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Community

25 February, 2022

Mareeba project has started a conversation about mental health

A NEW PROJECT in Mareeba aims to talk with community members about their mental health and help link them with wellbeing services in their area.


Falen Stewart is a People Connector for the ACDC Project in Mareeba
Falen Stewart is a People Connector for the ACDC Project in Mareeba

With the COVID-19 pandemic still affecting Australians, the Assisting Communities through Direct Connection (ACDC) project is going doorto- door to check in with locals.

The Community Mental Health Australia (CMHA) runs The ACDC Project, which visits over 20 sites in Australia to improve community wellbeing and collect essential data. 

CMHA’s Chief Executive Officer Bill Gye said the taboo surrounding mental health has made it difficult for people to address their wellbeing. 

“Unfortunately, for many reasons, people do not want to talk about or even think about their mental health,” Mr Gye said.

“People may prefer to tough it out, hide it from others, or avoid the stigma. The ACDC Project is going directly to households in Australia to engage them in conversation about these important issues.” 

CMHA is working with local service provider Mareeba Community Centre to doorknock in Mareeba from February to May 2022. 

People Connector for the project, Falen Stewart, said the project is providing a listening ear to locals. 

“Community members are welcoming to us and praising the work we are doing,” Ms Stewart said. 

“I think it gives people some reassurance that there is help available and that someone is hearing and documenting concerns that they have.” 

The other aim of the ACDC Project is to gather feedback on any service gaps, so local, state and federal governments can make improvements. ACDC Project Line Manager, Ashlee Wilkinson, said hearing from locals about their experiences is vital for longlasting change. 

The ACDC Project aims to provide people with information and services for their mental wellbeing
The ACDC Project aims to provide people with information and services for their mental wellbeing

“We know the data from the surveys will give us clear statistics for our community and allow for opportunities to use this data to apply for more services in our area,” Ms Wilkinson said. 

For each of the communities visited throughout Australia, the ACDC Project will generate data and information about why people do not access support from local services. 

“We know it as an amazing chance to have a chat with people who wouldn’t normally walk through our doors and open opportunities up for people who are seeking assistance but are unaware of how to access services,” Ms Wilkinson said. 

The findings of the ACDC Project evaluation report will contribute to discussions about funding for community-managed mental health services in Australia and how the mental health support needs of people in communities are delivered. 

It will also evaluate how effective a proactive approach is in reaching, engaging, and resourcing people to connect with services. 

“The ACDC Project aims to address a serious problem with mental health services in Australia,” Mr Gye said. 

“Often, people only look for or receive support when they are in crisis. We must be much more proactive in connecting and communicating with people about the importance of wellbeing. 

“Prevention and early intervention are far more effective than dealing with people in crisis.” 

The ACDC project provides this vital information to householders of all backgrounds to promote access to mental health, social, and emotional wellbeing support. 

For more information about The ACDC Project, visit  www.acdc.org.au

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