Join the PIMHAG mental health campaign

For the last 18 years, the Phillip Island Medical and Health Action Group (PIMHAG) has tirelessly advocated for improved health and well-being services for the island and beyond.

And its success can be measured with the establishment of a 24 hour Urgent Care Centre in Cowes, and now a Community Hospital, to serve the island community's health needs.

The focus of this hard working group has now turned to the issue of mental health: with the aim of making information about available mental health services more accessible to the public; bringing together professionals in this field who provide much-needed mental services locally; and enabling members of the public to access training.

To start with, PIMHAG conducted a forum last year to enable mental health professionals working in the district to meet each other and to document existing services available across the shire.

A second forum followed, which identified a crucial and growing need for mental health services to be established locally; and last year, saw the first of a two-day training program put in place for the wider community.

Those who participated in the training program were unanimous in their praise for the course; the skill and knowledge of the professional presenter; and the information and resources that they were provided with throughout the two days.

PIMHAG is now preparing to present a further two Mental Health First Aid Australia training programs, to be held in March and May, at the Phillip Island RSL.

"It is due to the availability of a grant to cover most of the cost of the program and to the generosity of the RSL and Latrobe Regional Health, that PIMHAG is able to bring this program to the community for a ridiculously low cost," a PIMHAG spokesperson said.

"This is to encourage and invite all who wish, to attend."

The spokesperson said that the current focus by PIMHAG on the need for mental health services locally is just the beginning, and strongly appeals for community members to participate in the programs scheduled in March and May.

"There is so much more to be done. The more the community participates, the healthier it will become," the spokesperson said.

"Anyone can have a conversation that may save a life. Everyone should know how."

Mental Health First Aid courses will run on Thursday March 12 and 19 or Wednesday May 6 and 13, from 10am - 5pm, at the Phillip Island RSL in Cowes.

Cost is $30. Maximum of 24 participants, so please register early.

To register, scan the barcodes in the flyer below.

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