Three artists and two languages combine to make magic

Three artists and two languages combine to make magic - don't miss these gigs!

When three award-winning songwriters join forces, you're in for something special. This trio's mix of acoustic guitars, mandolin, dobro and a compelling voice will take you on a sublime journey. The interplay of Noongar and English words melded with gorgeous music produces a unique experience of warm, beautiful acoustic tones. You don't need to understand all the words: it's a heart thing.

Drawn together through a common commitment to helping those in the Wheatbelt communities to find their voice through songwriting, Gina Williams, Guy Ghouse and David Hyams have struck upon a special musical project of their own. In recent times Gina has been writing contemporary songs in Noongar language, many of which will feature in their performances. And it's this passionate approach to creating beautiful songs which make their performances so evocative and connected.

All three artists are known for their work with other high profile, award winning WA Acts; Gina Williams and the Lubbly Sings, Guy Ghouse with Desert Child and David Hyams with the Miles to Go Band. This exciting musical partnership takes what they do to a whole new level, combining Guy and David’ skills on acoustic guitars, mandolin and dobro, with Gina’s compelling vocals.

Keep an eye out for their progress – they'll be well worth watching. 

Keela Dreaming Festival, Kellerberrin, Saturday March 2 (from Noon)

http://www.canwa.com.au/articles/news/keela-dreaming-festival-2013/

Kulcha, Saturday March 9, 8.30pm

http://www.kulcha.com.au/1302_february_april/index.html#Gina%20Williams%20with%20Guy%20Ghouse%20&%20David%20Hyams9

The Ellington Jazz Club, March 10, 6pm

http://www.ellingtonjazz.com.au/index.php/schedule/month/03/show/2369

Nukara Festival, Midwest, March 16, from 5pm

http://www.nukarafarm.com.au/About-Nukara/News/2013-Music-Festival.aspx

launch-of-the-social-determinants-of-health-alliance

"The Social Determinants of Health Alliance (SDOHA) is a collaboration of like-minded organisations from the areas of health, social services and public policy established to work with governments to reduce health inequities in Australia. Abundant evidence shows that the higher your income or level of education in Australia, the better your health will tend to be. People in the most disadvantaged social groups are also far more likely than those in the higher socio-economic groups to have long-term physical or mental health problems. They are less able to gain an education or maintain a job to retirement and are more likely to die at a younger age." SDOHA

Formally launched in Canberra last week.

http://socialdeterminants.org.au/

Mental Health Blog - Australia & New Zealand

The Australian and New Zealand Mental Health Association is an incorporated non government, not for profit organisation. The advisory board representatives have a wide background in Mental Health issues in Australia and New Zealand. We aim to EDUCATE professionals - ADVANCE knowledge for Carers and Consumers - ADVOCATE for improved services. Free to Join

Mental Health and the Australian Population

In the E‐Mental Health Strategy for Australia, released by the Federal Government in 2012, the following statistics were provided;

"Approximately 17.2 per cent or 3.8 million Australians are estimated to be affected by mental illness in any one year – meaning that they experience symptoms at diagnostic levels, for either brief or extended periods.  This estimate excludes dementia and alcohol/drug-related disorders, except where these are concurrent with a mental disorder. The figure rises to about 20 per cent, or 4.4 million people, when alcohol and drug-related conditions are included.

A further 15 per cent of the population have experienced a mental disorder previously in their lives but not had symptoms over the past 12 months at a level that would warrant a formal diagnosis.  In total, approximately one in three (32 per cent) of Australians will experience a mental illness during their lives.  When alcohol and drug use disorders are included, this figure rises to 45 per cent of the population.

Anxiety disorders and depression are the most common disorders, affecting approximately 9 per cent and 7 per cent, respectively, of the adult population each year.  Collectively referred to as ‘high prevalence’ illnesses, these disorders include diverse conditions (for example, post traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder, agoraphobia, obsessive compulsive disorder and depression), with differing treatment requirements and outcomes.

It is these disorders, in mild to moderate severity, that the evidence shows can be effectively treated through online programs.

Mental illness also includes other less common or ‘low prevalence’ conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.  Together, these two disorders affect approximately 1 per cent of the adult population in any one year, and 2 per cent over the course of a lifetime.  Prevalence rates vary across the lifespan and are highest in the early adult years, the period during which people are usually completing education, establishing families and independent working lives."

The 14th International Mental Health Conference will focus on the complex mental health issues ofDepression, Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder and Dementia. It will be held at Outrigger, Surfers Paradise on Monday the 5th and Tuesday the 6th of August 2013.  Optional workshops will be held on Wednesday the 7th of August.

Link to this blog:

http://anzmh.blogspot.com.au/

my blog stats

Interesting ... I won't get too excited about the Australian number as I'm in and out of my blog regularly and this is over a year. Total page view history: Australia 988 United States 310 Russia 37 United Kingdom 32 Germany 26 Ukraine 26 South Korea 13 Malaysia 3 Greece 2 Canada 1

MHPOD: Mental Health Professional Online Development

About MHPOD

Welcome to MHPOD: Mental Health Professional Online Development

MHPOD is a new learning resource being developed for people working in mental health. Based on the national practice standards for mental health, it draws on the evidence base for mental health care and contemporary practice wisdom. Aims include supporting the mental health workforce, and improving access to evidence-based educational programs. Clinicians, consumers, carers and educators across the country have contributed to MHPOD, and we hope that you will find it useful. A number of sample topics are available here. We welcome your feedback.

MHPOD Available Through the APS, ACMHN, AASW and OTaus

Registration for MHPOD for mental health practitioners not working in public mental health has been available through the following professional organisations throughout 2011/12:

Occupational Therapy Australia
Australian College of Mental Health Nurses
Australian Association of Social Workers:  http://www.aasw.asn.au/

MHPOD

Click on the following link to further explore:

http://www.mhpod.gov.au/