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Speaking frankly... 
Mental Health Australia CEO Frank Quinlan is currently on leave and has invited colleagues to provide a guest blog each week. These blogs are the views of each guest blogger and not the opinions of Mental Health Australia.
This week’s guest blog comes from Barry Sandison, Director (CEO), Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.
Mental health data matters
As the CEO of Australia’s national health and welfare data agency, I am heartened by the demand for data and evidence to determine whether we are making a difference for Australians with mental health issues.
The mental health data reported by the AIHW provides consumers, carers, service providers and governments with powerful insights into Australia’s mental health support system. By collating a range of information from across the sector and making it accessible to a wider audience, the AIHW is able to provide an overview of Australia’s complex mental health support system.
The National Mental Health Strategy, which has evolved since the 1990s, has driven a national level understanding of mental health and improvements. A number of initiatives in information development and reporting have seen an improvement across a range of issues within the mental health space.
More specifically, over the last five years the AIHW has worked with states and territories to develop the first national data set relating to the use of seclusion and restraint events across Australia. As the use of seclusion and restraint can be distressing for mental health consumers, the long-term goal has been to reduce and eliminate the use of restrictive practices. However, no data was previously available to describe the use of such practices across Australia. Since this data was first published in 2013 we have seen the seclusion rate decrease nationally, emphasising the impact of access to such information. In a continuing effort to reduce the use of restrictive practices in the mental health sector, this national data were published for the first time in May 2017. I am optimistic that this reporting will lead to a similar decline in the use of restraint in coming years.
Looking forward, there is currently an initiative underway to develop a third edition of the National Mental Health Information Development Priorities. This will provide an opportunity for mental health stakeholders to set a 10 year agenda for mental health information development about issues that we can’t currently monitor and report on. By focusing on the long-term availability, analysis and use of information, this initiative will help drive the national effort to improve the mental health support provided to Australians with mental health issues.
I would like to thank Frank for the opportunity to contribute to his blog and demonstrate to his readers the role that data has in building the evidence for better decisions that ultimately will result in improved health and welfare for all Australians. Hopefully, I have convinced you of the ability of mental health data to bring about change and you will see data and statistics in a new light. Further information about the Institute’s mental health data activity can be found at mhsa.aihw.gov.au or here.
Barry Sandison
Director (CEO)
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
MEDIA RELEASE - Mental Health Australia welcomes appointments of new
National Mental Health Commissioners
Mental Health Australia would like to welcome and congratulate the five new appointees to the National Mental Health Commission and current commissioner Mrs Lucinda Brogden on her appointment as Chair.
Speaking from the Northern Territory on his way to East Arnhem Land for the Garma festival starting on Friday, Mental Health Australia CEO Frank Quinlan said today’s announcement is a reminder of what has been achieved already, and will be welcomed by the sector.
“Firstly, I’d like to congratulate Professor Allan Fels on his excellent work as foundation Chair of the Commission in raising the profile of mental health in the broader community, and highlighting the need for governments to be stronger,” said Mr Quinlan.
“Allan and his colleagues have established the Commission’s reputation as a source of independent mental health advice to government, since it was formed in 2012.”
“I would also like to congratulate outgoing commissioners former Mental Health Australia Chair, The Hon Rob Knowles, Professor Pat Dudgeon and Ms Nicole Gibson for their extensive contributions.” said Mr Quinlan.
“The National Mental Health Commission plays a crucial role in the advancement of mental health policy and practice, and will take on a new and enhanced role in monitoring the implementation of the soon to be released Fifth National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan.”
“We welcome two new indigenous commissioners, in Professor Ngiare Brown and Professor Helen Milroy, and a new youth commissioner in Mr Samuel Hockey, and on a personal note I’m looking forward to working with Lucy Brogden and all the commissioners as we move into this next phase of mental health reform and implementation.”
Allan Fels and Lucy Brogden will act as Co-Chairs for the next six months, before Professor Fels steps down from the role.
