The Imagined Futures Alliance Against Depression has teamed up to develop an easy to access online resource aimed at making it simpler to find mental health supports across the Local Government areas of Cockburn, Fremantle, and Melville.
Imagined Futures Executive Officer, Leigh Sinclair, said “We’ve seen a spike in mental health issues in our communities, and at the same time we know that the earlier people reach out for support the easier it is for them to find relief. The development of this resource is one way we are breaking down barriers to accessing help.”
The Mental Health Support resource brings together key information in one place. It includes details of crisis lines, local free face to face services, vetted telephone and online supports, and contacts for community connectors.
“The idea is that people download the resource on to their phone through the My Community Directory, then should the need arise they are only a couple of clicks away from finding a curated list of tried and tested supports” Ms Sinclar said.
The information has been selected to complement GP’s advice and can provide some options for interim support if someone is on a waiting list to see a psychologist for example.
The official launch of the resource coincides with World Mental Health Day on Sunday 10th of October. Imagined Futures Alliance Against Depression volunteers were on hand at both the Black Dog on a Lead event at Bibra Lake, and at the Reclink Community Cup Football event at the Fremantle Oval* helping people sign up to the free resource.
Founded in 2014, Imagined Futures is a collective impact partnership auspiced by St Pat’s Community Support Centre. The partnership brings together human service agencies, businesses, philanthropists and community members to tackle complex social issues across the south west metropolitan region.
In addition to its Alliance Against Depression Initiative, Imagined Futures runs a number of projects designed to improve social, cultural and economic outcomes and empower communities to reach their potential, including the Youth Initiative, Davis Park Community Initiative and Housing Initiative.
How to sign up to the resource:
- Text Wellbeing4Me to 0488 884 151
- You will receive a link to the app and resource via a text message
- Tap the link to access
- If you don’t already have the Access My Community app, you will be directed to your application app e.g. Google Play or App Store
- Once the Access My Community app is downloaded, open it to see the resource: Mental Health Support