March 2026

Welcome
Hoping all are well and safe .
We have 2 Education sessions running in March please see "Whats on this Month" .

No update on what's happening with the Lower Hunter role so Elli, Mel and I (Daryn) are still  covering the Lower Hunter and are doing our best to provide support.
To remind all our normal working days are:
Elli - Tue, Wed, Thur, Fri.
Shorter work days Tue, Thur, Fri. 
Mel - Week 1 Tue & Wed. Week 2 Tue, Wed, Thur. 
Daryn - Mon, Tue, Wed, start at noon 2nd & 3rd Mon due to evening Carer Groups. 

Contacts
Elli Purchase 0459 023 781. 
Melinda Paulauskas 0466 560 233     
Daryn Steer 0400 498 479

What's on this Month 

Tuesday 3rd 10:30am, 
Carer Sound Healing. 
RSVP Mel, Daryn

Thursday 5th 10am, 
Wallsend Support Group.
RSVP Elli Mel

Monday 9th 6.45pm, 
Zoom Men's Talk Group. 
RSVP Daryn

Wednesday 11th 10:30am, 
Morisset Support Group.
RSVP Mel

Monday 16th 6pm, 
Wallsend After Hours Support Group. 
RSVP Daryn

Tuesday 17th 10:30am, 
Carer Sound Healing. 
RSVP Mel, Daryn

Wednesday 18th 10:30am, 
Newcastle Support Group. 
RSVP Daryn

Wednesday 18th 10:30am, 
Port Stephens Support Group. 
RSVP Elli

Thursday 19th 10am
Maitland Support Group.
RSVP Elli

Tuesday 24th 9:30am location TBC
Carer Wellbeing Walk. 
RSVP Elli

Tuesday 24th Education
Understanding Mental Health
5-8pm Wallsend Office
RSVP Mel, Daryn

Wednesday 25th Education
Understanding Mental Health
9:30am-12:30 Wallsend Office
RSVP Elli, Daryn

Newcastle - Strong and Social
Mental Health Social Support Group 

This group is for people who have experienced mental health problems, plus their carers and supporters. We run weekly social activities to help people find friends and maintain their mental health recovery. Peer led by Troy. Click the button below for more.

March Focus Topic
Taking time for you. 
Caring for someone with a mental health condition is incredibly demanding, and prioritizing your own wellbeing is one of the most effective ways to sustain that support.
Why Your Time Matters

• Prevents Burnout: Neglecting your needs leads to physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion, which can eventually make you unwell.
• Improves Quality of Care: A well-rested and emotionally balanced caregiver provides more patient, compassionate, and effective support.
• Models Healthy Habits: Practicing self-care sets a positive example for the person you are supporting, showing them that mental health is a priority for everyone.

  
  Practical Strategies for Taking a Break

• Set Healthy Boundaries: Clearly communicate your limits to family and the person you care for to protect your personal time and energy.

• Ask for Small, Specific Help: Instead of "doing it all," ask friends or family to handle a single task, like grocery shopping or meal prep, to give you some breathing room.
• Establish Micro-Routines: If you lack long blocks of time, dedicate 5–10 minutes to something purely for you, such as a mindfulness exercise, a quick walk, or listening to music.
• Connect with Peers: Join support groups through organizations like SANE Australia or Mind Australia to talk with others who understand your unique challenges.
• Protect Your Basics: Prioritize your own medical appointments, maintain a balanced diet, and aim for consistent sleep patterns. 

  
  Signs You Need a Break Immediately

• Persistent fatigue or trouble sleeping.
• Increased irritability, a "short fuse," or feeling emotionally numb.
• Social withdrawal and losing interest in your own hobbies.
• Physical symptoms like frequent headaches or body aches.

Your Feedback Matters
One Door Mental Health values feedback and recognises that opportunities to improve services and delivery of services arise from receipt of feedback in the form of compliments, comments and complaints.  
One Door Mental Health’s Compliments, Comments and Complaints Policy is to ensure all feedback is captured and processed in a way that reconciles the interests of clients and One Door Mental Health whilst ensuring expectations of fairness are met. Feedback is used to improve our services and practices.
Click the button below to give feedback.