“We believe in you …so that you can believe in yourself”

It is estimated that one in five Australians will experience a mental illness in their lifetime (ABS 2008). A mental illness is a health problem that significantly affects how a person thinks, behaves and interacts with others. (Department of Health and Ageing, 2009)

The mental illness might be a once in a life time experience, it could be long term or it might be recurring. Mental illness can make it difficult to cope with work, with personal relationships or other life needs

Lantern (Formerly Reach Out Mental Health) is a community based not-for-profit organisation providing quality services to those affected by mental illness – be they users, carers, friends, family or the community.

vision

Enabling people to create futures beyond mental illness

mission

Engaging with people affected by mental illness

values

Hope

Respect

Self-determination

Innovation

Opportunity

history

Lantern was established in 1992 as Southern Mental Health Association Inc (our ‘legal’ name). The organisation was formed by a small and passionate group of people who were determined to see improved services and support for people with disabilities arising from mental illness, and their carers.  Since that time the organisation has grown from a single worker program to a community managed organisation that now employs over 30 staff.

Lantern offers hope to people experiencing mental illness or disability.

statement of purpose

August 2004

1.    To develop and deliver high quality direct services as deemed necessary for the rehabilitation and/or support of people with a psychiatric disability living in the southern region which includes the Local Government areas of Bayside, Kingston, Glen Eira and Monash or as determined by the Board of the Association.

2.    To undertake any liaison, advocacy, consultative, community educational, research or contracted arrangements with or for individuals or groups which will improve Mental Health / Community Services.

3.    To ensure that the services are properly co-ordinated, monitored, evaluated and integrated internally and externally with health and community and primary care services.

4.    To review the provision of services to ensure that the consumers are receiving the most appropriate care.

5.    To advise service providers and relevant government bodies on service planning and service delivery.

Our people

Our Staff

Lantern has over 35 staff working across 17 different programs and services…

Janet Hopkins – CEO

Bachelor of Commerce (University of Melbourne), GradCertEI (Entrepreneurship and Innovation: Swinburne University of Technology).

Janet is an experienced manager and leader, qualified accountant and trainer with extensive experience in Not for Profit sector, particularly in the area of Mental Health.

Janet has over 20 years experience in the Community sector both in paid and unpaid roles. She is a keen ‘early adopter’, with a special interest in innovation and new technologies, strategic thinking and innovation, particularly as it relates to the community sector.

Janet is the creator and main driving force behind the Blossomproject, a new pilot program for young women under 25 experiencing anxiety and depression.

Our Board

Jennifer Raper BA, DipEd, MEd. Chairperson. (Business Development & Marketing Sub Committee, Finance Sub Committee.) Jenny was a founding member of the organisation in 1992.  She holds a Master Degree in Education and has an interest in issues affecting families.

Danny Davies B SW Dip WS, Vice Chair.(Business Development & Marketing Sub Committee) Danny is a Senior Clinician with Southern Health, providing consultation to primary health care providers on mental health issues. Danny also provides community training and education in mental health and drug and alcohol issues.

Danielle Sellick, Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Laws (Hons), Graduate and Postgraduate Diplomas of Psychology. (Business Development & Marketing Sub Committee) Danielle brings experience working in the public and not for profit sectors in the areas of population health, mental health policy and research.

Kevin Norris M Bus Admin, Treasurer. (Finance Sub Committee Chair, Business Development & Marketing Sub Committee.) Kevin brings a broad range of experiences to Reach Out. Kevin has worked in local govt in NSW, has been  Executive Director Australian Quarter Horse Association, Executive Director of the Bus Association of Victoria and Managing Director Grenda Transit Management.

Anne Casey MBA in Finance University of Michigan (USA) BS Georgetown University (USA). Anne is currently employed at The Alfred Child and Adolescent Mental Health program as a Family/Carer Consultant. In this role she brings close to a decade worth of “lived experience” in caring for someone with a mental illness.

Lydia Cowan Diploma of Applied Sciences in Intellectual Disabilities and a Bachelor of Disabilities. Lydia is also a member of the Commonwealth Carer Respite Centre, Southern Metropolitan Region, Consultative Group.

Chris Gillson Diploma of Non Clinical Mental Health.(Business Development & Marketing Sub Committee) Chris is a consumer representative and has been a member of the Lantern Consumer Advisory Group.

Dr Joseph Griffin Ed.D; M. Ed; BSc (Hons), Dip of Trn. and Ass. Systems. (Business Development & Marketing Sub Committee Chair.) Joe Griffin has 30 years experience in Education and Organisational Development. As well as consulting, Joe lectures in Leadership for the Swinburne University Masters program in Entrepreneurship and Innovation and the Swinburne MBA final year leadership subject.

Allison Ridge B App Sc (Environmental Health) M PH (Business Development & Marketing Sub Committee) Alison manages Kingston Council’s Being Active, Eating Well Project and has a breadth of experience in health promotion in local government settings.

Tyson Scanlon is a consumer representative. Tyson works in the hospitality industry and reads extensively, frequently donating his books to the Lantern Library.

SUB COMMITTEE MEMBERS:

Paul Buckinghham, Master Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Grad Cert Mkt. (Business Development & Marketing Sub Committee) Paul is a passionate, energetic, sales and management professional possessing a can-do attitude with a broad array of skills and experiences.

Matt Dale, Dip of Community Services (Mental Health-Non Clinical), Grad Cert in Mental Health Promotion, B Health Promotion and Public Health (Inc). Matt is passionate about Mental Health Promotion and believes that early intervention and prevention can make a difference in recovery from mental illness and mental health problems.

Steve Hopkins Bachelor of Business (Entrepreneurship) (Business Development & Marketing Sub Committee) Steve has been working in innovation, marketing and social media with Ergo, World Vision, South East water, Australian Davos Connection. Now with AI-Media, Steve blogs at http://www.thesquigglyline.com/blog/