Ross Johnstone
Development Manager
Mental Health Research Institute
155 Oak St
Parkville 3052
Melbourne
Australia
Phn: +61 3 9389 2906

RJJ@mhri.edu.au

 

Richard McLean first became known to the Mental Health Research Institute following the publication of his book "Recovered not Cured".

We contacted him and asked if he would give a talk to our research staff as part of our regular lunch time seminar series. He readily agreed and spoke about his experiences as a person with mental illness and who had used cannabis. His talk, presented in a natural style and demonstrating a high level of insight into his illness was very well received.

We received very positive feed back from both laboratory and clinical researchers. The Manager of ourCollaborative Therapy Unit, which has a research project focussed on mental illness and substance use, described Richards' presentation as the bestpersonal account she had ever heard.

Richard also spoke at our request to the National Cannabis & Mental Illness Conference held in Melbourne in August 2004 and attended by researchers and clinicians from around Australia. Again, his presentation was interesting, informative and entertaining. Richard has a lot to offer people who have an interest in the field of mental illness and substance use, his practical, down to earth style and personal experiences provides a unique perspective to this challenging topic.

 

Agnes Nieuwenhuizen
Manager, Australian Centre for Youth Literature
State Library of Victoria
328 Swanston Street, Melbourne 3000
PHONE: 03 8664 7276

ANieuwenhuizen@slv.vic.gov.au

 

The Australian Centre for Youth Literature presents a large annual calendar of events to promote authors, books and a love of reading. The sessions are mostly thematic and in 2003 we presented a series titled: THE WHOLE STORY. We invited four authors each of whom wrote non-fiction of various types.

Over two days the authors spoke to about 500 hundred teenagers in three sessions and then to about 100 professionals in a regular evening event.

Richard and his very personal story connected strongly with all groups but particularly with the young people, who appreciated his ability to explain complex, painful events and situations with great clarity and directness.

They asked many questions and responded to Richard's honesty as well as to his words and drawings about his difficult experiences. Some students, who had friends or relatives or classmates suffering from schizophrenia, made a point of speaking to Richard and us privately to express gratitude for the insight they had gained, which they felt would help them to be more understanding, comfortable and even helpful.

We were so impressed with Richard's story and presentation we invited him back to speak to our book group of highly sophisticated readers, who were equally responsive.

 

Cindy Neilsen

Carer Advocate-Dubbo.

rdassist@sfnsw.org.au

9 November 2005

 

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN

 

On behalf of Carer Assist Dubbo, the carers, families and friends of people living with mental illness in Dubbo and the Macquarie region of New South Wales, I wish to express our sincere thanks to Richard McLean of Melbourne, Victoria, for accepting an invitation to be guest speaker at our Mental Health Awareness Evening held in Dubbo during National Mental Health Week in October 2005.

With the use of his artwork Richard very ably and openly spoke about his experiences and personal journey through the maze of schizophrenia. Richard gave the attentive audience details of: an insight into his life leading up to the development of his illness; the behaviours and fears that manifested as a result; how he courageously confronted his illness and; very importantly how he now manages his illness with the valuable support of family and friends.

It was clear that whilst he talked openly about living with schizophrenia, he was not at all defined by his illness. Richard’s creative talents as an artist and writer, among others, were obvious.

His connection with people, and the youth in particular, was immediate and inspiring.

Richard’s presence and openness also greatly assisted in the ongoing cause to
de-stigmatise the issue of mental illness in the community.

It is hoped that we will be fortunate enough to have Richard make a return visit at some point in the future.

Yours sincerely

Cindy Neilson
Carer Advocate Dubbo

Brad Green, Baw Baw youth Network.

brad.bblllen@dcsi.net.au

 

Richard McLean was a guest speaker at the Baw Baw Youth Network this year. He gave a fascinating and informative presentation to over 40 local agencies and education representatives.

The response was amazing with all workers remarking that the insight and personal account made them rethink their work and approach with young people.

I recommend Richard to any organisation.

He was able to link personalexperience, art and music in an entertaining but insightful presentation.

Many members of the network have asked Richard to speak at other networks and individual organisations.

Brad Green
Secretary Baw Baw Youth Network

 

From ERMA, psychosocial rehab centre in Dandenong, Victoria.

 

Review – 12/1/2005

Richard Mc Lean’s presentation was inspiring and provided us with insight into how he managed and still manages his symptoms of Schizophrenia.

We were taken on a journey through Richard’s perception of his thoughts, feelings and behaviours that were so real to him while unknowingly battling Schizophrenia.

Richard shared his art works with us and provided us with a detailed description of the representation of each picture and how they reflected his experiences of psychosis.

The illustrations alone gave us a glimpse of how confused and chaotic Richard’s thoughts may have been. Richard’s art works are brilliant and inspired group members to use art as a way of expressing themselves.

Richard facilitated a discussion with the group to explore their available resources to assist them in maintaining good mental health, suggestions included: good support networks (family, friends, GP, case manager, psychiatrist and key worker), stress management, relaxation techniques, art, coping skills, medication, music and walking.

Richard has provided the group with a light at the end of the tunnel so to speak, in that the presentation was ‘Recovery focused’ and motivational and highlighted the importance that goals can be achieved.

We thank Richard for sharing his story with us and wish him luck in his future endeavours.

 

Rebecca Daly - Social Worker (ex Forensicare-Thomas Embling Hospital)

baiyabec@hotmail.com

 

Richard McLean was a breathe of fresh air and inspiration to the patients at Thomas Embling, connecting with his audience in a way that very few others are able. 

Richard's innate creativity combined with first-hand experience of the nightmare of mental illness, grant him the capacity to speak with an inspired but personable voice that is expert but human, sharing his experiences and insights in an honest, sometimes raw, sometimes comical and always engaging fashion.

His story inspires consumers and carers alike to reinvest in a hope for recovery, challenging the uninformed, the intolerant and the prevalent stigmas to take a fresh look at the modern day epidemic of mental illness.

Marni Luxmoore
Tracey Turner
Occupational Therapist Clinical Psychologist
EPPIC

Marni.Luxmoore@mh.org.au

 

In 2004 Richard McLean kindly volunteered to do two presentations for the Early Psychosis Prevention and Intervention Centre (EPPIC).

These presentations involved Richared speaking for an hour to a group of young people who were in the recovery phase of psychosis.

Richard was an incredibly engaging speaker who openly and appropriately shared his experience and knowledge of mental illness.

Feedback from the young people was overwhelmingly positive. It was clear that they could connect with his experience and valued his insights into the issues surrounding drugs and alcohol, stigma and relapse.

Clients valued his words because they stemmed from lived experience and participants described feeling a strong sense of hope after listening to Richard's journey through mental illness.

From our contact with Richard, it is clear he has the personality and skill that would be required to work in the area of consumer consultancy/advocacy and we would have no hesitation in recommending Richard for such a position.

Marni Luxmoore Tracey Turner
Occupational Therapist Clinical Psychologist
EPPIC