Resources on the Voice Referendum

The YES/NO cases have been uploaded to the Australian Electoral Commission. Access them here.

Other resources on how to support the Voice and encourage safe and respectful conversations are available on Mental Health Australia’s website. 

Does your mental health organisation have resources about the Voice? Let us know.

Partner with us for World Mental Health Day - 10 October

Mental Health Month and World Mental Health Day on 10 October is just around the corner. To partner with Mental Health Australia for this year’s campaign, email communications@mhaustralia.org.

Over the coming weeks, and months, we’ll send through tips, ideas, and key facts to help you improve your mental health, and promote good mental health awareness at work, at home and within your communities.

Look after your mental health, Australia.

National Mental Health Consumer and Carer News

The National Mental Health Consumer and Carer Forum (NMHCCF) were funded by the National Mental Health Commission to develop an evidence base of levels of mental health carer distress since the pandemic and gather data on mental health care self-care and coping strategies. 

The NMHCCF worked with the Social Work Innovation, Transformation and Collaboration in Health (SWITCH) team at Monash university to design and conduct the research and produce the Mental Health Family Carer Experiences of COVID-19 in Australia Report. 

This co-designed research project looked at how the COVID-19 pandemic affected the experiences and wellbeing of caregivers who support people with mental health challenges. It has generated evidence that can be used to support future mental health and wellbeing interventions in response to emerging needs. 

The project will be launched on Thursday 31 August 12:00pm – 1:00pm (AEST), where you’ll hear about the research co-design process, why this report matters and the short and long-term recommendations.

New full-time Mental Health Commissioner appointed in South Australia

Minister for Health & Wellbeing Chris Picton said global mental health leader Taimi Allan has been appointed as Mental Health Commissioner for South Australia. Ms Allan’s appointment marks the first time in more than three years the state will have a full-time Mental Health Commissioner since the former Liberal Government abolished the role in 2019. Originally from South Australia, Ms Allan, is currently the Director of Ember Innovations, appointed to the Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission in New Zealand, Mental Health Advisor to the Royal Commission on Abuse in State Care and was Deputy Chair of the Suicide Mortality Review Committee.

Submissions open for Multicultural Framework Review

The Albanese Labor Government is delivering on its commitment to build a stronger multicultural Australia, announcing today that submissions for the Government’s Multicultural Framework Review are now open. The Albanese Government is calling on all Australians to submit their views on what our national approach to multiculturalism could look like, to ensure no one is left behind and everyone feels that they truly belong.

Hospital mental health schools program receives global attention

A world-first mental health program at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital and Hospital School SA is receiving global attention as a benchmark in mental health and education for children and young people. The Supporting Improved Mental Health in Schools program allows children and young people with mental health concerns the opportunity to remain connected to their education during and after their hospital visit or admission.

Boost for student wellbeing in Queensland schools

Students at Kelvin Grove State College in Brisbane will benefit from $50,000 in Student Wellbeing Boost funding. Commonwealth Minister for Education Jason Clare and Queensland’s Minister for Education Grace Grace today visited Kelvin Grove to announce the funding. This funding will provide two key enhancements to the college’s strong existing student wellbeing program. $10,000 will support the college’s junior school in implementing the Grow Your Mind program, an Australian-developed and evidence-based social and emotional wellbeing program.

Embrace Webinar - The Framework for Mental Health in Multicultural Australia – Wed 6 Sept

The Embrace Multicultural Mental Health Project is holding a webinar on the Framework for Mental Health in Multicultural Australia (the Framework) on Wednesday 6 September from 2pm AEST. 

This webinar will provide an overview of the Framework and showcase a case study that demonstrates its implementation. The Framework is a free, nationally available online resource which allows organisations and practitioners to evaluate and enhance their cultural responsiveness and work effectively in a multicultural context. This webinar is ideal for Australian mental health services, practitioners and Primary Health Networks to work effectively in a multicultural context.

R U OK? Day - Thursday 14 September 2023

Let the people in your world know you’re here, to really hear them, because a conversation could change a life. R U OK? is encouraging all Australians to create space for meaningful conversations. Asking R U OK? is the first step, but we also need to genuinely listen to what comes next. ‘R U OK? I’m here to hear’ - learn more at ruok.org.au

The NDIS Review Panel is coming to Newcastle - Tuesday, 22 August 

This is an exciting opportunity to have morning tea with Co-Chairs Bruce Bonyhady and Lisa Paul, and Panel member Kirsten Deane on Tuesday, 22 August from 10am at The Nex, 309 King St, Newcastle West. Morning Tea will be followed by a Townhall where Bruce, Lisa and Kirsten will be joined by further Panel members Stephen King, Dougie Herd and Kevin Cocks to share the future directions of the Review. You will be updated on what the Panel has heard so far in the Review, and their next steps as the Panel head towards a final report and recommendations.  

Emerging Minds - National Workforce Survey for Child, Parent and Family Mental Health

The Emerging Minds 2023 National Workforce Survey for Child, Parent and Family Mental Health is open. The survey gathers information on the current capabilities, practice challenges, and learning needs of workers in the health, social, and community service sectors. Your assistance is crucial to help us reach as many professionals as possible – ensuring a wide representation across each group. The data collected will be used to strengthen the capacity of health, social service and education professionals, contribute to policy advice, and influence children’s mental health policies in the future.

Suicide Prevention for Seniors

If you work with older people and would like gatekeeper training in how to help prevent suicide, this program can provide the training you need. Run by Anglicare and funded by the Australian and NSW Governments, the Suicide Prevention for Seniors Program consists of a two-pronged approach. This self-paced online program will teach you about the common causes of suicidal behaviour, the warning signs and how to question, persuade and refer someone who may be suicidal. It is general in nature and will equip you with the knowledge you need to move on to the workshop.

Haven Homes - Long-term Housing with Support for People with Significant Mental Health and Wellbeing Concerns

The Haven Foundation - integrated social housing and support services provide people who have significant mental health and wellbeing concerns with long-term housing and 24/7 support from onsite staff. Mind Australia manages these residences in partnership with community housing provider The Haven Foundation - a subsidiary of Mind. Laura and Nicola will present on some findings around client experience and outcomes, how the model is adapted as it is implemented in different communities, and how the haven communities at each site develop over time.