Shedding light on mental illness

By Helena Adeloju
COMING soon to the Yarra Valley is the Light in the Dark Program aimed at changing attitudes towards mental illness.
The first of the program’s information sessions will be held on Friday 8 August and the whole idea is to change the community’s attitudes towards mental illness through theatre, said Rivendell’s Light in the Dark Program coordinator Merran Macs.
Ms Macs said sufferers, carers and those who understand about the stigma and discrimination associated with mental health are all welcome to attend these sessions before the programs begin at both Rivendell and Cahma.
The program has been developed in response to recent incidents that have highlighted the need for greater understanding of mental illness issues within the community.
Ms Macs said people with mental illness often feel uncomfortable about the way they are regarded.
“People with mental illness don’t need to feel written off because they can learn to manage their illness and go on to live meaningful and productive lives,” Ms Macs said.
“For many people living with mental illness, they often feel it is not their illness or the medication that they take that impacts on their confidence and self-esteem, but the negative attitudes of people in the communities they live in.”
When the workshops get under way in mid-August, up to 20 people will participate in the Friday workshops throughout the seven-week program.
Funded by the Besen Family Foundation the Light in the Dark Program will perform within the community at the conclusion of the program.
“We have received funding for up to six performances that will allow participants to perform if they want to,” Ms Macs said.
“Throughout the program we’ll use theatre games and exercises to explore the challenges, stigma and discrimination.”
“More than anything, it’s a fun and confidence-building program,” Ms Macs said.
For more information phone Merran Macs at Rivendell on 5962 2388 or Jo at Cahma on 5967 2816.