Rates of depression, unsupported mental health disorders and suicide are far worse in rural communities. Your opportunity to make a difference is here, now. People living in the Guyra, Uralla, Walcha Shires and Armidale Dumaresq Council Local Government Areas are being invited to contribute to a groundbreaking Rural Outreach Mental Health & Resilience (ROMHAR) study being undertaken at the University of New England (UNE). The end results could influence Government policy in relation to rural and regional Australia. They could potentially lead to biological indicators or diagnostic tools for depression and mental health problems.
Voluntary participants are asked to complete a questionnaire, a Salivette (saliva sample) and Mouthwash sample. If possible, we would also like to take a small sample of blood, however this is completely optional. To put your hand up to assist in this important study, contact Kerri Fitzpatrick on: 6773 3700 or ROMHAR@une.edu.au . This information is completely confidential and you will remain anonymous.
Project Leader, Professor Chris Sharpley, said the immediate goal is for 2000 survey participants from southern New England. “We’ve had about 100 surveys completed, so we need a lot more support. We want to hear from the whole community; those with good mental health, as well as those who have mental health challenges. We will be able to compare information collected here with city studies, particularly with blood samples.”
Two conscientious New England businesses have just supported the ROMHAR study and, in taking part, have pro-actively shown support for the mental well-being of their respective workforces. There were 13 participants at the New England Mutual (NEM) head office in Armidale, with almost half giving a blood sample.
Michelle Hyde is the NEM HR Service Manager and got her workplace involved.
“Mental health in rural communities is important, so we thought partic-ipating would be worthwhile. It’s in line with our core values; we support community events, health and well-being. We need to get rid of the stigma attached to mental health and really address the issues. Awareness makes a big difference,” she said. “My message to other people and employers would be to get yourself and your staff involved. It didn’t take a lot of our time to support the study.”
NEM employee, Cassandra Marsh, said family mental illness prompted her to take part. “I was also keen to do something that was civic-minded. Anything I can do to improve understanding and the management of mental health problems in rural areas is worth my time,” she said. “Emmanuel, who took my blood sample, was excellent – I didn’t feel a thing.” Her colleagues, including Kieran Pink, were all smiles during the painless process.
About 15 participants from the Ascent Group took part in this first wave of the ROMHAR study. As an Armidale-based community organisation that assists people with intellectual disabilities and mental health issues, and as a member of the “Locals for Locals” campaign, CEO Kevin Mead and Ascent staff were keen to participate in this study.
“We saw it as a practical way to contribute to a process of gaining knowledge and reducing reluctance to discuss and address mental health issues, particularly within rural communities,” Mr Mead said. “Our staff found the study to be simple, quick and easy. We urge other organisations and people to participate.”
The ROMHAR team will soon write to local residents, seeking their participation.