The National Mental Health Commissioners are as follows: Professor Allan Fels AO – Co-Chair, Mrs Lucinda Brogden – Co-Chair, Professor Ian Hickie AM – reappointed, Ms Jackie Crowe – reappointed, Dr Peggy Brown – appointed, Professor Harvey Whiteford – new appointment, Professor Ngiare Brown – new appointment, Professor Wendy Cross – new appointment, Professor Helen Milroy – new appointment, Mr Samuel Hockey – new appointment
Next WeekOn Monday, Mental Health Australia CEO Frank Quinlan, along with Josh Fear and Emma Coughlin from our Policy Team will be attending the final day of the Garma Festival. |
Meet a Mental Health Australia Member
R U OK? Foundation
R U OK? Foundation is a suicide prevention charity that aims to start life-changing conversations. They want to create a more connected world. Their mission is to inspire and empower everyone to meaningfully connect with people around them and support anyone struggling with life.
Launch of the Conversation Convoy
R U OK? is showing Aussies you’ve got what it takes! Supporting one another is something we all need to do. That’s why we’re hitting the road for 6 weeks, travelling 14,000 km and visiting over 20 communities to show Australia that we’ve all got what it takes to support those struggling with life.
The R U OK? Conversation Convoy aims to inspire everyone, no matter their location, to invest more time in the people around them and give them the skills, motivation and confidence to start a conversation with anyone they might be worried about.
Find out more about the Conversation Convoy.
Web - https://www.ruok.org.au/
Social - Facebook • Twitter • Instagram
Become a Member of Mental Health Australia
As the peak body for the mental health sector in Australia, Mental Health Australia is uniquely placed to influence the national debate on mental health issues and achieve our vision of mentally healthy people and communities. Representing more than 100 organisations in the mental health sector, find out more about Membership at the link below.
Parliamentary News
Lucy Brogden appointed Chair of National Mental Health Commission
Mental Health Australia welcomes the announcement by Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull that distinguished businesswoman and psychologist Lucy Brogden will be the next Chair of the Australian Government's National Mental Health Commission. Mr Turnbull said "Mrs Brogden has been a highly-skilled Commissioner for the Government's peak mental health body for three years and her energy, passion and contribution to the mental health sector has been immense. We look forward to Mrs Brogden continuing this leadership in her new role and advising the Government on tangible ways to improve the lives of people living with mental health issues."
Lucy Brogden appointed National Mental Health Commission Chair
Shadow Minister for Ageing and Mental Health, Julie Collins, says Labor welcomes the appointment of Lucy Brogden as the next Chair of the National Mental Health Commission (NMHC). Ms Brogden brings a wealth of knowledge to her role as Chair, not only in her time as a Commissioner for the NMHC, but also her extensive experience in psychology. Labor looks forward to continuing to work closely with the NMHC and we wish Ms Brogden and the newly appointed Commissioners every success in their new roles.
Nominations open for NSW Carers Awards (NSW)
Minister for Disability Services Ray Williams is encouraging people across NSW to nominate an exceptional carer or employer for a NSW Carers Award. The NSW Carers Awards aim to recognise and raise awareness of the valuable contribution unpaid carers make to the people they care for and the wider community. "There are more than 900,000 carers in NSW, who provide unconditional support for those in their care on a daily basis," Mr Williams said.
Preventing suicide in local communities (VIC)
Minister for Mental Health, Martin Foley, says the Andrews Labor Government is set to roll out stage two of its Suicide Prevention Framework to support local communities to reduce the stigma by giving Victorians and their families the support they need. "Stage one of the program are well underway with the Hospital Outreach Post-suicidal Engagement (HOPE) programs in place at Alfred Health and St Vincent’s Hospital and rolled out across four other regional locations. The Alfred and St Vincent’s Hospital have supported over 30 people since April to ensure they get the support they need following attendance at the Emergency Department. The Labor Government has provided $27 million in funding over four years for the placed-based and HOPE trials, as part of its Suicide Prevention Framework."
Recognising excellence in mental health service provision (SA)
Mental Health Minister Leesa Vlahos, says nominations are now open for the 2017 Mental Health Excellence Awards which celebrate South Australians who have made outstanding contributions to mental health. The awards recognise those who have contributed to service and positively promoted mental and positively promoted mental health across the State. The five categories for the awards include the Dr Margaret Tobin Award, which recognises individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to the mental health and wellbeing of others.
Reminders
Mission Australia’s Youth Mental Health and Homelessness Report released
Mission Australia has released their 'Youth Mental Health and Homelessness Report' in the lead up to Homelessness Week.
