Accolades for Arts and Mental Health Network
One of the AMHN events was Balance, which was held at the HQ Leederville venue
The Western Australia Arts & Mental Health Network (AMHN) has been recognised with a Highly Commended Award by the Mental Health Service Awards of Australia and New Zealand 2022.
The commendation was for the category Psychosocial and/or Support Category and was awarded for the art and music community events organised by AMHN during Mental Health Week.
Creative Expression Centre for Art Therapy Clinical Services Manager Patricia Fonceca said a lot of effort goes into organising the community events.
"The Network is a fantastic example of how government and community organisations work together towards a positive outcome," Ms Fonceca said.
"The events are successful because of the dedication and commitment of all staff who are involved, each going that extra mile."
The AMHN events were held throughout the Perth metropolitan area and have enabled mental health consumers to participate in art and music activities. They offer an opportunity for participants to present their creative endeavours onto a wider platform, which has allowed them to gain confidence to step into the main stream art world. It has also provided skills to assist participants on their recovery journey.
An example of one of the AMHN events was Balance, which was held in October 2021 at the HQ Leederville venue. The event attracted more than 200 people and featured an art exhibition and a live gig space for 15 music and stage acts. Activities included clay work, mindfulness art and making sensory kits for positive mental health and coping.
AMHN was established in 2012 with the purpose to improve linkages, information sharing and support between government and community-based organisations working in the arts and mental health sectors to benefit the health outcomes for mental health consumers.
AMHN involves the North Metropolitan Health Service’s Creative Expression Centre for Art Therapy and Youth Mental Health Services as well as non-government community based organisations DADAA (external site) and YMCA HQ Leederville (PDF).