This year’s de Castella Run is a special one: the increasingly popular event on the Melbourne sport and recreation calendar is celebrating its 30th year. And what's more, the 2010 de Castella Run is also significant because it will be raising funds for mental health research.

All event participants have the opportunity to not only challenge themselves physically – with a choice of 5km, 10km or 15km walk/run – they can also do their bit to support vitally important mental health research conducted by Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre (MAPrc), based at Alfred Hospital. Entrants can make a donation to MAPrc when they register (www.decastellarun.com.au), and can set up their own individual fundraising page at www.everydayhero.com.au/event/2010decastellarun

There are plenty of reasons to take part in this great event, including:a fantastic and scenic course; go in the running for $20,000 in prizes and give-aways; ideal preparation for Melbourne Run; team entry options; show bags for all finishers; and meet the Deeks! And of course you are running for a great cause.

So now is the time to enter, and even better, organise a team with friends or work mates. Great prizes and profile for best fundraising team!

For more information and to register go to www.decastellarun.com.au or see attached flier:

2010 de Castella Run for Mental Health Research.pdf

For more information about MAPrc visit www.maprc.org.au

Due to a new funding initiative, Neami along with the Assertive Health Outreach Team are providing the Inner City of Sydney Assertive Outreach Service.

The Neami Assertive Outreach and Support Team consists of a team of Community Rehabilitation and Support Workers, Peer Support Workers, a Senior Practice Leader, a Service Manager and operational support.

They are responsible for providing support to long term homeless people with high needs.

The assertive outreach model is focused on providing integrated services that focus on consumer identified goals, improved health outcomes and the delivery of long term outcomes which facilitate transition from homelessness to safe, secure and long term accommodation.

Neami CEO Rises to the Challenge!

St Vincent de Paul are holding their annual - 

"Rise to the Challenge of the CEO Sleep Out" on June 17th, 2010.

The event challenges business and community leaders to experience homelessness first-hand for one night, raise important money, and with fresh insight go on to effect change in social opinions on this serious issue.

All money raised goes directly towards the ongoing provision of Vinnies' homeless services across the country.

Further information on the event can be found at www.ceosleepout.org.au

Should you wish to sponsor Arthur and support the cause, please visit www.ceosleepout.org.au/melbourne/ceodonate.html?ceo=743& and follow the links.

Every $ counts in raising awareness of Homelessness, and let’s face it, Arthur sleeping rough on a cardboard box is priceless! 

Neami Staff and Consumers are proud that Arthur is prepared to support and highlight this worthy cause and hope all associates also come on board in support.

For further information - see the Media Release link below:-

CEO Sleepout Media Release.pdf

In partnership with The University of Wollongong, Neami is in the process of implementing the Collaborative Recovery Model of practice. 

It is planned that the model will be fully implemented within all Neami sites by June 2010. 

Please click on the links below providing further information on this practice.

Partner Agencies Booklet - January 10.pdf

Consumers Carers Booklet.pdf

Annual Report - 2009

Please see attached the Annual Report for 2009 (also located in Publications)
To view please click on the link below:

Neami Annual Report 2009

Caring Together

Neami is pleased to announce a brand new carer service in the north of Melbourne.

Caring Together, carers assisting other carers with peer support, is a new carer driven service being sponsored by the Northern Mental Health Alliance. The Alliance is a partnership between Neami, Mental Illness Fellowship, Mind, ARAFEMI, ADEC, CarerLinks North and the Northern Area Mental Health Service. It provides additional support to carers and families across the Northern region of Melbourne (Darebin and Whittlesea).

This exciting new program offers carers the opportunity to talk to another carer about the many worries that may present when a family member or friend becomes unwell with mental illness. Through working in partnership with clinical and community services in the Northern region, our Caring Together project offers the opportunity to seek more information about all the mental health and carers services available.

The Peer Support Workers are someone you can go to for support, information and referrals. Sometimes it can be helpful to talk to someone in person, who can listen and be there for you, as well as explore different pathways to recovery. This service is particularly helpful to those who find it difficult to express themselves over the phone and prefer to talk face to face with someone about what is going on.

The Caring Together workers have experience as carers of people with a mental illness and provide valuable and compassionate support to assist families who are supporting someone with mental illness.

Families, carers and friends can make an appointment to see the Peer Support Workers– by calling direct on (03) 9457 5308. Appointments are available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Phone and after hours appointments are also available.

This is a free and confidential service.

Caring together