Definition of Common Terms

ADVOCACY: To speak on behalf of consumers, to represent their issues and to help them represent themselves through training and one-on-one support

CALD: Culturally and Linguistically Diverse

CONSUMER: A person who is using a mental health service or has used one in the past

DEPRESSION:  A form of mental illness  

RECOVERY: A personal process of changing one's attitudes, values, feelings, goals, skills and/or roles. The development of new meaning and purpose as a person grows beyond the effects of psychiatric disability.

CARER:  Individuals close to (or often living with) someone who has a mental illness who offer continuing support in times of need.

Translations

MMHA can provide you with translated information on several mental health topics. 

Consumer and Carer Project

MMHA is currently undertaking a study to determine what national project would be of the most benefit to CALD consumers and carers. If you are a consumer or carer from CALD background we would be interested in your opinion, so please contact MMHA on (02) 9840 3333 or email admin@mmha.org.au

What is a Consumer/Carer Advisory Group?

Consumer Advisory Groups (CAGs) are a way for consumers/carers to have a say in the development and planning of mental health services and policy.  State CAGS can link you with groups in your area and provide you with more information on consumer activities in your state.

State Consumer/Carer Advisory Groups

NSW: NSW Consumer Advisory Group

SA: Murray Mallee Consumer Advisory Group

TAS: TASCAG

ACT: ACT Mental Health Consumer Network

Services for Consumers and Carers

There are many more services currently available for consumers and carers of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.  

Useful Links

Auseinet: Informs, educates & promotes good practice in relation to mental health prevention and early intervention

SANE Australia: Helping people affected by mental illness through campaigns, education and research.

Beyond blue: Provides information about depression to consumers, carers and health professionals.

National Consumer Groups

Australian Mental Health Consumer Network

CALD Consumer Interest Group. This group represents the interests of CALD mental health consumers across Australia. 

Publications of Interest to CALD consumers

reality check: This booklet is published by MMHA, the National Ethnic Disability Alliance and the Australian Mental Health Consumer Network.  It talks about the needs and issues of CALD consumers and looks at strategies to combat them. 

Mental health consumer participation in a culturally diverse society: This book looks at models and strategies that have successfully allowed consumers, carers and communities from CALD backgrounds to participate.

National Carer Groups

Carers Australia: This organisation is the national voice for carers. 

State Carer Groups

ACT: Carers ACT

NSW: Carers NSW

QLD: Mental Illness Fellowship of North Queensland

SA: Carers Association of South Australia

NT: Association of Relatives and Friends of the Mentally Ill (NT)

Publications of Interest to CALD Carers

In their own right - Assessing the needs of carers in diverse communities: A project aimed to evaluate the carer profile strategy.  This report offers insight into the needs of carers from CALD backgrounds.