Mental health and emotional well being

The effect of mental illness can be hard on individuals, families and the community as a whole. Social risks associated with mental illness include poverty, unemployment or reduced productivity and homelessness. Those with mental illness often experience problems such as isolation, discrimination and stigma.

cohealth will work to reduce these risk factors for poor mental health. We will work with communities to increase social inclusion and acceptance of diversity, building resilient and connected communities.

Cohealth programs to reduce risk factors of poor mental health include:

• Communities that Care Yarra – targets health improvements in 8-14 year olds
• Creating the Change – young peer leaders delivering youth based events at the Flemington housing estate to enhance connection, leadership and improve health and wellbeing.
• The Arts Generator Sisters and Brothers program  – promotes mental health through creative arts and builds school environments free from discrimination
• Wellness Dreaming Program – supports 40 trained professionals from various sectors to enable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to identify and enact strategies to improve health and wellbeing in their communities

Anyone interested in finding out more about mental health and wanting useful advice for helping manage your own mental health, can visit:
headspace.org.au and/or beyondblue.org.au