In the year 2000, a former Premier of Victoria, Australia, sought to establish an organisation to create a national coordinated approach towards the prevention, treatment and care of those suffering from depression.
This man’s motivation in beginning this work was a close family member who had been diagnosed with depression.
The organisation, ‘Beyond Blue’ has vastly impacted the Australian landscape and has assisted those suffering from depression to declare their condition and to seek the help they need, with far less stigma than before.
Resources and funding for depression-related initiatives have all hugely thrived under this former premier’s leadership as he became the human face of ‘Beyond Blue’.
If someone well-known and well-connected presents a concept and business plan and has the support of key community figures, the government is far more likely to listen and back such a project.
If the partner of a Prime Minister makes a decision to support a cause, it will more than likely result in action and progress given access to the PM’s connections, public profile and media machine.
However, in the case of Kathy Hilton, a former welfare teacher at a high school in Melbourne, it well demonstrates that a single person can achieve a great deal. This sole individual established networks and connections to address homeless and disadvantaged children through her own initiatives and resources.
Clearly a worthy cause once people were made aware of the scope and need by an attractive, genuine and credible figure.
What does it take for our homeless to be assisted ?
Homelesss adults through addiction and mental illness and now families due to economic pressures ?
In this country, it would appear that it will take a figure such as Jeff Kennett who founded ‘Beyond Blue’ or a Sarah Murdoch who supports breast cancer, of Rupert Murdoch family fame, or a Kathy Hilton who founded Ardoch, to passionately drive a project to help the homeless.
There needs to be a human face to promote the needs of the homeless in this country.
It would appear that our government will respond to a groundswell of public opinion.
And only then, it would seem.
Georgie,
I suffered from depression after Mum died 2 Years ago. I know what that ‘Deep dark place’ really is. Only Last Week NI MP Irish Robinson; wife of First Minister Peter Robinson; retired from the limelight after declaring she had depression. Also, UTV News Reporter Linda Bryans admitted a few Years ago She had Mental health problems; she now campaigns on the issue.
I am forever grateful to have a roof over my head. It could’ve been far worse for me if it wasn’t for the support I got from people.
Love your comments Des.
I have so much to say about this issue …..
About mental illness in general …
We read about Prince William sleeping out in London before Christmas.
It was on the front pages of media over here together with photos.
It’s interesting to see that the organisation of which he is a patron, Centrepoint, began in a humble way by the efforts of one individual:
“Centrepoint was founded in 1969 by Ken Leech, vicar of St Anne’s, Soho.
Concerned about the number of young people sleeping rough in the West End of London, he and a group of local volunteers opened up the basement of St Anne’s Church, Soho, as a temporary night shelter.”