Meeting Katherine from Orygen once again

Yesterday we met again with Katherine from Orygen who has been incredibly helpful by raising some issues we should be aware of as well as offering solutions and some much needed guidance on the landscape of the mental health industry in Victoria.

The discussion included;

• Carers Victoria and how they might be able to help us.
• Mindwise
• Setting up a parents support network
• Organising a large initial session where we can meet potential students
• CAMS and other forms of diagnosis
• DHS and Community health services
• RMIT Clinical Psychology Placements
• Western Region Health Centre
• Western Region for Education (a good potential partner to find the young people)
• SSSOs - Student school support officers, and the role they play

Katherine then followed up with this email;

Hi Dale and Stefan,

Thanks again for our meeting yesterday.

FYI the number for Commonwealth Carer Respite Centres is 1800 059 059 – they’ll be able to direct yourselves or families to the nearest Commonwealth-funded Carer Respite Service. Families can most definitely self-refer. Details on website here: (sorry I can’t hyperlink) http://www9.health.gov.au/ccsd/

Please find attached also the factsheet about ASDs. A couple of things for your notice – that this factsheet is targeted at adolescents and their families, where there may be an emphasis on emergent mental illnesses. Although the factsheet is ASDs generally, I think it is really helpful for thinking about Aspergers specifically, too.

Regards,

Katherine