Recovery Camp has been nominated for the Connecting Community Award at the 2021 NSW/ACT Community Achievement Awards.
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The North Wollongong based program helps change the lives of people living with mental health conditions by bringing them together with university health students and health professionals for a five-day bush camp where they take part in a range of recovery-oriented activities.
The program promotes recovery for people living with mental health conditions, while also training the next generation of health professionals.
Co-founder and director Dr Lorna Moxham, professor of mental health nursing at the University of Wollongong, said everyone involved in Recovery Camp was energised to be nominated in the achievement awards that will culminate with a presentation dinner on November 19.
"We absolutely love the work we do and the community we work with, but to receive recognition is always appreciated, especially after what has been such a difficult year for all, Dr Moxham said.
"Community and connection are two essential elements we cultivate in our programs as they powerfully promote mental health recovery. In 2020 and now 2021, restrictions have seen new challenges in facilitating community and connection for our clients, many of whom are already vulnerable to isolation and living with chronic mental health conditions, both of which are exacerbated by the pandemic.
"This nomination supports all the new initiatives and 'covid pivots' we have been working on this past year to ensure we continue to provide an empowering and safe space (whether physical or virtual) to maintain and assist dozens of mental health recovery journeys.".
Dr Mr Moxham said community connecting initiatives conducted during the last year have included;
- October Mental Health Month Walks- free, active, participation and integration in the community, raised over $1000 supporting the Black Dog institute.
- Outreach picnics in satellite areas of NSW to reconnect people post 2020 lockdown.
- Weekly online social events over Zoom ,during lockdowns, offering an opportunity to interact, share and laugh. Themes: hat party, PJ party, Activities: games, dance parties, show and tell and more.
- Makerspace program- connecting clients with new technologies, skills and most importantly friends in a supported environment
- Being Self Determined- an online course teaching skills for mental health wellbeing promoting autonomy and choice, empowering consumers to set goals and supporting them to achieve these.
- Journaling for Wellness- course introducing the benefits and method of self-reflection and expression with a recovery focus
- Working with UOW students and mentoring multiple interns
Dr Moxham said there are plenty more activities coming up for Recovery Camp.
That includes more camps in October and December and many more in 2022 including the first one ever in Queensland.
Recovery Camp is also developing new lived experience led programs.
She said 'Cooking with Michael' is kicking off this September.
Dr Moxham said Recovery Camp also collaborates with an Expert by Living Experience to plan and deliver a Recovery Camp program to peers.
She said staff support a paid client in a structured and supported skill share initiative offering employment, sense of purpose and improving self-image while other clients learn skills and benefit from social connection.
-Recovery Camp is also partnering with peer work students at TAFE NSW for their professional work hours
And a halloween themed Mental Health Month Recovery Camp Bush Dance is planned for October 30 at the UOW Sports Hall. Anyone is welcome so long as they make a gold coin donation on entry.
Anyone interested in participating in Recovery Camp programs can find out more on its website, Facebook page or by contacting the community engagement coordinator on 0439 043 360 or zoe@recoverycamp.com.au.
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