, paste,
oxblood, shabu, yabba and crank.
1800 ICE ADVISE
For users, families and Health Professionals. 1800 423 238
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Speed.
Speed is part of the amphetamine family of drugs, which also includes ice. Ice is
the purest form of the drug followed by base and then speed, however the
potential for dependence (addiction) plus physical and mental problems
associated with speed is still high. Speed is also known by a variety of other
names, including: whizz, go-ee, snow, zip, point, eve, gogo, pure, and gas.
Cocaine
Cocaine, or coke as it is commonly known, is a stimulant and has a similar effect
to amphetamines like speed and ice, but produces a more intense effect and
shorter ‘high’ depending upon dosage. Cocaine is a white crystalline powder with
a bitter numbing taste. Cocaine hydrochloride can be further processed to produce
cocaine base, which comes in two forms known as freebase and crack. Freebase
is also a white powder, while crack generally comes in the form of crystals ranging
in colour from white or creamy to transparent with a pink or yellow tinge.
Cocaine is known by a variety of other names, including: coke, Charlie, blow, C,
pepsi, nose candy. Crack cocaine is also known as a variety of other names,
including: rock, base and
sugar block.
GHB
GHB is a drug commonly found in the dance scene and is sometimes referred to
as liquid ecstasy due to its stimulating, euphoric and supposed aphrodisiac
qualities. Chemically speaking, it is not related to MDMA at all. Mildly salty in
flavour, yet colourless and odorless, it’s also used a date-rape drug – when mixed
with alcohol, it can intoxicate quickly. Other names include: Fantasy, grievous
bodily harm (GBH), liquid ecstasy, liquid E, G.
Heroin
Heroin is one of a group of drugs known as "opioids". Other opioids include opium,
morphine, codeine, pethidine, oxycodone, buprenorphine and methadone. Heroin
and other opioids are depressants. Depressants do not necessarily make you feel
depressed. Rather, they slow down the activity of the central nervous system and
messages going to and from the brain and the body. Heroin is known by a variety
of other names, including: horse, hammer, H, dope, smack, junk, gear and boy.
There are many dangerous side effects to taking drugs.
44
Please read the side effects on the National Drug Campaign website.
www.drugs.health.gov.au .
Other drugs facts at a glance
There is a wide range of other drugs out there that are just as dangerous as the
more commonly used ecstasy or marijuana. These drugs include depressants
(such as sleeping pills), hallucinogens like LSD, ketamine or inhalants. While
they are legal, alcohol and tobacco are also drugs that can have dangerous
consequences if misused.
Depressants
Sleeping pills, minor tranquillizers.
Other names include: Benzos, temazzies, Valium, tranks, sleepers, Serapax,
serries,Mandrax, mandies.
Signs and symptoms: Drowsiness, confusion, uncoordination, slurred speech,
depressed pulse rate, shallow breathing.
Potential problems: Anxiety, depression, restlessness, tremors, insomnia,
changes in eyesight, high risk of addiction and suicide.
Otherwise known as ‘downers’, depressants act to slow or reduce the function of
the brain and body. Mainly used as prescription medicines, they’ve also become
popular as ‘illicits’ or mood-altering substances. They can cause anything from
feelings of relaxation and mild contentment, to sedation and total blackout.
Definitely don’t use them with alcohol – you can stop breathing! Most
pharmaceutical drugs used for legitimate medical purposes are limited to
pharmacist supply and require a prescription for purchase. Despite these controls,
they are also diverted into the illicit market. Pharmaceuticals are used illicitly for a
number of purposes. These include supplementing other drug use, enhancing the
effects or managing the withdrawal symptoms from other drugs. They may also be
misused to self-medicate, deal with dependence or to achieve an intoxicating
effect. Non-medical use of pharmaceutical drugs can result in serious health risks
and can lead to addiction.
Hallucinogens
LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide), Psilocybin.
Street name: LSD – acid, trips, wedges, windowpane, blotter, microdot.
Psilocybin – mushies, blue meanies, magic mushrooms, gold tops.
Signs and symptoms: trance-like state, excitation, euphoria, increased pulse
rate, insomnia, hallucinations, paranoia.
45
Potential problems: visual hallucinations may produce anxiety and fear,
confusion and lack of coordination can result in greater risk of injury, self-inflicted
injury, violent behaviour, paranoia, depression, anxiety and unpredictable
flashbacks.
LSD was discovered in 1938 and is one of the most potent mood and perception
altering drugs. Synthesised from lysergic acid, LSD is initially a clear or white
crystalline substance. It is also odourless and soluble in water. LSD is highly
potent and only very small doses are required to produce a hallucinogenic effect.
Psilocybin is a chemical with hallucinogenic properties that is found in certain
species of mushrooms colloquially referred to as ‘magic mushrooms’. In Australia,
there are approximately 20 species of psilocybin-containing mushrooms.
Ketamine
Ketamine hydrochloride.
Street name: Green, K, super K, special K, Vitamin K.
Signs and symptoms: Altered perception, disorientation, drowsiness,
hallucinations, numbness, strange muscle movements, nausea, vomiting.
Potential problems: Accidents from lack of coordination, quick development of
tolerance, psychological dependence, psychosis, flashbacks, loss of memory,
attention and vision impairment. As ketamine is an anaesthetic, when used with
depressant drugs such as alcohol, heroin or tranquillisers, it can be particularly
harmful as it has the potential to shut the body down causing vital organs such as
the lungs or heart to stop functioning. Ketamine is considered a dissociative
anaesthetic as it produces feelings of ‘disassociation’ from a person’s environment
as well as from one’s self. It also has hallucinogenic effects and can impact on a
person’s senses and perception of reality.
Inhalants
Can include a number of general household and office products – solvents,
aerosols, glue, petrol.
Street name: Nitrous oxide – laughing gas, whippits, nitrous. Amyl nitrate –
snappers, poppers, pearlers, rushamines. Butyl nitrate – locker room, bolt, bullet,
rush, climax, red gold.
Potential problems: Brain damage, paralysis, pains in the chest, muscles, joints,
heart trouble, severe depression, fatigue, loss of appetite, bronchial spasm, sores
on nose or mouth, nosebleeds, diarrhoea, bizarre or reckless behaviour,
suffocation and sudden death.
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Alcohol
It's easy to forget that alcohol is a drug too. Even though it is legal, drinking too
much alcohol can have negative impacts on you and the people you are with.
It is important to know that factors such as gender, age, mental health, drug use
and existing medical conditions can change how alcohol affects you. The health
risks that accumulate over a lifetime from alcohol increase progressively – this
means that the more you drink, the greater the risk. Drinking alcohol can affect
your liver or cause brain damage, heart disease, high blood pressure and
increases your risk of many cancers. It may also increase your risk of injury
through road trauma, violence, falls and accidental death.
Tobacco
Smoking is the leading preventable cause of death and disease in Australia.
Tobacco use reduces not only your life expectancy but your quality of life. Many
medical conditions caused by smoking can result not just in death, but in living for
years with disabling health problems.
 Every cigarette is doing you damage.
 Smoking is the largest preventable cause of disease and premature death
in Australia.
 Smoking kills over 15,000 Australia’s each year.
 Cigarette smoke is toxic – it contains over 4,000 chemicals including those
used in paint stripper, toilet cleaner, rat poison and nail polish remover.
 People near a smoker breathe in the poisons too, which can also cause
them disease and premature death.
For more information about tobacco please visit the quitnow website.
For more information about drugs and the dangerous side effects visit the
following websites.
www.drugs.health.vic.gov.au For more information
www.fds.org.au Family Drug Support
www.noffs.org.au Ted Noffs Foundation.
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Missing persons
A person with a mental illness may ‘go missing’ for many reasons. They
may need to take time out, be directed to leave by voices (auditory
hallucinations or delusions), or they may be trying to avoid something,
such as a Community Treatment order.
A person with a mental illness may go missing simply because they
choose to.
If you think your family member or friend is likely to go missing, make a
note of the places he or she is interested in.
If your family member or friend disappears in a way that you think is
dangerous or unusual, you can call their clinician, the Mental Health
Service or the Police to report that they are missing.
Victoria Police Centre Switchboard
Monday to Friday, 7am to 7pm
9247 6666
Postal address:
Victoria Police Centre
GPO Box 913
Melbourne VIC 3001
Frankston Police
9784 5555
National Missing Persons
Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm
1800 000 634
www.missingpersons.gov.au
http://www.missingpersonsguide.com/contacts
A practical guide for searching for a missing person.
48
Suicidal thinking
Advice for consumers
Be alert for ‘early warning signs’ and do something about them.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, it may be helpful to:

Phone medical emergencies
000

After hours: phone Triage worker
1300 792 977

Contact your clinician between
9am and 5pm
9784 6999

Contact Duty Worker
9784 6999

Contact someone who can be with you to support you,
if you have a recovery clinician or caseworker.

Contact Lifeline
13 11 14
Whichever you choose, keep trying until you reach someone
you can talk to, confide in and who can help.
Advice for carers
“Suicide is the thing we fear most…”
A person may be regarded as suicidal when they have given strong
indications they intend to take their own life. Risk factors may include
history of a previous suicide attempt or having a diagnosis of major
depression.
There are signs that may indicate a person is considering suicide; for
example, they may talk about suicide or be preoccupied with themes of
death.
49
If you are concerned about potential suicide, you may wish to talk with the
treating team. It can be useful to have a plan or some advance idea of
what you would do if the person in your care attempts suicide, for example:

Get medical attention as soon as possible by dialling 000 for an
ambulance.

Call the Duty worker or after hours Triage worker on
1300 792 977

If you suspect an overdose has been taken, show the doctor or
ambulance officer the drug used or the container, if you can.

Begin First Aid if this is appropriate and you are familiar with the correct
procedure.

Contact someone who can be with you for support.

Contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Afterwards, try to talk about the experience with others who understand
what you have gone through; for example, other carers or supportive
mental health workers.
More information SuicideLine
www.suicideline.org.au
phone 1300 651 251
www.sane.org
www.itsallright.org
www.livingisforeveryone.com.au
50
Violence and Family Violence
When violence is a concern
If you have concerns about your own anger management, talk with your
clinician or a treating professional.
Reasons for problematic or aggressive behaviour may include:







