April 2005

Mental health conference

The 2nd Biennial Rural Mental Health Conference will focus on strengthening rehabilitation and support services for people with a mental illness.

The conference will be held at Deakin University Warrnambool Campus on July 14 and 15 following a pre-conference workshop July 13.

The conference is auspiced by Aspire a Pathway to Mental Health and the Greater Green Triangle University Department of Rural Health and funding primarily the Department of Human Services.

Speakers will include:

• Dr Ian Pullen, consultant psychiatrist in the Scottish Borders. Dr Pullen graduated from London University in 1970. After a few years as a principal in general practice in rural Norfolk he moved to Edinburgh to train in psychiatry. He became consultant psychiatrist at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital and was senior lecturer at University of Edinburgh 1980—1995.

• Arana Pearson, director of Keepwell, a consumer-run mental health training organisation. Arana has provided consumer consultancy, facilitation and training for mental health since 1993 and he works in Australia and New Zealand.

• Lance James of Family Counselling Services. Mr James been involved in the development of mental health services, dual diagnosis, home based-support and alcohol and drug services. He established the Family Counselling Services Clinic at Northcote and has worked for 15 years at the Victorian Aboriginal Health Services.

• Don Watson, speechwriter and advisor to the former Prime Minister Paul Keating and best-selling author. Mr Watson will discuss the use of language in public life the effect of language on people who receive mental health services.

• Prahran City Mission’s Chief Executive Officer Dr Joan Clarke and Mara Pacers, who worked at Prahran and in the sector for many years.

• For more information contact Karen Roberts at Aspire on 5560 3000 or visit www.aspire.org.au/.