Working with one of Sydney’s most marginalised communities, Northcott, a community development program was established to meet their specific needs. Housing over 900 people in high rise apartments, the public estate is noted for its high suicide rate. The program provides a forum for residents to identify and address issues.

 

Since 2006, Douglas has identified a pattern in the concerns raised by the people of the inner city. Key areas include lack of information, access to services and a lack of partnerships. Findings are then presented to the Surry Hills public tenants association where new initiatives are developed for the community.

 

Knowing that residents need more information to deal with their concerns new community development programs have been developed. In conjunction with several inner city organisations including the City of Sydney, St Vincent’s Mental Health Service now teaches specific knowledge and skills for the delivery of Mental Health First Aid to individuals experiencing symptoms of mental illness.

 

 

 

Looking at various mental illnesses, communities are now benefiting from increased awareness and are provided with the skills to deal with daily challenges. Those who participate can now identify and deal with a range of situations including suicidal behaviour, panic attacks and drug overdoses.

 

Thanks to the Clover Moore MP Lord Mayor Salary Trust, the internationally acclaimed mental health first aid program, developed by the Australian National University, is delivered free of charge to residents of Northcott, Surry Hills and Woolloomooloo.

 

Moving to the community of Caritas, a grant from City of Sydney enables patients to participate in the Connections Aboriginal Women’s Art Group. The 25 women are developing base concepts for a mural and will see their artwork installed in the completed O’Brien Building.

 

Relocating in 2010, St Vincent’s Mental Health Service will be an integral part of the integrated mental health, drug, alcohol and community health facility on the main Darlinghurst campus. The current Caritas site at 299 Forbes Street, has been sold and will be developed into a residential and commercial complex.