Thank you to those carers and families who gave feedback to our question:  How can MHFFTas do better at engaging with carers and families across Tasmania?

There was great support for more face-to-face peer support and training for carers as well as ideas about ways to better connect with young carers. We are working through the responses to then plan ahead for potentially asking for additional resources which will enable MHFFTas to better engage with carers and families.

The following feedback was received from carers:

Q1: What are some ways we can communicate with carers, families and supporters of people with a mental illness across Tasmania including those people who don’t use the internet?

More frequent face-to-face meetings and information sessions at shopping centres, schools, community organisations, local government networks and meeting groups.  Increased advertising via newspapers/radio and notice boards in shops, community organisations, schools, health centres & hospitals.  Newsletters and flyers be made available for download by service providers and workers in the community and given out to carers and families.

Q2: How can we communicate with people who support a person with a mental illness who does not see themselves as a carer or family member – for example; people in the workplace?

Through workshops and training delivered to business employees, school education programs and community groups such as Lions, Rotary, Scouts, Guides to name a few.  Present face-to-face issue based workshops that could include guest speakers throughout the state.

Q3: How do you think we can reach young carers?

Identify young carers through Partnerships with schools/school social workers, youth organisations,  youth development officers across local councils, General Practioners and youth health services.

Q4: Please tell us what else we can do to get better at communicating with mental health carers and families?

Some people do not identify as carers so language is vital.  Increase face-to-face contact, public speaking and marketing of the services and supports for carers via newsletters, advertising and information sessions.