As individuals we are connected to networks, like friends, family, the workplace, but also our neighbourhood, community, and society as a whole. Being active members in our community gives us a sense of belonging and purpose, and builds our self-esteem, social support and can even buffer against physical health problems. Thus being connected to your community is important for your mental health. It also worth thinking about how important is it for them too. And we can have a positive impact on the social wellbeing of our community in a number of small but meaningful ways. Here are just a few tips on how to get started to make positive changes in your community.
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1 - Join or start a support group
One way you can advocate positive change in the community is by starting a support group. Support groups are formed by members that share similar experiences or goals. Some are led by peers, that is a member of the group, and others by a trained professional. Support groups are a great chance to meet people in the community, share common interests and experiences. Support groups can be set up for all types of issues, for example a group for single fathers, survivors of cancer or people diagnosed with a mental illness.
www.mentalhealth.asn.au/other/SG%20Survival%20Kit%20pdf%20(1).pdf - This is a step by step practical guide that has been developed to help those with a vested interest in mental health to establish, maintain and facilitate a mental health support group.
www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/public/gettinghelp/supportgroups.cfm - Support groups for mental health issues all over Australia, and events coming up for these support groups
www.bcl.com.au/sydney/intgroup/support.htm - Support groups in Sydney City for all issues
www.drsref.com.au/support.html - A list of support groups for all issues, what they do and where to find them
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2 - Join or start a club
Clubs can be a great way to meet new people that share the same interests as you. Clubs can be as simple as a book club, a craft group, a morning coffee group. The possibilities are endless. Your local library, church organisation, cinema may have information about similar programs in your area.
National
www.getalife.com.au - Outdoor and indoor activities, social groups and events to be found in your local area.
http://rotarnet.com.au/clubdirectory - A listing of all Rotary Clubs in Australia
State
www.bushwalking.org.au/clubs.html - Bushwalking clubs in NSW and ACT
www.clubsnsw.com.au - A guide to all clubs in NSW
Local
www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/Community/default.asp - A list of services and activities within the Sydney city
www.northsydneycentre.com.au - Offers various programs for the local community of North Sydney
www.mosman.nsw.gov.au/community - Provides services to the community in Mosman
www.bcl.com.au/sydney/wotson.htm - What's on in Sydney City
www.lanecoveclub.com.au - A place to meet up with people in a friendly atmosphere in Lane Cove
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3 - Join or start a community garden
There are many benefits to joining or starting a community garden, not just to the individual but to the community and the neighbourhood. As an individual one can have health benefits in growing one’s own food that it is always fresh and nutritious (even if it’s just the occasional lettuce or tomato!) and become physically fit through maintaining the garden. One can also learn new skills and knowledge about plants and the art of horticulture. Community gardens can bring various members of the community together who would otherwise never meet, building a greater sense of belonging where everyone works together not only to grow plants but also improving the look and feel the neighbourhood.
www.communitygarden.org.au - This is an informal community based organisation. You can find out more about what a community garden is and how to get one up and running.
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4 - Get to know your neighbours
Get to know the people where you live, you may never know when you may need their help. Start by smiling and saying hello to you see when you walk down the street. If you've moved into a new area, introduce yourself to your neighbours within the first week of arriving. Welcome new neighboursby baking a cake, or telling them about local businesses and services in the area. Throw a block party so that neighbours can put names to faces. Offer to walk your neighbour's dog or check their mail while they're on holidays. Simple steps that can build new connections and relationships you never thought possible!
www.neighbourday.org - Get to know your neighbour day occurs in March every year. Get ideas on how to build your neighbourhood, "The community you want starts at your front door".
www.projectaustralia.org.au - A nationwide network connecting people with an interest in creating a brighter future to the relevant ideas, people and projects in their community.
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5 - Be an advocate for an issue you feel passionate about
Do you dislike or get frustrated when people talk about 'split-personalities' when talking about schizophrenia? Tired of people discussing depression in hushed tones? Channel your passion for mental health by being an advocate and get involved, such as participating in Mental Health Week or writing to your local MP. You can also participate in other causes and campaigns. Below is a list of links to some organisations that support other causes and promote awareness of different issues.
www.sane.org.au - Sane Australia is tackling stigma by monitoring media reports on mental illness.
www.mentalhealth.asn.au/campaigns - Get involved in Mental Health Week, by running your own event, or participating in an event in your local area.
www.getup.com.au - An independent political movement to build a progressive Australia, bringing like-minded people who want to bring participation back into the Australian democracy.
www.oxfam.org.au - Aim to highlight issues and to offer an opportunity for communities and the public to enable change.
www.active.org.au/sydney - This is an on-line interactive forum for information and inspiration about social change in Sydney
www.amnesty.org.au/Act_now - Promoting and defending human rights around Australia and the world
http://nsw.amnesty.org.au/groups - Links to groups in NSW that seek to take action in promoting and defending human rights
www.acfonline.org.au/default.asp?section_id=144 - Offers volunteering opportunities to create a healthy environment for all to live in www.activistrights.org.au Legal information for activism of all types, including all legal rights
www.nccnsw.org.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=32&Itemid=141 - Offers volunteering opportunities in over 120 environmental groups in NSW. It also provides information for those that wish to get information about environmental issues.
www.wilderness.org.au/getinvolved - Offers volunteering and campaigning opportunities in the promotion, protecting and restoration of wilderness
www.unicef.org.au/GetInvolved-Subs.asp?GetInvolvedID=38 - Speak up for the children of the world
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