Diana Giles has dedicated much of the last two years to getting her Tenterfield Mental Health Social Support Group up and functioning and has now been duly rewarded.

Ms Giles was one of 10 carer’s recognised at the awards ceremony at Parliament House in Sydney last week.

She was presented her award by NSW Minister for Ageing and Disability Services John Ajaka and Lismore MP Thomas George.

Humble in her success, Ms Giles said she was moved by the story of a young girl who was also rewarded.

“There was a young girl there who was in the middle of high school and doing her HSC while looking after her mother and a younger sister,” Diana said.

“It was a real eye-opener for me – I remember thinking you don’t need a glass award, you need a gold crown.”

Diana herself has her son, Robert, who battles with schizophrenia and husband David who is a Vietnam veteran.

She began the social support group two years ago believing there was little in the way of similar support in Tenterfield.

“Some months we’ll only get three or four, sometimes we’ll get a lot – it really does differ.

“I have experience through my own family issues and I’ve found with these things it’s just baby steps,” she said.

With little financial support, Diana said the costs to run events often come through her own generosity.

“We never get any money, other than community grants from council, so costs come from my pocket.

Key to social change is greater understanding and Diana said there is still an inordinate level of obliviousness surrounding mental health.

“There has to be more understanding – that’s the great thing about our group. We have no stigma within the group and everyone has different issues affecting them,” she said.

Her own personal dealings with caring for her son led Diana on her own path for greater understanding.

“I did so many different courses – I thought I’ve got to be able to reach out.”

Support from Tenterfield Benevolent Society’s Aaron Jackson and Hunter New England mental health worker Andrew Daley helped her along her way.

“It’s an amazing job they do – you see and hear horrific things.”

“Sometimes it’s a real hit and miss with what you do to help these people – sometimes stigma is created. I was told mental health was too much in the hard case basket and people pass the buck,” she said.

Diana is steadfast in her own resolve though and says it is important people keep discussing the issue.

“We need more case workers, more community understanding, cheaper housing and there needs to be more funding.”

While she’s around, Diana said she will keep the mental health social support group operational for as long as the community want it.

The group meet every second Tuesday of each month at the RSL Pavilion and for more information you can contact 6736 4510.

If you’re going through a difficult time you can also contact the 24 hour Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511.