Men's Health Information and Resource Centre (MHIRC) – "The Shed"

1. Project Profile

Project Name(s)	Men's Health Information and Resource Centre (MHIRC) – "The Shed"
Funded Organisation	University of Western Sydney
Geographical Area	Local
State/Territory	New South Wales
Approach(es)	Selected and Indicated
Individual/Group	Individual and Group
LIFE Action Areas	Improving the evidence base and understanding of suicide prevention Building individual resilience and the capacity for self-help Improving community strength, resilience and capacity in suicide prevention Taking a coordinated approach to suicide prevention Providing targeted suicide prevention activities Implementing standards and quality in suicide prevention
Target Groups	Men Indigenous

2. Project Description

The aim of the project is to build a network of agencies and community groups to promote a supportive environment for local men aged 25-45 years, with specific provision for Indigenous men, but open to all groups. The day-to-day work of this project is provided at 'The Shed' which is co-located with the Holy Family Centre. At The Shed, men may access practical and emotional support, information and referral services, cultural activities, education and training.

The project is a collaboration between the Men's Health Information and Resource Centre, the Holy Family Centre, Emerton NSW, and other local agencies including Probation and Parole, Western Sydney Area Health Service and others.

3. Activities

The wide array of activities undertaken by the project includes:

• Provision of mental health services - a worker attends the open day weekly and meets clients and is available at other times for referrals
• Facilitating access to probation and parole services
• Providing job training services by arrangement
• Providing Court workers to continue to accompany men to court when clients find this contact very difficult
• Providing other services such a legal services and health promotion officers, by arrangement
• Provision of case management or adhoc support:
  • for adult men involved in the legal system,
  • for adult men who have experienced incarceration
• Providing cultural events and excursions led by Aboriginal elders
• Providing adult education sessions including: "Yarn up" (adult education sessions) on relevant health-related topics; to encourage informal "yarn-ups" as they occur.
• Explore the Shed having direct regular contact with young people as a "mentoring" process
• Implementing Art and Craft session including making of boomerangs for school distribution
• Maintaining Management and Advisory Board with members including Community Elders and partner agencies.
• Developing strong referral mechanisms and partnership arrangements to improve the pathway to strengthen service provision
• Maintaining partnerships with relevant stakeholders including the Holy Family Church
• Reviewing protocols and referral arrangements with key stakeholders
• Participating in peer reviews and networking with other services providing similar programs Top of page

4. Funding

• Round 1
  • NSPP funding
    • 2006/07 - $233,772
    • 2007/08 - $212,100
    • 2008/09 - $214,128
  • % project funding - 100%
• Round 2
  • NSPP funding
    • 2009/10 - $150,000
    • 2010/11 - $180,000
  • % project funding - 100%
• Round 3
  • NSPP funding
    • 2011/12 - $204,000
    • 2012/13 - $207,000
  • % project funding - 100%

5. Staffing

• Round 1 (2006/07, 2007/08, 2008/09)
  • Number staff positions funded (FTE) - 2
  • Number staff positions filled (FTE) - 2
• Round 2 (2009/10, 2010/11)
  • Number staff positions funded (FTE) - 2
  • Number staff positions filled (FTE) - 2
• Round 3 (2011/12, 2012/13)
  • Number staff positions funded (FTE) - 2
  • Number staff positions filled (FTE) - 2