Upcoming events: what are your thoughts/suggestions?

Hi CherryBomb.

I think the new Mental Health Act is an important area that we as Carers need to have information about. Many of these changes will have an impact. There are some events that carers can attend but it may be useful to have a government representative available for those who are unable to leave their loved ones?

Our family are also concerned about the changes in the recent budget. We have two loved ones who recieve the DSP. Both require regular medical care, several medications, and routine pathology tests to monitor medication levels, among other things! We're not sure if the Medicare co-payment will apply to GP visits, medications, pathology, or when this is likely to happen?

They both recieve the pensioner education supplement, which they will soon lose. We have also noticed that some pensioner concessions relating to transport, electricity etc. will be removed, not to mention changes to the indexation of pensions.

A Centrelink representative who could explain the changes in more detail, and when these changes are likely to happen would be very useful to us!

Hi CherryBomb

An area within the mental health sector that is of particular interest to me is that of Indigenous Australians. Coming from a carers, consumers or a person working within this area's perspective it is painfully obvious to myself that Indigenous mental health brings with it a whole range of different issues and challenges that mainstream Australia probably isn't aware of.

It would be interesting and educational if there was an option within the carers main menu for Indigenous Australian and Torres Strait Islander input, both as a carer and within the upcoming testing of the Lived Experience Forum.

Certainly guests within this area would be great to hear their first hand experience and share knowledge. Also if within budget and infrastructure webinars would be very adventageous also.

This would also be a great opportunity to help breakdown stigma and stereotyping.

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts

Many thanks

Harry

Thanks so much 3forme and Harry! These are great suggestions and something that we will definitely look into.

Hello all,

I'm a 62 year old transwoman who, as you can imagine, has had a fair rollercoaster life to date.

I live alone now, having separated from my wife only recently and I can recall vividly a time around my 60th birthday when I felt as if life was rather meaningless and I experienced some dark thoughts.

However, I have recovered and now I feel stable, happily living the life I choose, except for the loneliness that comes with living on my own.

This may open a can of worms, but I would like to draw the attention of the forum to the stress and mental anguish that transgenders face, so I would like to see some discussion along that path.

Thanks Nina52 and Daisy, both great suggestions.