When Alison Tye saw an advertisement to fill a newly created Nowra based health position she just had to apply for the job.
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She has the skills, knowledge and experience to help local people.
"I like working with the community - the people on the ground," she said.
Ms Tye was recently appointed by the Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP) as its new coordinator.
She will be working across both the Illawarra Shoalhaven and South Western Sydney Local Health Districts.
To link rural people with support is how Ms Tye sums up her role.
"I see RAMHP as a piece of rural infrastructure - it links one thing to another thing," she said.
Her role, be it for a mental health issue or other health-related later matter, is a bit like being a guide and she will help people find the right path to get the support they need.
Ms Tye is available to help the public and she will go out and see people - people don't have to come to her.
A simple and friendly "yarn" could lead to improved health outcomes for people in need of support.
"I don't have any issue talking to people. I like talking to people," she said.
"There is no need to struggle, all you have to do is pick up the phone."
The service is free and funded by NSW Health.
They also offer training programs for the community and businesses such as how to manage stress, knowing the signs when other people are in stress, and much more.
"There is no need to struggle, all you have to do is pick up the phone."
- Alison Tye
Ms Tye holds a BA (social work) from Charles Sturt University as well as a Graduate Certificate in Indigenous Health from the University of Wollongong and she has a clinical background working with families in mental health and drugs and alcohol.
Her previous experience includes child protection and Justice Services and she has taught adults at both TAFE and University levels.
More recently she was employed as a mental health clinician in a pilot project called the 'Whole Family Team' where children are considered to be at risk of significant harm where one or both of the parents have drug and alcohol and/or mental health issues.
RAMHP Program Manager Tessa Caton said the decision to appoint a new Nowra-based coordinator was due to the growing need for more mental health support for the dairy farmers located across the region.
"We want to help our communities to be better educated and informed about mental health concerns so they can help each other. If someone is experiencing a mental health concern, we want them to be able to find help and recover," she said.
"Alison brings significant experience to this position including management, education, communication and networking skills.
"Her comprehensive knowledge, connections and understanding of rural mental health issues will be a great asset to RAMHP and future directions."
She can be contacted at Alison.Tye@health.nsw.gov.au or 0436 826 672.
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