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February 2004 - Tracey Napa
Upon arriving for my first day of work and straight into a 3 hr staff meeting, I was able to get a comprehensive idea of some of the very many issues that clients and the Deaf Mental Health Service (DMHS) face and are working towards improving.
One problem to deal with is the abysmally low funding in Mental Health Services, and the DMHS is feeling the brunt of this. A prime example is the shortage of company cars for the DMHS Auckland staff (required to travel from Northland to Tauranga) meaning that our long distance clients cannot be easily accessed. For Deaf people who are in need of the Mental Health Service, this isolation can exacerbate the sense of alienation and feelings of loneliness many suffer from.
There were many other relevant and ongoing issues discussed at this meeting that I will concern myself with in the year ahead – and I'm now excited about the field of work I've dedicated myself to.
The next task for the week was having my new PDA/phone, computer and printer set up. I am excited at the prospect of the creative ventures and possible potential for this equipment.
As the cell phone and computer buzzed to life I had a momentous "WOoOoowW" factor and the clarity of how easy it was to use my new phone, finally dawned on me. After years of having always borrowed friend's computers and equipment, this has all come at a perfect time and I already have plans to use my new digital camera to assist with the development of visual aids which the service want to use as tools for promoting well-being.
I feel it is a huge and wonderful opportunity to get involved with this fantastic career. It's a job I know I will enjoy immensely and now believe is my vocational calling. It's a dream come true and I'm absolutely rapt to be here and working for such a very great cause!
All the superlatives in the world, cheers Tracey.
Tracey
