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PEARLS

PEARLS

Public Education About Real Life Stories - towards acceptance and understanding of mental illness

Volunteer educators now available to speak to work, community, professional and any other group of people who would like to have a better understanding of mental illness.

Who are we?

We are a group of individuals who:

  • know what its like to live with a mental illness
  • care for someone with a mental illness

What do we do?

We share our experiences with:

  • people in their workplace
  • community groups
  • professional associations
  • anyone who is interested in learning, and understanding, more about what it's like to live with a mental illness

Why we do it?

Mental health and wellbeing is important to everyone. We know that there are a lot of myths and misunderstandings out there and this can make people reluctant to talk to us about our mental illness.

This project has been developed by HCA with support from SA Health's Mental Health Unit. A consumer led Advisory group was formed to offer information, and their lived experience, to guide some of the strategies and information for the project. After discussion with the Advisory group, the name ‘Pearls – Public education about real life stories, towards acceptance and understanding of mental illness’ was decided upon as the name and goal for the group.

Progress to date:

  • 11 consumers/carers have completed “Confident and Persuasive Presentations” training;
  • 10 consumers/carers have completed basic radio presentation and interviewing training with Radio Adelaide;
  • 6 interviews were recorded with consumers with four of the interviews broadcast on Radio Adelaide during Mental Health Week.

For more information about what we do and why please read our brochures:

  • About Us
  • If you've got questions about mental illness...we've got answers
  • So what's it like to have a mental illness?

For further information and to book a speaker please contact, Angelina Edwards, Senior Project Officer, on 08 8231 4169, or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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