Media Release – no embargo
21 August 2015
Strong voices of support for MyHome in Canberra
The ACT has the second highest rate of homelessness in Australia. On any night in Canberra, there are nearly 2000 people who are homeless. And around 85 percent of these people suffer mental illness. MyHome in Canberrahas a plan to helpaddressthis problem.
MyHome in Canberra’s vision is to build a safe, supportive and caring home for people
with mental illness who are homeless, or at risk of homelessness. MyHome in Canberra is a not- for-profit organisation registered with the Australian Charities and Not for Profits Commission (ACNC).
MyHome in Canberra will be designed to provide local people suffering mental illness a place where they can live independently, while having access to the assistance they need to achieve their dreams. It will work on a similar model to Home in Queanbeyan, but will be tailored to meet the needs of the Canberra community.
Four of Canberra’s bestmusical performers are supporting MyHome in Canberra and will be coming together on 29 August 2015 for a very special cause in what promises to be a spectacular show. Louise Page, Shiny Bum Singers, U3a Warrani Chorale and the Canberra Mandolin Orchestra have all generously donated their time, and voices, to perform in a concert to raise funds for MyHome in Canberra.
“Every night far too many people in Canberrasleep rough and we know that many people who are homeless also experience mental illness. MyHome in Canberra’s goal is simple.
We want to provide a safe place for people to sleep at night and where they can access support services for their mental illness to assist them in their journey of recovery,”
Mr John Tucker, President of MyHome in Canberra said.
“The Board of MyHome in Canberra, in partnership with the Uniting Church and Woden Rotary is determined to build and run a home that will support people with persistent mental illness and provide help for their carersand families. It is important we can give carers and families the security of knowing their son or daughter will always have a safe place to live. It would mean a lot to me to see Canberrans getting out and supporting this project by attending the concert next week”
“Mental illness can affect anyone, with one in five Australians experiencing a mentalillness at any given time,” Mr Tucker continued. “The concert will help us raise much needed funds to help build and operateMyHomein Canberra,” Mr Tucker concluded.
The concert has been organised by Woden Rotary and will be held on Saturday 29 August 2015 at Holy Trinity School Hall, Theodore Street,Curtin from 2.30pm to 5pm. It will feature as MC, Canberra radio personality, Genevieve Jacobs, of 666 ABC Radio Mornings.
Tickets cost $25 and are available via the Woden Rotary Club website Donations are welcome and are tax deductable.
The fundraising concert is proudly supported by Woden Rotary Club, St James Uniting Church, Curtin, the Holy Trinity Catholic School, Curtin and MyHome in Canberra.
Information about MyHome in Canberra can be found at the Face book page
Media contact details:
John Tucker
T: O262917869 M: 0411350547