Confusion
Fear
Signs and symptoms of mental illness, such as hallucinations
Personal power, such as loss of power or face saving
Use of illicit drugs or alcohol
Not taking prescribed medication, leading to a deterioration
Change in type or level of medication.
Although people with mental illness are statistically more likely to be
victims than perpetrators of violence, violence and mental illness can be a
very difficult combination. It can be hard to know what to do, so it is
important if possible to work out what to do in advance, who to call and
where to go.
51
Family Violence Assistance
Centre Against Sexual Assault
Phone:
After Hours:
Toll Free:
www.casa.org.au
9635 3610
9349 2466
1800 806 292
Child Protection Crisis Line
Phone 24/7
131278
Safe Steps Family Violence Centre
Toll free 24 hrs
9322 3555
1800 015 188
Mens referral Service
1300 766 491
Wayss Ltd – Registered Office
294 Thomas Street
Dandenong Vic 3175
9791 6111
Emergency Youth Accomodation
8:30am to 5:30pm Mon – Fri
9791 5692
Drug Court Homelessness Assistance
9791 6111
Family Violence Crisis Service 8am – 11pm
Monday – Friday
9792 1205
Family Violence Outreach Service
Frankston
9781 4658
Dandenong
9791 6111
Casey/Cardinia
9703 0044
52
Suggestion for carers and families
Aggressive and difficult behaviour may best be understood in stages (see
table below). How we respond to aggressive behaviour can affect the
outcome of the situation.
Stages
What can happen
Suggested response
Stage 1
Increased anxiety
Calm, supportive approach
Stage 2
Being angry and
defensive
Set limits, give direction,
avoid getting into an
argument (confrontation) and
seek outside assistance.
Stage 3
Getting physical,
hurting other
people and
damaging objects.
Leave and call for help.
Intervene physically only if
someone’s life is in danger.
Stage 4
Dealing with the
aftermath
Talk about the incident with
your family member or friend,
and get support for yourself.
Stage 5
Planning to avoid
similar problems
Develop strategies/a plan
based on what has worked
for you in the past.
53
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Services
VACCHO (Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health
Organisation
9411 9411
Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Officers
Helen Bnads
9784 7609
Mobile 0409 430 547
Lisa Coppe
9784 1109
Mobile 0417 542 569
Cultural and Linguistically Diverse (CALD)
Victorian Transcultural Mental Health Service
Conversations in Cultural Responsiveness.
www.vtmh.org.au
Dandenong & District Aborigines
Co-Operative Ltd (DDACL)
provides support for Koori families/
carers living in the Cities of Greater
Dandenong, Casey and Cardinia.
Ph:
9794 5973
www.ddacl.org.au/about.html
Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency
Koori Kids Playgroup 10:30am to 1pm
Fridays Wallaroo Community House
6 Wallaroo Place, Hastings.
And
Holllins Childrens Centre
10 Atlantic Drive, Pakenham.
Wednesdays Montague Park Playgroup Hall
Bentley Place, Frankston
Thursdays Cranbourne Community House
49 Valepark Crescent, Cranbourne.
Call
0408 948 755 or 9701 4200
Elizabeth Hoffman House Aboriginal Women’s Service
www.ehhaws.org.au
Phone 24hrs
9482 5744
54
Support for our Multicultural Community
National program in Mental Health and Suicide prevention for Australians
from culturally linquistically diverse backgrounds.
www.mmha.org.au
1300 136 289
GLBTIQ Gay Lesbian Bi Trans Intersex and
Questioning
Gay and Lesbian Switchboard
Monday – Thursday 6pm – 10pm
Wednesday 2pm – 10pm
Friday – Sunday and Public Holidays 6pm – 9pm
www.switchboard.org.au
Phone:
9663 2939
Toll free:
1800 184 527
Kara House Lesbian Domestic Violence Outreach Service
Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm
1800 900 520
Victorian Aids Council & Gay Men’s Health Service
Monday – Friday 2pm – 4pm
9865 6700
Toll Free:
1800 134 840
Victorian Police Gay & Lesbian Liaison Officers. (GLLO’s)
Phone
9247 5346
55
Support for People with a Mental Illness
Frankston Hospital
Support for Consumers
Mental Health Acute Inpatient Units
Ward 1 West and Ward 2 West
Being admitted to a psychiatric ward can be a frightening experience for
both consumers and carers. Being in hospital can also provide safety and
treatment.
An individual can be treated as a Voluntary patient or as a Compulsory.
As a Compulsory patients you will be treated under the Mental Health
Act 2014.
You will be able to elect someone you know to be your nominated
person: This is a person you have elected to provide support and to help
represent your interests as a patient of the hospital.
The criteria for a person to be made compulsory and therefore subject to a
Temporary Treatment Order or Treatment Order under the Mental
Health Act 2014 is
(a) the person has a mental illness; and because the person has a
mental illness, the person needs immediate treatment to prevent
serious deterioration in the person’s mental or physical health or
serious harm to the person or to another person.
The following information describes what consumers and carers say they
have found helpful.
Advice for Consumers
Seek support from as many friends and relatives as possible.
They will help you make sure you get the right treatment.
56
Things you can do to make the situation easier for yourself
• Ask as many questions as you want, even if they seem
irrelevant, especially about your medication, diagnosis and treatment. Feel free to
take notes. The Mental health Council of Australia has a checklist of questions for
consumers. www.mhca.org.au
• Familiarise yourself with the ward routines, and get to know
ward staff.
• Ask hospital staff for extra information such as brochures
about the ward, other psychiatric services, childcare arrangements and patients’
rights.
• You have the right to talk to the treating team and to have
meetings where you can be helped by family or support you choose. At these
meetings, you can discuss your treatment, treatment alternatives, discharge plans
and available support.
Explore all avenues of treatment… know your rights.
There is a variety of supports available to consumers in and around Frankston and
the Mornington Peninsula.
Contact the Consumer Consultant on
9238 8627
The Consumer Consultant provides consumers with independent, one-on-one
support during their recovery journey.
The Consumer Consultant can help consumers access appropriate and beneficial
services to aid their recovery, raise consumer concerns with appropriate
staff/management within Peninsula Health, and provide consumer advocacy and
representation.
The Consumer Consultant ensures consumers’ views are always represented and
considered.
The Consumer Consultant is part of Peninsula Health Mental Health Services and
is located at 17 Yuille St Frankston.
57
Information & support for specific conditions
Anxiety
Anxiety Recovery Centre Victoria
298 Canterbury Rd Surrey Hills 3127
www.arcvic.com.au
helpline
9830 0566
9830 0533
The Anxiety Recovery Centre Victoria (ARCVic) is a state-wide, specialist mental
health organisation, providing support, recovery and educational services to
people and families living with anxiety disorders. We aim to support and equip
people with knowledge and skills that will build resilience and recovery and reduce
the impact of anxiety disorders.
Anxiety Disorders Association of Victoria Inc.
ADAVIC
9853 8089
Anxiety Disorders Association of Victoria
Provides telephone support, (Wed – Fri 10:30am – 4:00pm), referrals and
information, support group meetings, workshops, and library facilities.
Depression
Beyond Blue
Beyond blue is an independent, not-for-profit organisation working to increase
awareness and understanding of anxiety and depression in Australia and to
reduce the associated stigma.
www.beyondblue.org.au
1300 222 4636
Bluepages
BluePages provides information on treatments for depression based on the latest
scientific evidence. It also offers screening tests for depression and anxiety, and
links to other helpful resources.
www.bluepages.anu.edu.au email [email protected]
depressioNet.org.au
There are a lot of good resources available for treatment, help and support for
people living with depression and other mood disorders, including some great
resources for families & friends
www.depressioNet.org.au
58
depression.com.au offers a compilation of counselling and psychologist
services across Australia. Including carer information covering many of the issues
concerning depression.
www.depression.com.au
Bipolar
Black Dog Institute
The Black Dog Institute is a not-for-profit organisation and world leader in the
diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mood disorders such as depression and
bipolar disorder.
www.blackdoginstitute.org.au
Mood Swings
This site is an online self-help tool for people with bipolar disorder. Material used
in this website is based on an effective face-to-face group program found to be
successful in reducing episodes of illness.
www.moodswings.net.au
131114
Spectrum
4 Bona Street, Ringwood 3135
Spectrum supports the treatment of people who have severe or borderline
personality disorder and who are being treated by Victorian State Government
funded Area Mental Health Services (AMHS, CAMHS and other state-wide mental
health services). The service has an emphasis on those who are at risk from
serious self-harm or suicide, and who have particularly complex needs.
www.spectrumbpd.com.au
88333050
Borderline Support
Our core belief is that it is possible to recover from BPD and by supporting each
other we can celebrate our achievements and work through our issues together.
Meetings are non-judgemental, supportive and run by peer who recovered from
BPD.
www.borderlinesupport,com.au
59
Psychosis
EPPIC
The Early Psychosis Prevention and Intervention Centre (EPPIC) is an integrated
and comprehensive mental health service aimed at addressing the needs of
people aged 15-24 Mental Health and Melbourne Health in Parkville.
www.eppic.org.au
Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia Research Institute
The Schizophrenia Research Institute is the only national medical research
institute solely dedicated to discovering the ways to prevent and cure
schizophrenia.
www.schizophreniaresearch.ore.au 02 9295 8689
Eating Disorders
Eating Disorders Victoria
1300 550 236
Provides support and information to people affected by eating disorders, and to
their families. Carer Support Groups
Other Supports
ARAFEMI has merged with Mind. The services will continue to
provide a range of support options to consumers.
Central Intake Ph: 8640 5681
Ermha is a community based organisation that supports recovery from
mental illness and instils hope for carers, families, friends and consumers.
Ph: 1300 376 421
PaNDa
1300 726 306 support line
Post and Anti Natal Depression Association provides support and information, for
women and families who are affected by post-natal depression.
60
GROW
1800 558 268 or 9528 2977
A voluntary association for people experiencing stress, depression or emotional
distress. Meets each week for mutual support, using a 12 step program.
Advocates for Survivors of Child Abuse
Meets every second Monday, at Joan Kirner House, Williamstown.
ASCA - Adult Survivors of Child Abuse
www.asca.org.au
1300 657 380
ASCA provides professional phone support, information, resources, tools and
workshops to help survivors and their friends, families, partners and loved ones
live better lives.
Albert Rd Clinic.
9256 8311
Family Drug Help SHARC
recognises that problematic alcohol and other drug use within the family can be
overwhelming (with or without mental health issues). Offers family members
(including siblings) support, information, education, inspiration and the
encouragement
to practise self care.
Helpline: 1300 660 068
Ph: 9573 1706
www.familydrughelp.com.au
www.siblingsupport.com.au
Shine Mental Health – Family Life
Frankston
9770 0341
Chelsea
9782 7800
Assists families, children and young people and makes our society a better place
for everyone including the most disadvantaged and vulnerable.
OzChild
8796 0000
Provides a range of programs that enable children and young people to develop
into confident and resilient individuals with effective relationships and positive life
directions.
61
Headspace early intervention in emerging mental health and
alcohol and drug issues for young people 12–25 years.
• Peninsula Ph: 9769 6419
• Elsternwick Ph: 9526 1600
• Dandenong Ph: 1800 367 968
www.headspace.org.au
Mental Illness Fellowship works with people with mental illness, their families
and friends to improve their well being. Offers advocacy, support, counselling,
education & respite options.
Ph: 9784 6800
Helpline: 8486 4222
www.mifellowship.org
Odyssey – Family Eclipse Program
for families of young adults with mental health issues and drug use.
Ph: 9420 7610
www.odyssey.org.au
SECASA Services. South Eastern Centre Against Sexual Assault &
Family Violence.
Admin 8770 1000
Provides sexual assault and family violence services in Victoria.
Contact Crisis 9594 2289
www.secasa.com.au
youth.secasa.com.au
email: [email protected]
SANE Australia is a national charity working for a better life for
people affected by mental illness, including carers/families, through community
campaigns, education and research.
Helpline: 1800 187 263
www.sane.org
Stepping Up A consortium supporting people with complex
issues (i.e. mental illness, AOD, ID,ABI etc.) and their families.
Ph: 1800 828 466
www.stepping-up.org.au
62
Psychiatric Disability Rehabilitation Support Services
1300767299 www.health.vic.gov.au/mentalhealth/pdrss
A range of non-government organisations that support your local Mental Health
Service.
Victorian Mental Illness Awareness Council (VMIAC)
Provides information, support, advocacy, research and referral services.
9380 3900
Community Health Centres
Local Community Health Centres in the Peninsula area run group
programs related to specific mental health issues.
Frankston Community Health
Hastings Road, Frankston 3199
9784 8100
Hastings Community Health
185 High Street, Hastings 3915
5971 9100
Mornington Community Health
62 Tanti Ave, Mornington 3915
5970 2000
Rosebud Community Health
38 Braidwood Ave, Rosebud 3939
5986 9250
Bayside Community Health
335 Nepean Highway, Parkdale 3195
8587 0200
Community Support/Emergency Centres
Frankston 35 Beach Street, Frankston
9783 7284
Western Port Community Support
185 High Street, Hastings
5979 2762
Mornington Community Information and Support Centre
320 Main Street, Mornington
5975 1644
Southern Peninsula Community Support & Information Centre
878 Point Nepean Road, Rosebud
5986 1285
63
Education for Consumers
MI Fellowship Education Sessions
Well Ways MI Recovery is a 10 session peer education program developed for
and by people with a lived experience of mental illness. The program provides up
to date information about mental illness and recovery, supports participants to
identify personal strengths, develop strategies to manage illness and plan for the
future.
For session more details phone 9784 6800
Leisure and work, community recreation and
self-development
For people with a mental illness
Day programs provide activities focusing on leisure and recreation, personal
development, rehabilitation and opportunities for making friends. Key workers offer
support and assist in tailoring programs to suit individual needs. A drop-in
component is also offered, with inexpensive communal lunches on some days of
the week
For more information, contact:
Mind Health Connect
www.mindhealthconnect.org.au
1800 022 222
Reclink
www.reclink.org
9419 6672
You may find many other services and programs listed in your local council
community directories such as local Community Houses, Living and Learning
Centres, and Community Health Centres. Contact your local council office
64
Accommodation and respite
When looking for accommodation and respite, a good place to start is by
talking with the clinician involved or a social worker.
Housing support for people with a mental illness
Important: many supported accommodation services have waiting lists, so it is
unlikely that you will be able to move in immediately.
Flagstaff Crisis Accommodation (men only)
24 hours, 7 days a week
Cnr King & Roden Sts, West Melbourne
Emergency accommodation
Frankston Crisis & Support Services
37 Ross Smith Ave East, Frankston 3199
Family Violence.
Mens accommodation
Good Shepherd Youth and Family Services.
Emergency 24hrs
Free and confidential service
9329 4800
9784 5050
1800 015 188
5971 9454
Legal Help
Free legal Help Frankston
Peninsula Community Legal Centre
Pines
Rosebud
9783 3600
9786 6980
5981 2422
The Mental Health Legal Centre (MHLC) provides a free and confidential legal
service to anyone who has experienced mental illness in Victoria where their legal
problem relates to their mental illness.
www.communitylaw.org.au
9629 4422
Toll free country
1800 555 887
Tuesday and Thursday 6:30pm – 8:30pm
65
Support for Carers
Frankston Hospital
Support for carers and families
Advice for carers
Carers can find the psychiatric ward and community mental health services
daunting. When making contact with a hospital or community mental health clinic,
we suggest you:

