MENTAL HEALTH
The Mercury Centre’s involvement with the mental health field began in 2000, with a referral from the Australian Centre for Co-operative Research and Development (ACCORD). ACCORD referred a group of mental health consumers needing practical advice on forming a co-operative focusing on work and employment.
Since then, we have built a team of experienced and dedicated people with a solid understanding of the National Mental Health Strategy and the key policies at a National and State level; and an understanding of the range of complex issues surrounding mental health in Australia.
The majority of our work has been people with a lived experience of mental health problems, were we use our strengths of governance and community development. Important understandings for us are empowerment and participation; independence; self esteem; social and family connections; and maximising the full potential of the individual within the community.
We have worked with a number of mental health organisations and groups on activities including project initiation; analysis, planning and policy development; strategic and business planing; and submissions and issues papers.
Mercury is also pleased to have been able to support the fledging COW Co-operative from its inception by way of counsel and practical systems support such as governance and administration; policy and business advice; and hosting their website.