More support for those living with mental illness on the North Coast

Members of the North Coast community living with mental illness now have more support to help with their home equipment needs.

Electrical items such as microwaves, washing machines, fridges, TV’s, kettles, toasters, fans and heaters can now be accessed through the local Mental Health Support Group Inc (MHSG), thanks to funding from ETC.

MHSG Coordinator Barbara Swain said good working electrical appliances made living easier and took away the anxiety felt by these people who find day to day living difficult.

“An empty unit is no comfort when there is no kettle to make a cup of tea, a fridge to keep food fresh or a washing machine to clean clothes,” Ms Swain said.

“We are very grateful for a $19,850 donation from the ETC Community Support Fund which enabled us to purchase these appliances.”

Ms Swain said MHSG was a registered charity that had been supporting people living with a mental illness on the North Coast for 21 years.

“We understand that mental illness is a debilitating and isolating illness. Mental health clients’ ability to manage their finances may become impaired and many sufferers become homeless and/or estranged from their families and loved ones. They may also be victims of domestic violence and walk away with nothing,” Ms Swain said.

“When housing becomes available MHSG strives to give a helping hand by providing household furniture, white goods and other household items. The MHSG wishes to ameliorate disadvantage by providing these essentials.”

“Some of the clients that we have helped in the past are now sending us requests for computers. This is a good indication that these people have progressed and are ready to study or look for work,” she said.

ETC Deputy Chair Lorraine Penn said it was a pleasure to be able to support the Mental Health Support Group.

“The ETC Community Support Fund is designed to help organisations reduce disadvantage, generate opportunity, increase support services and/or build capacity in the communities in which we operate,” Ms Penn said.

“ETC is proud to be a not-for-profit company and we are confident the money we are donating will help make a more positive future for our community.