Ask as many questions as possible. The Mental Health Council of Australia
have a checklist of questions which may assist you. www.mhca.org.au.

Write down the list of any questions you have, write notes, and keep a journal.
Quite often we have so much on our mind Carers can often forget information.

Try to establish a partnership between your family, mental health staff, and
any other people involved.

Think about having someone who is less directly involved come along with
you to meetings with clinical staff. For example the Carer Consultant can
attend the family meetings with the carers.

Give staff information about your family member or friend that you think is
important. For example, their religious beliefs, allergies, or what you know can
trigger reactions or episodes

Take home any valuable personal items your family member or friend brings
into hospital. For example, it is best to keep valuable jewellery or large
amounts of cash at home.

Take advantage of your right to talk with the treating team and to have
meetings where you can discuss further treatment, care, discharge plans, and
available support. Please be aware that staff may be restricted in what they
can share with you.
66

The Mental Health Act 2014 says that information can be shared only with the
consent of the person being treated or if the information is related to direct
care being provided by the carer.

Make sure you are contacted when discharged is planned and that you have
spoken to staff about discharge and ongoing treatment when your loved one
comes home.
WHO IS A CARER AND WHAT IS A CARE RELATIONSHIP?
The Mental Health Act 2014 uses the following definitions from the Carers
Recognition Act 2012 (Vic):



