Out to the suburbs

What a good day I have had today. I’ve been out and about on buses and trains in order to meet two really interesting people, firstly to the city centre to meet the coordinator of Camp Kookaburra and then way out into the suburbs to meet The ‘Gaining Ground’ Program Manager.

Camp Kookaburra, a N.G.O. runs camps which are a mix of fun and ‘chat groups’ for children who live with a family member with a mental illness. There is a really high staff to child ratio of 1:2 or 3 and the team includes camp counsellors and chat group coordinators in addition to the volunteer youth workers. Children tend to come along year after year and some have now become volunteer leaders themselves. I’ll report more next week as I have been invited to join them on their next camp which runs from Friday until Sunday.

‘Gaining Ground’ is an ICAMHS (Infant and Child Mental Health Services) project which has been running for some years. Whilst also offering camps to children with the same issues as Camp Kookaburra, the project takes a different approach. Children and young people are offered three camps per year for as many years as they wish to attend, up to the age of 18. The Program Manager also undertakes some casework which takes a family approach whilst focusing specifically on the young carer. She works closely with mental health wards and can become involved when a parent is discharged from hospital – something that I think that I will look to develop when back in Gloucestershire.

More from ‘Gaining Ground when I go back to visit later during my trip.

Both projects receive most of their referrals from school counsellors and health services.

A photo per blog is what I have been taught by my young friend Issy so here is one from yesterday’s Bondi Beach Kite Festival.