Heather opened the meeting at 6.30pm, she then advised the club of a special announcement and asked Secretary Greg McLeod to speak.
Greg advised members present that on Monday 12th October he had received a letter from President Sorel, advising her resignation as President of the club. A meeting of the Board was called and was held prior to this evening's meeting. Greg further advised that, at that meeting, the Board had reluctantly, and with regret, accepted the resignation.
The Board has called for any member interested in taking on responsibility as President, for the balance of the 2020/21 Rotary year, to advise Greg by email of their interest by close of business on Friday 16th October.
For the interim meetings and club management will be handled by Heather Kilsby and Jerry Casburn.
The opportunity for members present to ask questions, or seek information, was provided following the meal. There were no questions.
Guest Speaker: Claire Coleman ? - Lifting the Lid on Mental Health
Chair for the evening
President Elect Nathan White, introduce Claire. She is Community Engagement
Officer
a Headspace Adelaide. Claire was a volunteer at Headspace with their Youth Ambassador Program for several years and has experience presenting to a range of audiences. Clair has a Bachelor of Psychology (honours) and is currently undertaking her Masters in Social Work. She brings with her a strong passion for early intervention in Mental Health and educating the community on how they can support themselves and loved ones during any mental health concerns.
Claire opened her talk with a question to establish what members knew about Headspace. She then went on to say that the organisation supports young people with Mental Health and serious issues, General Health including physical and sexual health, Alcohol and Drug issues, Work and Education and finally, provides opportunities for participation in community activities and events. They support young people between the ages of 12 and 25. Their centres have on-site GPs, Counsellors on drugs and alcohol as well as support for education. The Adelaide centre is located in Wakefield Street and a new one is due to open in Marion. A comprehensive overview of the organisation's activities and structure was provided in a short video.
New arrivals to the centres have a meet and greet orientation provided through a Youth Ambassadors program, which was how Claire became involved.
A short quiz showed that the members had a good understanding of mental health issues with our youth. There is a continuum from mental wellness to mental health problems and mental wellness.
Headspace also provide specialised support for young people experiencing, or are at risk of a first episode of psychosis, followed by ongoing support. Psychosis affects the mind where there has been some loss of contact with reality. Clair went on to describe psychosis symptoms ad how prevalent it is.
Some 25% of young people will experience mental health issues and 3% of the youth population will experience a psychotic episode. Early intervention is key.
Claire completed her presentation with guidance on how to maintain a healthy headspace and what you can do if you want to help someone who is not OK. "Are you OK" has taken on a new meaning.
There are many centres managed by headspace across the country and those numbers are increasing.
Claire answered many questions from members. One interesting fact is that they are seeing increased numbers during Covid and in particular from foreign students in temporary residence in Australia.
Claire was thanked by PE Nathan and the club showed its appreciation by acclamation.
As the evening's event was recognising the Australian Rotary Health - Lift the Lid Programme all members were resplendent in the hats, as you will see below. Graham Beckett was the winner in his claimed Croation creation, the editor believed he was doing a poor imitation of a POM.