care: means the provision of ongoing support, assistance or personal care to
another person
carer: means a person, including a person under the age of 18 years, who
provides care to another person with whom he or she is in a care relationship
(but does not include a parent if person to whom care is provided is less than
16 years of age)
care relationship: a person is in a care relationship if he or she provides
another person, or receives from another person, care because one of the
persons in the relationship has a disability, is older, has a mental illness or has
an ongoing medical condition (including a terminal or chronic illness or
dementia).
If you are a carer it is important to know there are services for carers and families
which provide support and information.
Carer Consultant, Frankston Hospital
9238 8634
Carer Consultants provide information about services that can benefit carers and
families. The Carer Consultant meets directly with family/carers to discuss their
needs and issues holistically and raise specific concerns with appropriate
Peninsula Health Mental Health Service Clinicians. They represent and contribute
the carer’s viewpoint to the continuous improvement of service delivery and
enable input to local planning and service development activities through
membership on mental health service committees, working groups and advisory
groups.
67
Support Services for Carers and Families
Mental Health Advice Line
1300 280 737 (state-wide)
24 hours a day, seven days a week
The Mental Health Advice Line provides immediate mental health advice from a
registered mental health professional. This one number from anywhere in Victoria
provides fast access to clear expert advice, referral and information about all
mental health issues.
Note: Calls from anywhere in Victoria are charged at the cost of a local call
(mobile phones may be charged at a higher rate).
Mental Illness Fellowship Victoria
45 Davey Street Frankston
9784 6800
Provides a range of services for people with schizophrenia and other serious
mental illnesses and for families, carers, workers and the general community.
Association of Relatives and Friends of the Emotionally and Mentally Ill
(ARAFEMI)
98109300
Provides support to families and individuals dealing with serious emotional or
mental illness. Services include mutual support groups, supported
accommodation, telephone support and a library.
The Bouverie Centre, Victoria’s Family Institute 93855100
Provides support to families in which a member has a serious emotional,
behavioural or mental health difficulty.
Alfred Health Carer Services
Provides a range of information, counselling and respite support
to families/carers of people with mental illness and other types of disability or agerelated care needs. Includes Young Carers Program.
Ph: 1800052222 (24 hours)
www.carersouth.org.au
68
ARC: Anxiety Recovery Centre
South East Anxiety Disorders group.
Helpline: 9830 0533
www.arcvic.org.au
Carers Victoria
The statewide peak carer organisation to provide carers with counselling (‘Talking
it over’), advice, advocacy, education and training
Ph: 9396 9500 or 1800 242 636
www.carersvictoria.org.au
Centrelink A carer payment e.g.Carer Allowance may be available.
Ph: 13 27 17
www.centrelink.gov.au
Connections Uniting Care –Alliance Family Counselling
Program Southern offers a free service that provides specialised support to
families affected by the alcohol or drug use of a relative or loved one.
Ph: 8792 8999
www.connections.org.au
Dandenong & District Aborigines
Co-Operative Ltd (DDACL) provides support for Koori families/
carers living in the Cities of Greater Dandenong, Casey and Cardinia.
Ph: 9794 5973
www.ddacl.org.au/about.html
Help, information and referral for individuals and families .
Helpline: 1300 550 236
www.eatingdisorders.org.au
Ermha is a community based organisation that supports recovery from mental
illness and instils hope for carers, families, friends and consumers. It provides a
range of respite and vocational support options, education and carer
support groups.
Ph: 1300 376 421 or Ermha Respite: 9796 1000
www.ermha.org
69
Family Drug Help SHARC
recognises that problematic alcohol and other drug use within the family can be
overwhelming (with or without mental health issues). Offers family members
(including siblings) support, information, education, inspiration and the
encouragement to practise self-care.
Helpline: 1300 660 068
Ph: 9573 1706
www.familydrughelp.com.au
www.siblingsupport.com.au
Family Relationship Services
for Carers
Ph: 1300 303 346
Grow – Better Together offers peer-support, self-help groups.
Helps caregivers/families to gain understanding, support and education. For
details of groups in the Southern Region
Ph: 1800 558 268
Email: [email protected]
www.grow.org.au
Inner South Family and Friends
Carer Support Group
• Alfred region
Ph: 9076 4713
www.ispaf.org
Headspace early intervention in emerging mental health and
alcohol and drug issues for young people 12–25 years.
• Peninsula Ph: 9769 6419
• Elsternwick Ph: 9526 1600
• Dandenong Ph: 1800 367 968
www.headspace.org.au
MI Fellowship Works with people with mental illness, their families and friends
to improve their wellbeing. Offers advocacy,
support, counselling, education & respite options.
Ph: 9784 6800
Helpline: 8486 4222
www.mifellowship.org
70
Mind Australia
Carers Helpline 1300 550 265
Phone:
8102 7961
www.mindaustralia.org.au
Mental Health Services:
Carer Consultants in the Southern Region work in the Alfred Health, Monash
Health and Peninsula Health Adult Mental Health Services (AMHS), Child and
Youth Mental Health Services (CYMHS) or Early in Life Mental Health Service
(ELMHS) and Aged Persons Mental Health Services (APMHS), to advocate for
systemic change in service delivery and response to the needs of carers.
• Alfred Health
AMHS Ph:
9076 4740
CYMHS Ph:
8552 0555
• Caulfield APMHS Ph:
9076 6184
• Peninsula Health AMHS Ph:
9238 8634
YPARC Ph:
9238 8600
• Monash Health AMHS/ELMHS Ph:
9554 9233
(includes Frankston ELMHS)
Carer Support Fund
Financial support for clients linked to state funded mental health
services. Contact your family member’s case manager.
MIND – Family and Carer Services
having merged with both Lantern and ARAFEMI provides a comprehensive range
of family and carer services which are tailored to meet identified needs.
Central Intake Ph: 8640 5681
www.mindaustralia.org.au
Odyssey – Family Eclipse Program
for families of young adults with mental health issues and drug use.
Ph: 9420 7610
www.odyssey.org.au
Parentline provides a statewide phone counselling service to
parents/carers of children aged birth to 18 years.
Ph: 13 22 89
71
PATS: Paying Attention to Self
A course for 12–18 year olds. Contact CRCCSR Young Carers
Program for course information.
Ph: 1800 052 222
www.carersouth.org.au
Peninsula Carer Council (PCC). Supporting carers of people with
mental illness.
Support Meeting -3rd Monday each month 26 High St Frankston 7.30pm
Drop in - 2nd Tuesday each month Field of Dreams Cafe Beach St Frankston 1012 am
Enquiries/chat - Headspace 62 Playne St Frankston Thursday
9.30am - 2.30pm..
Ph. 1300 550 962 email
[email protected] www.peninsulacarercouncil.org.
au
Peninsula Health Mental Health Services
Carer Consultation and Support.
• Frankston and Rosebud
Ph: 9238 8634
Peninsula Support Services (PSS)
Carer Support Program provides short term, one on one support and flexible
respite care options for carers and families who care for someone with a
diagnosed mental illness including referral and linkage to community supports and
Carer
Groups.
Ph: 5970 5000
www.pss.org.au
SANE Australia is a national charity working for a better life for
people affected by mental illness, including carers/families, through community
campaigns, education and research.
Helpline: 1800 187 263
www.sane.org
Stepping Up A consortium supporting people with complex
issues (i.e. mental illness, AOD, ID,ABI etc.) and their families.
Ph: 1800 828 466
www.stepping-up.org.au
72
Uniting Care Community Options
(UCCO) – Mental Health Respite
Carer Support Options
Supports carers of people with mental illness over a 12 month
period offering support to sustain their caring role and improve
wellbeing. Carers will be able to connect to a Peer Worker as well as groups and
events.
Ph: 9705 3932 (Mon–Thurs)
www.ucco.org.au
GP Referral Contact your GP
regarding referral to Medicare
funded counselling via ‘Better
Access to Mental Health Care’ and
links to other Medicare programs
e.g. Enhanced Primary Care Plan.
Tandem. (Previously Victorian Mental Health Carers
Network) Victorian peak body. Its mission is to ensure recognition of carers and
families via itMs role in systemic advocacy and liaison with government on behalf
of carers.
Ph: 8803 5555
www.tandemcarers.org.au
73
Carer Support Groups
Carer Support Groups Check with
your service and/or case manager
if a group is offered:
Psychiatric Triage/Emergencies
• Alfred Health Ph:
1300 363 746
• Monash Health Ph: 1300 369 012
• Peninsula Health Ph: 1300 792 977
Cheltenham Carer Support Group
1st Wednesday of the month, 7:30pm
Mind Australia Family Carer Service.
3 Stanley Ave, Cheltenham.
8102 7961
Grow Better Together, Carer Support Group
1st & 3rd Tuesday of the month, 12:30pm at Ermha
67 Robinson Street,
Dandenong.
Contact Grow on
1800 558 267
[email protected]
9528 2977
Peninsula Carer Council
3rd Monday of the month, 7:30pm
Brotherhood of St Laurence Complex
High Street,
Frankston
Contact
1300 550 962
Peninsula Health Mental Health Carers Groups
Rosebud – 1st Thursday of the month at 1:30pm
Baptist Church (hall at rear) Boneo Rd, Rosebud.
Contact Carer Consultant 9238 8634 or
0439 113 817
74
South East Anxiety Disorders Support Group
2nd Monday of the month
Bentleigh Bayside Community Healht Services
Gardeners Rd, East Bentleigh
Contact ARCVic Helpline
9830 0533
Mind Australia (Hawthorn)
Contact Carer Helpline
[email protected]
1300 550 265 or email:
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) – Family & Carers Group,
1st Wednesday of the month 7 – 9pm
Family & Carers Group – Grow Better Together
1st and 3rd Thursday of the month. 7 – 9pm.
