Order new mental health fact sheets now

Multicultural Mental Health Australia is moving forward to ensure people with a print disability and those from non-English speaking backgrounds have better access to information about mental health and wellbeing.

MMHA and Australia’s leading provider of blindness and low vision services, Vision Australia, launched the “What Is…” series of mental health fact sheets and brochures at the national Diversity In Health Conference last week in Sydney.

Working in conjunction with MMHA for the Department of Health and Ageing, Vision Australia has adapted the “What Is…” series into braille, large print, electronic text for the internet and audio formats such as CD and DAISY.

The series has also been translated in over 20 languages including Swahili, Farsi, Arabic, Korean, Serbian, Dinka and Krio; allowing them to reach an even wider audience.

“Less than 5% of print information is available in an alternative format for people who have a print disability,” said Mr Michael Simpson, General Manager Policy and Advocacy, Vision Australia. “Vision Australia’s partnership with MMHA is an example of how, by working together with our community, we can really make a difference in the lives of people with a print disability.”

The series covers 10 topics and include: What is a mental illness? What is an anxiety disorder? What is bipolar mood disorder? What is an eating disorder? What is a depressive disorder? What is a personality disorder? What is schizophrenia? as well as challenging behaviours, suicide and autism.

“We are proud to have Vision Australia on board with this exciting initiative. For too long these communities have been denied basic access to information about mental illness and where to seek help,” said MMHA Chair, Associate Professor Abd Malak AM. “These resources, in all its formats, will go a long way in building awareness of mental illness across all communities and finally breaking down the stigma.”

The Commissioner of the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (HREOC), Mr Graeme Innes, launched the “What Is…” series with Michael Simpson from Vision Australia, MMHA Chair, A/Prof Abd Malak AM and MMHA CALD Consumer representative, Evan Bichara, at the Diversity In Health Conference at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre.

To order any of the materials for the vision impaired or the brochures in other languages - simply download an order form (see below) or call MMHA - 02 9840 3333.

The brochures translated in other languages can also be downloaded directly from: http://www.mmha.org.au/mmha-products/fact-sheets