Are you happy at Home?

“I was feeling lonely, I was feeling a bit isolated, I was missing home. Then a friend at the office asked if I would be interested to check out a choir. I was like… oh well, I don’t think I can sing. But I am glad I could come to rehearsal because I got to meet these beautiful people here. I found a home away from home. We all come from all walks of life, and it feels just like a family. It’s true that it is the music that brings us together but really it’s so much more than that.” Elok, Melbourne Sings

Home is place where you feel safe – free to be yourself and free to be happy – and therefore, we hope the With One Voice Choir program has provided a second home for you all, just like it has for Elok who arrived in Melbourne recently as a migrant from Indonesia.

However, we also want to make sure you are all happy at your real home too. If you think you could be depressed or lonely, or if you feel unsafe at home, it is important to seek help from those around you. Whatever your problem, if you do not have a positive environment to return to outside of choir rehearsals, then we can help you to seek assistance and change this.

So, if you are depressed? Or lonely? Or experiencing abuse? Or are in need of medical or legal advice? We want to help put you on the right path towards a greater life and wellbeing.

Please feel free to talk to you conductor at your choir, or contact us at the office – asking for help is the hardest step, and we are here to make the next steps a lot easier and put you in touch with people that can help.

Who can help you?
We recommend the following organisations – they can help you on your way to achieving an improved wellbeing.

BEYOND BLUE
Depression and anxiety can affect anyone, anywhere, at any time. Their mission is to provide a national focus and community leadership to increase the capacity of the broader Australian community to prevent depression and respond effectively. Beyond Blue aim to build a society that understands and responds to the personal and social impact of depression, works actively to prevent it, and improves the quality of life for everyone affected.

Contact Information: 1300 22 4636, [email protected]

SANE AUSTRALIA
SANE Australia is a national charity working for a better life for people affected by mental illness – through campaigning, education and research. SANE conducts innovative programs and campaigns to improve the lives of people living with mental illness, their family and friends. It also operates a busy Helpline and website, which have thousands of contacts each year from around Australia.

Contact Information: (03) 9682 5933, [email protected]

VICTORIAN LEGAL AID
Victoria Legal Aid (VLA) is a state wide organisation that helps people with their legal problems. They focus on helping and protecting the rights of socially and economically disadvantaged Victorians.

Contact Information: (03) 9269 0120, 350 Queen St Melbourne VIC 3000

Remember, you can always ask your conductor or fellow choir members for advice or direction.