Let's Talk: Suicide, Mental Illness & more with John Parkinson

Talking about race can be tricky for many of us. So how can we do it in an inclusive, mindful and positive way? Thankfully there is a new book that includes a short history of race and racism in Britain, from the Romans through to the present day, including the history of slavery and the abolition movement. 

Ruth Hill and Loretta Andrews chat about their inspiration for the book and their own lived experiences.

To purchase the book in Australia:

Amazon - Talking to Children about Race 

To purchase the book in UK:

https://spckpublishing.co.uk/talking-to-children-about-race

Brooke Coleman and Mark Chapman both work in the Mental Health Hub at Wellways in Warrnambool, Australia. Like so many people who work in the care industry, they have their own lived experience and stories that led them to to the important work that they do today.
In this episode, you will not only learn about their paths but how Wellways is making a difference to so many lives across Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria and is growing every day.
Wellways is now a huge organisation working with many research groups including Monash University and supports people of all ages, abilities, identities and cultures. They offer support and advice on disability, family and carer services, suicide prevention, teenage issues, men’s mental health, housing and homelessness, wellbeing and mental health and so much more. One of the greatest things is, you don’t need a referral to get in touch and begin working with this incredible organisation.

Further links
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/mental-health-and-wellbeing-hubs 
https://kit.wellways.org/

In this episode, Vicki Ryan and Lisa Quattrocchi not only discuss their breast reductions but what life was like before and after. How they were bullied and judged, how they were treated by men and the social and emotional impact that unwanted large breasts can have. Lisa and Vicki also discuss the problems with clothing and of course the health benefits of having a reduction.

If you would prefer to watch this interview on YouTube then click here 

To apply to join the Facebook page Breast Reduction Support Australia, click here

Further information & Education from this episode:

Supercare
Breast reduction for women - Better Health Channel
Healthdirect.gov.au What is a breast reduction?     

Vicki Jellie is currently serving as the Mayor of Warrnambool but before she entered into this role, Vicki was already considered a local hero, not only in our eyes but was officially named The Australian Local Hero of 2017 receiving her award from, then Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull.

This interview is the first time that Vicki Jellie has told her whole story. It is a story of grief, courage, community and above all, love. 

This episode was filmed by Fitzmedia at Silver ball studies and the entire episode can be viewed on Youtube. It was important to capture this story for prosperity so that future generations understand the history of how the South West Cancer Centre was built by its local community. 

Thanks to the efforts of local hero, Vicki Jellie, the South West community and local and state members of parliament, patients can receive treatment in Warrnambool rather than spending hours on the road driving to Geelong and Melbourne.

Supporting Links

You can donate to Peter's Project
Watch the entire interview here 
South West Cancer Centre 

Jasmin Newman was awarded the 2021 Mediator Peacemaker of the Year. She is a Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner, also known as a Family Mediator for couples and families that need support when navigating separation and divorce. Jasmin helps parents to make child-centred decisions as they go through the changes in their family structure and is a co-parenting coach.
In this episode,  Marnie, Lisa and Jasmin explore how fear is behind most of the decisions that we make in our lives and how fear drives parents to make the decisions that they do.
Towards the end of the episode, we also breakdown Jasmin's co-parenting checklist to see how it can play out in real life.

Education, Support & Services

Parenting after separation website
Jasmin's co-parenting checklist
Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia
Coping with divorce or break up
Family Relationships Online
Life Line 131114

People may recognise Darren Mort from shows such as Neighbours and Blue Heelers, but it's his real-life role that continues to make such a great impact on Australian families. As a barrister, Darren Mort has worked in the family law courts for almost 30 years and has seen what happens to children during this difficult time.
In this episode, Darren talks about putting the needs of the children first and how his acting and law careers have come together to create the award-winning short film: Tommy which can be seen on Apple TV.
Darren has also started a wonderful charity that supports children called To Be Loved and through this, he has written a wonderful book called Tommy & Tiger Terry which was inspired by a young boy that Darren met in family court who had an imaginary kangaroo as his coping mechanism to get through such a stressful time.
Please share this episode with anyone going through separation and divorce as a reminder, that the needs of their children are paramount.

For further education and support:

To Be Loved
Darren Mort
Family Circuit and Family Law Australia

Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800
1800 RESPECT (National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service)
1800 737 732, 24 hours 7 days

Beyond Blue Support Service
1300 224 636, 24 hours, 7 days

Family Relationship Advice Line
1800 050 321, 8 am-8 pm Monday to Friday, 10 am-4 pm Saturday

John Parkinson grew up near Port Fairy & one of his first jobs was at Warrnambool’s Brierly Mental Hospital. He has seen a lot change in the world of mental health but wants to do more.

