UniSA 2021 Donor Impact Report - Flipbook - Page 12
Supporting those who
need it most to thrive
Gifts bolster vital mental health research programs
With one in five Australians impacted by a
mental health condition during their lifetime,
your support for mental health research at
UniSA has been crucial in providing the best
services, support and solutions.
psychological conditions often suffered as a
result of traumatic events.
Former IPP participant and Army Veteran,
Darren Peters, understands just how powerful
the Program can be through providing
the specialised integrated wellbeing,
empowerment and sports program.
“So many of us are dealing with the
after-effects from our time in service
and experience PTSD, depression, and
anxiety. I found that I just didn’t know
how to deal with these complex issues,”
Darren said.
Former
participant,
Darren
Peters (left),
representing and
winning gold for
Australia at the
2018 Invictus
Games in Sydney,
with the Denmark
archery coach.
A range of projects are underway, and our
researchers are working closely with those
with lived experience, and in partnership with
clinicians and health providers, to ensure
their holistic approaches remain personcentred and trauma-informed.
Because of your donations, Chair in Mental
Health Nursing Professor Nicholas Procter
and his team are focused on collaborating
with refugee communities and UniSA refugee
students in the co-design of a practical
mental health resource to support them and
mainstream workers with the transition into
the Australian community.
Similarly, with your support, the Invictus
Pathways Program (IPP) – the only one of
its kind in the world – is helping transform
the lives of current serving and veteran
Defence Force personnel and first responders
who have physical, emotional and/or
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Together, we can achieve something remarkable
“Thankfully, the IPP has given me a
different, more positive, mindset, and has
helped me to live with my mental health
challenges. This feeling of empowerment
then comes home with me as I share
stories with my wife and three daughters
about what I have achieved that day.
“I believe in it so much that I have
donated too.”
At the end of 2021 we asked for donations for
the IPP, and thanks to your response, more
people can now participate in the program to
improve their wellbeing, just like Darren.
Together, with our philanthropic community
of generous supporters, we are striving for
long-term wellbeing, by informing both
prevention and treatment of mental ill health
through our leading research and projects.