Contact via Helpline
1300 550 236
75
Other General Family Supports
Commonwealth Respite & Carelink Centre Southern Region
(site offices across the southern region)
1800 052 222
Frankston office, 51 Playne St, Frankston
8781 3400
Provides a range of information, counselling and respite support to
families/carers of people with mental illness and other types of disability or
age-related care needs. Also provides a Young Carers program.
Carers Victoria
Level One, 37 Albert St, Footscray
1800 242 636
Works in partnership with carers, support groups, service providers and
government to provide support and information to carers. Provides a Carer
Support Kit containing information on caring at home, including financial
assistance. To obtain this free kit, phone the Carer Resource Centre toll
free on
1800 242 636.
Anglicare Family Services
9742 5300
Provides a range of family support services.
Mackillop Family Services
9687 7166
Provides a range of family support services.
Strengthening Families
9449 6911
Family support agency for families with children aged 0-18 years and
experiencing welfare concerns including parenting, relationship problems,
communication and managing difficult behaviours.
Family Life
Frankston. Level 1, 146 Young Street, Frankston, Victoria Australia 3199
Phone
9770 0341
76
Creating Capable Communities, SHINE Mental Health, Child FIRST,
PeopleWorx and YouthWorx, Community Bubs, Family Relationship
Centre (FRC), MATES – Men and Family Violence, Schools Focused
Youth Service, Volunteering
EDUCATION FOR CARERS
MI Fellowship (pronounced My Fellowship) education sessions:
Well Ways - Building a Future, 12 sessions to assist family members and
carers to maintain their own wellness and support the recovery of their
family member or friend with a mental illness.
Well Ways – Snapshot, 2 session program designed to assist family
members and carers of people with a mental illness. This program was
developed in response to demand from family members and carers who
are time poor but in need of essential information and support.
Well Ways – Duo, 6 session education program designed to assist family
members and carers of people with a mental illness who also experience
drug and/or alcohol use issues.
Contact the MI Fellowship Frankston on 9784 6800
For session details.
Carers Victoria for educational resources and workshops
Tandems E-Learning
77
Other general housing services
Department of Housing
1st Floor 431 Nepean Highway
Frankston VIC 3199
9784 3200
Public housing is available through Housing Services, which is part of
Human Services Victoria. Housing Services provides affordable housing to
low and medium income earners. Rent is a percentage of the tenant’s
income, rather than market value rent for the property. A waiting list
applies, but there is priority housing for people who have an urgent
housing need.
Respite accommodation
Mental Illness Fellowship
8486 4200
Offers short-term respite options to carers, including a ‘Visitor Service’ and
‘Home Based Outreach’.
Emergency After Hours Respite Service – WIN Support Services
Free call
1800 727 280
This free call after-hours emergency bridging service provides short-term
personal care and in-home support to people with the dual disability of
mental illness and intellectual disability. Carers can access this service.
Funding Options
Tandem Funding for Carers and alternate funding options
03 8803 5555 opt 1
For other enquiries
Contact the Carer Consultant
78
9238 8634
Support For Youth and Children
Al-Anon and Al-ateen Family Groups
9642 3330
Alfred Child and Youth Mental Health Service (CYMHS)
Mon – Fri 9am – 5pm
8552 0566
Carers Victoria
1800 242 636
COPMI (Children of Parents with a Mental Illness)
www.copmi.net.au/youth
Child and Youth Health
www.cyh.com
Family Life
Frankston. Level 1, 146 Young Street, Frankston, Victoria Australia 3199
Phone
9770 0341
Creating Capable Communities, SHINE Mental Health 8 – 14 yo, Child FIRST,
PeopleWorx and YouthWorx, Community Bubs, Family Relationship Centre
(FRC), MATES – Men and Family Violence, Schools Focused Youth Service,
Volunteering
Hand Brake Turn
Providing hands-on training in practical real world skills together with social
support. The program aims to transform the lives of young people aged 15 – 22
who have had difficulty with the mainstream education system.
7 Hilton St, Dandenong.
Phone
9793 1466
Headspace is the National Youth Mental Health Foundation. We help young
people who are going through a tough time.
For ages 12 – 25.
9769 6419
Headspace Frankston 62 Playne Street Frankston 3199
(right next to the Frankston Library)
9769 6419
79
Its all right
The SANE Helpline is a confidential service providing information about
symptoms, treatments, medications, where to go for support and help for carers.
Sane Help Line
1800 187 263
Use Helpline Online to ask questions about mental illness and related topics.
Helpline Online is for information and referral to support agencies (it is not a
counselling service). Enquiries are usually answered within 3 working days.
www.itsallright.org
Kids Helpline (ages 5 to 25 years)
free call, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
1800 551 800
Kids in Mind. For children up to 12yo
8514 1045
Mornington Peninsula Youth Enterprises
providing a range of education, training and support services to young
people from the Mornington Peninsula and surrounding areas.
Mpye.org.au 12 – 25yo
5977 2976
Email: [email protected] mobile
0417 347 702
Parentline Victoria
cost of a local call
Open 8am to midnight 7 days a week
www.education.vic.gov.au
13 22 89
Paying Attention to Self (PATS)
City of Greater Dandeong (CGD)
Youth services PATS is a peer support program for young people who have a
parent with a mental health issue within the
Sylvia:
9793 2155
ACCESS
1300 665 781
80
What is a young carer?
Young carers are children or young people up to 25 years of age, who help care in
families where someone has an illness, a disability, a mental illness or who has an
alcohol or other drug problem.
A young carer might help out with cleaning or cooking, helping with mobility,
helping with medicines, keeping the person they care for safe, showering or
dressing them or just watching out to make sure they are okay.
How do young carers find out about us?
Anyone can refer a young carer to the program, from school teachers, social
workers, parents, relatives, doctors and even the young carer themselves. If you
are or you know a young carer please contact 1800 052 222 for more information.
How do we assist young carers?
There are two components to the young carer program
• Respite Services: enables those carers who are school aged to access respite
and age appropriate support, including educational, social and recreational
activities.
• Information Services: young carers up to 25 can access information, advice and
referral services, including referral to counselling.
www.youngcarers.net.au
Young Persons Groups
9093 5977
For people aged 8 – 18 years who are supporting someone with a mental
illness Mind, 17 Taylor Street, Moorabbin
Youth Central
60a Playne Street
(Next to Frankston Library)
Frankston 3199
Contact Us
Phone:
9768 1366
81
Childrens Respite
Portsea Camp Mon - Fri 9am – 5pm for information.
5984 2333
YMCA – Munyung Mt Eliza for information
97881100
Mornington Peninsula Shire for information
5986 3585
82
Support for the Aged
Psychiatric triage (information, assessment and referral)
24 hours a day, 7 days a week Telephone: 1300 792 977
Aged Psychiatry Assessment and Treatment Service
Peninsula Health
Frankston Hospital
P.O. Box 52
Frankston 3199
9784 6999
Aged Psychiatry Inpatient Unit
Ward 1 West
Frankston Hospital
P.O. Box 52
Frankston 3199
AH
Elderly Rights Advocacy
www.era.asn.au
or
9784 7105
9784 6999
9602 3066
1800 700 600
Healthdirect Australia
If you need to talk to someone immediately, contact one of the following
1800 022 222
My aged Care.
1800 200 422
The My Aged Care website has been established by the Australian
Government to help you navigate the aged care system. Contact between
8am and 8pm on weekdays or 10am and 2pm on Saturdays.
83
Mt Eliza Aged Care Assessment Service (ACAS) is auspiced by
Peninsula Health to provide independent assessment services to frail aged
persons, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders aged 50 years and above,
and to some younger disabled persons.The Aged Care Assessment
Service ensures frail aged people gain access to the range of
Commonwealth Programs that are appropriate to their needs such as Care
Packages and Residential Aged Care services. In addition to the
assessment of eligibility for Commonwealth Programs, the ACAS provides
information, referrals and coordination with other aged care services,
including health and community support services. For information phone
9788 1276
To make a referral contact ACCESS on
9788 1377
Senior Rights Victoria
www.seniorsrights.org.au
84
1300 368 821
Material assistance
Public Mental Health System – Carer Support Fund
If the person you care for has a Recovery Clinician in the public mental
health system, they may be able to assist you in finding help with the cost
of caring for your family member or friend, particularly if there is a crisis or
potential crisis.
For further advice and assistance, please discuss with the Carer
Consultant.
The costs of caring for a family member or friend with a mental illness may
include:
Travel to and from appointments and hospital, particularly if there is a crisis
Practical assistance through services such as home help and childcare
Expenses for giving families and other carers a break
Payment of emergency accommodation or emergency food.
www.frankston.net.com
9783 7284
Salvation Army
1800 825 955
Victoria Relief Grant Scheme
(for furniture)
9689 3515
Energy Relief Grant Scheme
(assistance with energy bills)
9616 7839
Financial & Consumer Rights Council
9663 2000
Anglicare
9742 5300
Anglicare Frankston
9781 6700
Centrelink
13 27 17
The government provides financial help to carers of people who have a
mental illness through the Carer Payment
85
Allowance programs. Both programs are administered through Centrelink.
