The Spiritual Health Lived Experience Advisory Committee of Spiritual Health Australia has launched a 12-minute video aims to inspire, raise awareness, reduce stigma, and demonstrate the transformative impact of integrating spirituality and spiritual care into mental health services. Despite evidence that supports the positive correlation between health, wellbeing and spirituality, this continues to be neglected in mental health care. To raise awareness by those who know first-hand what supports recovery, the committee decided that their voices and experiences in relation to spirituality needed to be heard.
The Spiritual Health Lived Experience Advisory Committee (SHELAC) (a committee of Spiritual Health Australia) marked the winter solstice with the launch of their educational video – Nurturing mental health with spirituality.
Traditionally, the winter solstice is a time associated with renewal: as the longest night of the year passes, that movement becomes symbolic of hope and brighter days to come. The video launch marked a bittersweet moment for the committee, both a celebration of our work together and a farewell. Meanwhile, the video carries with it hopes for a mental health system that can evolve to be responsive to spiritual health needs and more reflective of holistic person-centred care. The day also marked the end of the cycle for the committee in its current format under the auspice of Spiritual Health Australia. The cessation of funding from the Victorian Mental Health and Wellbeing Department effectively means SHLEAC’s advocacy work in this space is no longer supported.
The video is an initiative of SHLEAC members Evan Bichara, Maria Dimopoulos, Tess Marotta, and Betty Do, in collaboration with SHA’s Mental Health Leader, Jenny Greenham. Despite evidence that supports the positive correlation between health, wellbeing and spirituality, this continues to be neglected in mental health care. To raise awareness by those who know first-hand what supports recovery, the committee decided that their voices and experiences in relation to spirituality needed to be heard.
An integral part of the process, was the consultation with members of the National Spiritual Health Lived Experience Network to land on key messages. Whilst the original concept changed over time, it is hoped the video becomes a legacy piece that urges the Mental Health and Wellbeing Department to reassess their definition of person-centred holistic care, to rethink what constitutes mental health and wellbeing, and to review what polices and investment they have in place to address this fundamental oversight.
A special acknowledgement to Evan and Maria for their exceptional front of camera work, Tess and Betty for their behind-the-scenes coaching and input, and to our director and producer Natasha Ferre and her crew at Three Sides Media Creative Direction and Production for their professional excellence and sensitivity around the issues raised. We also extend our appreciation to our colleagues at the Commons for their enthusiasm and support of the project.
Following the launch in the city, the committee enjoyed a celebration dinner together in a nearby restaurant in recognition of their work over the last three years.
Source
Image Source
