Francis, Abraham, and Joseph, Mini (2014) Application of community development approaches in promoting positive mental health in rural South Australia. In: Abstracts from the Joint World Conference on Social Work, Education and Social Development: promoting social and economic equality (ePoster 2) p. 14. From: Joint World Conference on Social Work, Education and Social Development 2014: promoting social and economic equality, 9-12 July 2014, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.

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Abstract

Based on the field work, community work experiences and reflections, the authors looks at how rural communities can be engaged in the process of addressing the issue of mental health and specially in challenging the myths of stigma attached to mental health. The paper describes the methods used in developing community networks and partnerships in rural South Australia and analyses how these methods have supported in creating positive environment in the local communities to promote mental health. It also outlines some of the challenges and issues faced in the field.

In nutshell, the paper examines the strengths of rural communities by exploring nature of the existing safety-net groups, and analyses the partnerships and networks that were formed during the tenure of first author's employment. This is highlighted with case examples to illustrate how the strength based partnership models have enhanced in creating a supportive environment in the communities, which supported the initiative of developing Mental Health Support Groups and Mental Health Action Group in rural South Australia. It also examines the strengths of the evolving role of communities in promoting mental health and suggests a few intervention strategies and discusses some issues in social work practice with communities.

Item ID:	35053
Item Type:	Conference Item (Poster)
Related URLs:	Publisher Organisation
Date Deposited:	26 Aug 2014 02:19
FoR Codes:	16 STUDIES IN HUMAN SOCIETY > 1607 Social Work > 160701 Clinical Social Work Practice @ 50% 16 STUDIES IN HUMAN SOCIETY > 1607 Social Work > 160702 Counselling, Welfare and Community Services @ 50%
SEO Codes:	92 HEALTH > 9202 Health and Support Services > 920209 Mental Health Services @ 40% 92 HEALTH > 9204 Public Health (excl. Specific Population Health) > 920410 Mental Health @ 40% 93 EDUCATION AND TRAINING > 9305 Education and Training Systems > 930599 Education and Training Systems not elsewhere classified @ 20%
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