Media Release 27 Nov 2006

Working towards mental health

Recovering from a mental illness can be difficult and finding a job afterwards can be even harder. Yet, most are keen to return to work and those who manage to obtain a job often find it has a very beneficial effect.

A unique opportunity exists for those recovering from a mental illness to enjoy real work for real pay at the Cornucopia Café on the Old Gladesville Hospital site.

Cornucopia Café is open to the public from 9am to 3:30pm Monday to Friday. It’s located off Victoria Road in a beautifully restored and historic building on the Old Gladesville Hospital site.

Cornucopia Café is celebrating it’s 10th Anniversary on 1 December. The café was established by the Community Recreation Education Training Employment (CREATE) team at Ryde Mental Health Service.

The program has received many awards including the 2002 Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Community Business Partnerships and the Mental Health Services Conference Gold Award 1998.

Patrick Beinke, 24, has worked at Cornucopia Café for the last four years. He’s increased both his skill level and sense of responsibility and now takes a senior role in the café.

“It was amazing the impact that getting that job had on my life. It got me back into the workforce and learning about responsibilities. It gave me a structure and all those things made me feel a lot better about myself,” Patrick explained.

The Hon John Watkins, Deputy Premier, Member for Ryde and NSW Minister for Transport & Police has been a strong supporter of the program. He officially opened the café in 1996 and will join the 10th anniversary celebrations on 1 December .

Training and employment opportunities at Cornucopia Café are provided by a partnership of CREATE, MARS Inc (Macquarie Area Rehabilitation Specialities Inc.) who are responsible for the day to day running of Cornucopia Café, the Cornucopia Nursery (wholesale indigenous plants) and MARS Garden Makeovers employing up to 60 men and women in part time work.

MARS has a Workplace Agreement with employees providing a sliding scale of wages, up to award wage, based on competencies. This supports the consumers in their training and recognises improvement in their work capacity.

“This unique supported employment program has continued to promote the importance of work in a person’s recovery from mental illness,” says Tony Colechin, Deputy Director of Rehabilitation at Ryde Mental Health Service.

“Supported employment is one of the success stories of vocational rehabilitation.”

“We began providing this service to 20 consumers in a real work situation and it has now grown to over 60 consumers. It clearly shows our commitment to vocational work for people with mental health problems. “

People with long-term mental health problems who have been away from work for some time are likely to need help to avoid the pitfalls and smooth the way. They often become disheartened and give up the attempt.

The CREATE Team recognises the therapeutic and preventative value of real work for real pay. Work restores self esteem and broadens social networks.

North Shore Ryde Mental Health Service, part of Northern Sydney Central Coast Health, is committed to implementing the NSW Government Action plan – Rehabilitation for Mental Health through more vocational and work programs.

Media Contact: Penelope Little 9926 7199 / 0413 025 742

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