A former paramedic determined to help those struggling with mental health and a worker at Mandurah’s Ability Arts have taken out this year’s Community First scholarships for those making careers out of making a difference.
Darren Scott, who was studying a Certificate IV in Mental Health, left his career as a paramedic after seeing the enormous demand for workers in the mental health field.
“There’s just such a big need, and I’ve come across mental health issues in the past and that’s what’s given me the motivation to help others,” he said.
“I was a paramedic and mental health was an enormous issue among my colleagues.
“That’s why I’ve taken up the challenge and I’d recommend people to train up, especially people with lived experience in mental health.”
Eleanor Moody, who works at Ability Arts, said the scholarship and her course in community service would help in her work teaching disable artists make pottery.
The Community First Mental Health Scholarship was formed to build capacity in a sector unable to keep up with the growing demand for support.
“When we received a generous donation from a previous client of our Mental Health Recovery Program, we wanted to honour the request to use the donation to benefit others on their recovery journey, and in turn make a difference in the lives of others in all of the communities we serve,” Community First executive director David Shelton said.
Community First chief operations officer Eileen Heath said two scholarships were awarded in Mandurah, Bunbury and Albany every year.
Each winner would be awarded $1000 towards course fees and associated costs.
Nathan Hondros
Senior Journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, and Fairfax Media.
Senior Journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, and Fairfax Media.