After a shocking increase of suicide in his community and getting to know the parents of the late Sam Fitzgibbon, John and other locals got together to find a way to get more people talking. 

That’s when they started Let’s Talk whose mission it is to remove the stigma of mental illness. In this episode Lisa and John discuss grief, suicide, loneliness, ageing, mental health in sport, the impact of social media, anti-depressants and much more.

Click here for a comprehensive list of Support Services in Australia from Let's Talk:
https://www.letstalkaustralia.org/immediate-support

Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/ben-johnson/cant-stop-chasing-you License code: 6JI8KQ77EOJHB9FF

In 1974, when my sister, Tanya, who has Down Syndrome was born they called her a Mongoloid. Institutions were still closing around Australia and a lot of the general public were afraid of people with intellectual disabilities because they were simply not seen. Not on the streets, not in schools, there was obviously no internet back in the day and people who didn’t fit the social norm were certainly not on TV.

So it was no wonder that my father was afraid to take Tanya home from the hospital, in fact the delivering doctor offered to murder Tanya, thinking this would be the right thing for my parents. And many others were of the opinion that Tanya belonged in an institution or asylum.

But none of these people knew the strength of Adriana Quattrocchi, my mum. From the moment Tanya was brought home, Adriana worked day and night to give Tanya every opportunity in this world just like any other child. She had to battle doctors, relatives, friends and schools to give Tanya the life that she deserved.

47 years later, Adriana is telling her story of the ups and downs of raising Tanya in Shepparton, the heartbreak of her moving out of home in her late 20s and the on-going health issues that Tanya faces to this day.

So far, Tanya has had an extraordinary life and it’s all thanks to her tiger mum and her saint, Adriana. 

 Education, Support & Services

Down Syndrome Australia
Disability Australia Hub
Disability Services Australia
National Disability Services   

The Evolution and Devolution of Mental Health Services in Australia - Inquiries Journal
Mental Health Facilities Guide | NSW State Archives
AUSTRALIAN ASYLUMS - Australia's Dark Heart
The Evolution and Devolution of Mental Health Services in Australia - Inquiries JournalPsychiatric Institutions of the Past 

Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/ilya-kuznetsov/memory
License code: YFJTCP7TWEM2QO7U

Emily Quattrocchi had been a competitive cheerleader, netballer, keen film student and was just beginning her career when everything changed on that terrifying day when she was driving to work.

Lisa chats with her baby cousin Emily about her accident and injuries and how the failed airbags and her seatbelt contributed to her spinal injury but also saved her life. 

Emily is now a paraplegic, a wheelie, a recognised short film maker, an awarded  champion and Ambassador for good health for women’s health week and has appeared on the ABC many times for her paracheerleading and most recently as a new peer support mentor. 

Emily also has an awesome youtube channel where she teaches us all about the reality of living in a wheelchair and has an award winning film: Emily, you never give up - A story about HOW I BECAME PARALYSED

As time goes by, Emily challenges herself to slowly take back control of her body and has worked towards crawling and other independent skills.

She is an inspiration, a leader and Emily will never give up!

Support & education

Disability Australia Hub 

People with disability in Australia, Summary - Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 

National Disability Services 

Lifeline phone 131114 

Shopping

EveryHuman 

Kerryn Harvey was a triathlete and after a 2013 cycling accident in the Adelaide Hills, Australia, she contracted a flesh eating bacteria, referred to as Necrotizing Fasciitis resulting in a four quarter arm amputation which includes her whole arm, shoulder and some chest and back muscles.

With toxic shock and organ failure, Kerryn’s loved ones had to decide whether to amputate to try and save her life, or say their goodbyes. Fortunately for Kerryn, her friends knew just how strong she was and knew that when she woke up, she would make the most of her life, no matter what.

In this episode you will hear Kerryn’s story of survival against all odds. In fact, she had less than a 5% chance of living but the incredible medical team at the Royal Adelaide Hospital not only saved her life, but were the inspiration for Kerryn to give back when she got back on that bike.  Kerryn raised a significant amount of money for research at the Royal Adelaide Hospital and began the Start Foundation. A charity that helps amputees to afford the prosthetics, equipment or modifications needed in order to play sport.

Kerryn has gone on to achieve more personal goals and now holds a world ranking as a paratriathlete. Nothing stops this woman from giving it her all. She is now a personal trainer, an inspiring sportswoman and a force of nature.

Donate to the START foundation here: https://www.startfoundation.org.au/donations
For further support:
https://www.bicyclenetwork.com.au/
https://www.auscycling.org.au/membership/other/insurance-overview
https://www.letstalkaustralia.org/
https://www.beyondblue.org.au/
https://www.lifeline.org.au/131114/