Released 10/04/2019
People with a lived experience of mental illness are set to benefit from the ACT Recovery College trial which will offer free courses on mental health, recovery and life skills.
Minister for Mental Health Shane Rattenbury said that the ACT Government will be investing almost $900, 000 to roll out the trial of the ACT Recovery College to support people with mental illness, their families and carers in their journey to recovery.
“The Recovery College is a person-centred initiative which will provide a doorway for people with a lived experience to enter mainstream education, increase their employment opportunities and lead a more integrated and meaningful life,” Minister Rattenbury said.
“This is a joint effort between the ACT Government, the community mental health sector and the adult education sector, which offers an educational model where people with lived experience partner with mental health professionals to better understand and manage their mental health conditions.
“Atleast 65 per cent of Canberrans with mental illness do not seek treatment until it becomes serious.
“We’ve been listening to Canberrans who have been telling us they need more information and support for self-directed care and self-management.
“Students who join the ACT Recovery College will have an opportunity to discuss their goals and develop an individual plan with an educator to help meet those goals.
“We acknowledge that everyone’s road to recovery is unique, which is why the ACT Recovery College will not only cater to people’s individual needs, but also the needs of their families and carers.
“The ACT Government is committed to funding initiatives that focus on breaking the stigma and making a real difference to the way we approach and treat mental illness,” Minister Rattenbury said.
Recovery Colleges have been successfully established internationally and are a key feature of contemporary, recovery-oriented mental health services.
The trial will run for two years.
To find more information about the ACT Recovery College and available courses visit: https://www.recoverycollegeact.org/
- Statement ends -
Shane Rattenbury, MLA | Media Releases
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