Dear Readers,
We have a bumper issue in this edition of Mental Health Matters. Many of the stories will pull your heartstrings and others will inform you on what is current in research and treatment of mental illness.
I couldn’t help but be affected by the story of Leakhena Sous, a refugee from Cambodia.
Leakhena is a volunteer in our office and I had no idea of her past trauma. Leakhena is always smiling. You would think she doesn’t have a care in the world. She regularly brings in fresh food to share with others. She grows the food in her garden and I am envious of her gardening skills and the amazing taste of her produce.
After reading her story I am forced (willingly) to put things into perspective and realise how fortunate we are in this country; how we are so enriched by embracing other cultures and how we are far more alike than we are different. I encourage you to read her story while looking at her always smiling face.
I would like to give a special thank you to our young volunteer writers, Jean Roxon, Cindee Duong, Alanna Melvin and Harry Easton who have put together most of the magazine. They look out for interesting stories or take up our suggestions, interview the subjects and put words to a page that convey emotions – making you want to read on. Thank you!
Finally, our Mental Health Month theme is Learn & Grow. October is approaching fast and now is the time to order your free resources and/or nominate someone or something worthy of an award – a Mental Health Matters Award. You can find out more through our website.
Enjoy this edition of our magazine and, as in the past, we welcome your feedback on what we are doing well and what we can improve on.