Amy Butler is the Program Manager of the Foundation’s Rainbow Program, a psycho-social rehabilitation centre where people living with a mental illness can go to meet new people, learn life skills, find information or simply relax in an easy going environment. Always happy to lend a hand, Amy was good enough tell us some more about herself and this great program.
Has Canberra always been home?
Nope, I grew up in Sydney and moved to Canberra to study psychology at ANU, and I have stayed ever since.
How long have you worked for the foundation?
Almost 2 years now.
Why did you pursue a job in the mental health field?
Simply because I am fascinated by mental health, am passionate about it and have had people I care for face the struggles living with a mental illness can bring. This motivated my study of psychology and my pursuit to work in the mental health field.
Tell us about the Rainbow?
The rainbow is an amazing program!!!! Adults living with a mental illness come to the Rainbow to relax, make new friends, catch up with old ones, be connected with Canberra services, learn new skills through our vocational and/or leisure programs, practice old skills, be empowered, feel safe in an environment free from stigma, and most of all have fun!
Members and staff work as a team to ensure the rainbow continues to provide the support, safety and positive atmosphere we all enjoy. We have fortnightly members meetings where members and staff discuss future and current directions of the rainbow. We encourage members to be actively involved in decisions made concerning the Rainbow as well as to participate in our activities and day trips.
We are open Monday-Thursday 9-5pm. Fridays we open only for the Cooking class. We have a daily lunch which costs $4 and encourages healthy eating. Come by and take a look!
Why is the Rainbow a worthwhile Foundation program?
The Rainbow is worthwhile as it provides members with both vocational and leisure opportunities. For example, our volunteer program allows members the opportunity to learn new skills, work in a team environment, experience interview processes, performance appraisals, regularly log their efforts and be rewarded with a certificate of attainment at the completion of the 6 weeks program. This helps members develop the necessary skills to enter the workplace as well as be recognized and appreciated for their contribution. In regards to leisure opportunities, members can socialize, have fun, find motivation in a hobby and basically, get out of the house and connected.
We encourage members to participate without placing too much pressure on the individual. If a member wants to come in and have a couple of games of pool and some lunch then that’s fine. Another may prefer to join in on the exercise group and that’s fine too. The Rainbow is about having support to meet small goals one step at a time.
What’s the best thing about working at the Rainbow?
The people! I am privileged to be a part of a fantastic team of both members and staff. We have our ups and downs as all programs do at times, however we pull through strong, have loads of fun and respect each other which is important for a program like ours to really be successful.
What is your dream holiday?
Trekking in South America and/or Europe. There I can learn about a vast amount of cultures, experience adventure and be in awe by all the beauty those two continents bring.