To qualify for a Carer payment, the carer does not need to live in the same
house as the person they care for; although other qualifying rules apply.
The Allowance payment requires you live with the person you are caring
for.
Centrelink employs Disability Officers who can assist with applying for the
Carer Payment and directing Employment support for people with a
psychiatric disability
Employment support for people with a psychiatric disability
www.deewr.vic.gov.au
Guardianship and Administration Board 1800 136 829
Legally protects the personal and financial affairs of a person who has lost
the capacity to make decisions for themselves. Guardians are appointed to
help manage personal affairs on behalf of the consumer, and have a
Guardian or Administrator appointed for the person they care for.
The Board does not provide monetary assistance.
State Trustees
9667 6444
Can also be appointed to manage a person’s affairs.
86
Other useful internet sites
Peak Organisations
http://vmiac.com.au
Rights and Advocacy
tandemcarers.org.au
Rights and advocacy for carers of
people with a mental illness
www.carersvictoria
Support and advice for consumer
directed care
www.peninsulahealth.org.au Peninsula Health
www.mhca.org.au
Mental Health Council of Australia
http://vicnet.net.au
Victorian Mental Illness Awareness Council
www.sane.org
Sane
www.beyondblue.org.au
beyondblue
www.health.gov.au
Mental health and wellbeing
http://mentalhealthvic.org.au Mental Health Foundation
of Australia (Victoria)
http://vicserv.org.au
Psychiatric Disabilities Services
www.reachout.com.au
Youth suicide
Information about mental illness
http://my.webmd.com
Health drug database
www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au Health information
www.mentalhealth.com
Comprehensive information
www.depressionet.org.au
Depression Net
www.mindbodylife.com.au
Optimising lifestyle
87
Service sites
http://health.vic.gov.au/mentalhealth Victorian Mental Health Services
www.adec.org.au
Action on Disability in
Ethnic communities
http://eppic.org.au
Orygen Youth Health
(formerly EPPIC)
www.vtpu.org.au/
Victorian Transcultural
Psychiatric Unit
Translated Information
www.eppic.org.au/ap/information_sheets.htm
www.vtpu.org.au/resources/translatedmh/index.php
Mental Health Community Advisory Group
The Mental Health Community Advisory Group includes consumers who
represent the views of the communities served by Peninsula Health. The
group brings views and perspectives from the community and consumers
of healthcare services to the attention of the Peninsula Health Board.
The Mental Health Community Advisory Group is a channel for
communicating with and responding to the needs of mental health
consumers and carers in the Mornington Peninsula and Frankston areas.
If you are interested in becoming a member of the Mental Health
Community Advisory Group, please contact the Community Participation
Program Manager.
Phone: 9788 1221
88
Complaints
We welcome your complaints, compliments concerns and comments about
the care and service provided to you by Peninsula Health Mental Health
Service.
Your feedback helps us continually improve the standard of care and
service provided to you.
The Mental Health Service regularly conducts surveys that ask for your
confidential feedback about certain aspects of your treatment and care.
You may choose to note your concerns via these surveys.
All complaints are dealt with in confidentially, and please be assured your
care will not be compromised in any way.
If you wish to make a comment about any aspect of the Peninsula Health
Mental Health Service, ask for assistance from the following:
Consumer Consultant on 9238 8627
Carer Consultant on 9238 8634
Contact the Peninsula Health Customer Relations Manager on
(03) 9784 7298 or Freephone 1800 858 727 or email
[email protected]
Your clinician or any member of staff can help you complete the details of
your concern/s on a Health Services Complaints Form.
Mental Health Complaints Commissioner 1800 246 054
Consumers, carers, advocates, mental health workers, family members,
friends who have concerns about someone’s experience with a public
mental health service in Victoria can make a complaint to the MHCC
89
Mental Health Tribunal Complaints and feedback.
Level 30, 570 Bourke Street, Melbourne
Phone 9032 3200 Toll Free 1800 242 703
The Mental Health Tribunal (The Tribunal) is an independent statutory
tribunal established under the Mental Health Act 2014.
The Tribunal is an essential safeguard under the Act to protect the rights
and dignity of people with a Mental Illness.
The primary function of the Tribunal is to determine whether the criteria for
compulsory mental health treatment as set out in the Mental Health Act
2014 apply to a person.
The Tribunal makes a treatment order for a person if all the criteria in the
legislation apply to that person.
Other Tribunal functions are:
Whether electroconvulsive treatment (ECT) can be performed on a
Compulsory patient if they are considered to not have the capacity to give
informed consent to ECT. Or if they are under the age of 18.
A variety matters relating to security patients.
Transfer of treatment to other mental health services.
Applications to perform Neurosurgery on patients.
Patients can make an application against a treatment order
by using an MHT Contact Form.
Enquiries
Phone: 9032 3200 or 1800 242 703
www.mht.vic.gov.au
Community Visitors
Community Visitors are volunteers who visit Mental Health Services to
enquire into the adequacy of residential services and facilities for the
treatment and care of patients.
They investigate complaints from anyone (including family and carers) who
has concerns about standards.
To talk to a community visitor phone:
90
1300 309 337
Office of Public Advocate
The Office of the Public Advocate provides advice on, assists with and
takes appropriate action regarding complaints about services.
For more information on the Mental Health Act and your rights, ask our
Mental Health Services or the Treatment Team for a Patient’s Rights
brochure.
Enquiries
Phone toll free: 1300 309 337 (24 hour emergency)
or 9604 9500.
Feedback
Even if you do not have a formal complaint, we are keen to hear your
suggestions for improving the service we provide.
You can inform any member of staff you deal with in the Peninsula Health
Mental Health Service or you can contact the Consumer Consultant (see
‘Workers’ roles –who does what?)’ and they will raise the suggestion –
confidentially if you wish.
Discrimination
It is unlawful to discriminate, which means to treat someone less
favourably in a variety of ways (employment, education, access to
services) on the basis of a person’s psychiatric disability or carer status. If
you feel discriminated against, contact the Equal Opportunity Commission
to make a complaint or get more information.
Phone toll free: 1300 891 848
9032 3583 (enquiry line)
TTY 1300 289 621
91
92
Purpose of this booklet
This booklet is designed to assist people who attend public Mental Health
Services and their families, partners or carers, at the time they enter
Peninsula Health Mental Health Service.
It contains information explaining aspects of mental health that may be
helpful when dealing with services.
It is for people who live in the Peninsula Health area.
Please refer to the map on the back page of this booklet.
We appreciate your feedback
Your feedback is important as it helps us improve the services we provide.
**If you have any comments, suggestions or corrections in regards to
how we can make this booklet more useful, please write or phone the
Carer Consultant or Consumer Consultant.
Phone numbers
Carer Consultant
9238 8634
17 Yuille Street
Frankston 3199
Consumer Consultant
9238 8627
17 Yuille Street
Frankston 3199
Thank you.
93
In an emergency
Please contact:
Name ........................................................................................
Relationship ..............................................................................
Phone .......................................................................................
Address ....................................................................................
GP ............................................................................................
Phone .......................................................................................
Clinician ....................................................................................
Phone .......................................................................................
94
You can now find Victorian health services - such as GPs,
pharmacists, dentists and more - on your mobile phone.
What you need
1. A modern web-capable mobile or smart phone
(such as an iPhone, Blackberry or Android based handset)
2. A mobile Internet plan with your mobile telecommunications
provider
(or a WiFi Internet connection if your phone supports this
feature)
3. Mobile Internet coverage
(or WiFi coverage if your handset supports this)
95
How to access the service
1. Load your mobile’s web browser
2. Enter the following URL:
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/findhs
3. You should now be ready to use the service!
Tip: For more convenient access, once the mobile page loads,
make sure you bookmark it so you don’t have to type the URL
again.
Costs
This is a free service. Please note that Internet mobile phone carrier
costs may apply. Refer to your mobile telecommunications provider
for details.
96
Notes:
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97
Notes:
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98
Notes:
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99
Further information
Contact details
Disclaimer: The information contained in the brochure
is intended to support, not replace, discussion with
your doctor or health care professionals.
Print Code: 999 – XX/XX/XX
Authorising Department: Mental Health
Peninsula Health
PO Box 52
Frankston Victoria 3199
Telephone 03 9784 7777
www.peninsulahealth.org.au
100

Supportopedia - Peninsula Health

Transcription

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