Building Resilience Together Project  

The Benefits of Resilience to a local community

According to the Mental Health Association in New South Wales Australia building resilience can buffer us from developing mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder. It does so by helping offset certain risk factors that increase the likelihood of experiencing a mental illness, such as lack of social support. Therefore building your resilience can protect and promote your mental health and wellbeing.

For people who live with mental illness, resilience can also help them to accept the setbacks and challenges of living with mental illness, developing the courage to take responsibility to manage their lives and recover, despite the limitations imposed by the condition.

The current economic down turn coupled with the cut backs in services and resources mean that the resilience of communities is being seriously challenged. Building a strong community can benefit each member of our community in times of stress, as recently witnessed during the floods in Ballinasloe. Community resilience is built by strengthening social networks, offering support to members of the community in times of need, working together on common goals, as well as ensuring safety and promoting healthy lifestyles. The sense of cohesion derived from belonging to a community can build a great sense of optimism and morale within us.

As part of Building Resilience Together Project MHI Development Officers meet with local Community Forums and authorities to organise series of  local projects and public talks. Please check MHI Upcoming Events and Regional Activities sections of our website regularly to see what's happening in your area.

Click on the images below to view/download a PPT presentation prepared by MHI and Building Resilience leaflet: