nib foundation is a not-for-profit charitable organisation established by nib health funds to support programs aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of all Australians.

Hunter Institute of Mental Health

Partners in Depression Program

Inaugural nib foundation partner since 2009
Committed funding: $1,499,932     
                               

The Hunter Institute of Mental Health developed the Partners in Depression program to help meet the information and support needs of people who love, live with or support someone experiencing depression.

As the recipient of nib foundation’s inaugural $1 million National Grant in 2009, the Hunter Institute of Mental Health has successfully implemented a national rollout of the six-week innovative, group education program. During the past two years this funding has enabled 400 health professionals across Australia to receive the training, resources and clinical support required to deliver the Partners in Depression program in their local community.

To date, over 1,000 people nationally have completed the program with 98% of participants saying they would recommend the program to someone else. Evaluation data also confirms the program's effectiveness in reducing the psychological distress experienced by people caring for someone with depression by a statistically significant amount.

To ensure the program remains available to carers across Australia, nib foundation has renewed its support for Partners in Depression with additional funding during 2012/13, helping to provide a national and sustainable approach to education and support for carers of people with depression.

For more information visit www.partnersindepression.com.au