The report highlights the relationships between poor family functioning, probable serious mental illness and the impact of these on risk of homelessness among young people. Young people with a probable serious mental illness are 3.5 times more likely to have spent time away from their home and nearly twice as likely to have spent time away from home on six or more occasions compared to their peers.
The report also highlights that young people who had spent time away from home because they felt they could not go back had high levels of concerns about family conflict, depression, coping with stress and suicide compared to those who did not spend time away from home.
Homelessness, family functioning and mental illness have serious implications for many aspects of a young person’s life including education, alcohol and drug addictions, general health and wellbeing, employment and community engagement.
Considering the seriousness of these issues and the impact they have on young people’s lives, it is imperative that comprehensive responses are available for early identification and intervention for mental health and homelessness, as well as suitable housing and supports for young people.
Early Bird registrations for the 7th International Carers Conference close on Friday 4 August
Globally we are heading towards a tipping point for unpaid family caring, where there will be more people to care for than carers willing and able to take on the role. We all need to take stock of where we are at now and to reimagine what caring will look like into the future.
The 7th International Carers Conference, to be held at the Adelaide Convention Centre from 4 to 6 October this year, will provide the forum to discuss and debate these issues.
Hosted by Carers Australia, Caring into the Future: The New World? will bring together national and international experts who will give us insights into intelligent, futuristic and inclusive technology, pioneering innovations, the digital health revolution, lived carer experience and leading-edge research.
To find out more, visit the conference website.
Special Issue of Australian Psychologist on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Psychology
This week the Australian Psychologist journal has published a special issue on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Psychology, edited by Pat Dudgeon. With articles from Pat Dudgeon, Tom Calma and other significant figures in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander social and emotional wellbeing, it is well worth taking a look.
Engage and Participate in Mental Health - Participation period extended to 31 August
The National Mental Health Commission is conducting an overview of mental health consumer and carer engagement and participation in Australia.
The project is the result of direction and guidance from a Steering Group, comprised of mental health experts with a lived experience of mental illness and/or suicidality.
Consumers, carers, families, support people and other stakeholders are invited to share your knowledge and experience through this consultation.
Annual National Acquired Brain Injury Conference 24-25 October 2017
Informa Australia are pleased to announce the 5th Annual National Acquired Brain Injury Conference which will be held on the 24th & 25th of October 2017 at the Rendezvous Hotel, Melbourne. The event will address key strategies for managing the changing needs of people with an ABI, including innovative models of care and support across Australia.
This event provides an opportunity to share the latest news and developments for acquired brain injury in areas such as research, advocacy, rehabilitation, treatment, best practice, case studies and policy from across the country, and much more.
Attendees will benefit from hearing a wide range of perspectives including leading academics, consumers, carers and family members, peak bodies, senior clinicians and allied health professionals from both the public and private sector. They will offer best practice strategies and innovative ‘take home learnings’ to help improve quality and service delivery.
Not-for-profit applications and scholarships
The Australia and New Zealand School of Government (ANZSOG) encourages senior managers and high-performing leaders in the not-for-profit sector to enrol in the Executive Master of Public Administration (EMPA) and Executive Fellows Program (EFP).
The EMPA and EFP are designed to build and strengthen your leadership skills, improve your understanding of government and increase your confidence, supporting you to have a successful and impactful career in the not-for-profit sector.
ANZSOG offers scholarships for not-for-profit applicants to help reduce the barriers to participation and ensure the not-for-profit sector can develop its leaders to their full potential.
Complimentary entry to Mad Pride Concert, 29 August 2017, Sydney
Call for nominations for Australian Mental Health Prize for 2017 - applications close August 31
Information about the Prize and the nomination process can be found at: https://www.australianmentalhealthprize.org.au/home/
Share the Warmth this Winter, at Peninsula Hot Springs
Peninsula Hot Springs is a Corporate Friend of Mental Health Australia and is offering support this winter with a mid-week escape. Purchase two weekday bathing passes, and your friend can bathe for free.
Take time out to relax, unwind and reconnect with nature and yourselves whilst experiencing the benefits of bathing in natural hot springs. Their recent research suggests that hot springs bathing can provide significant relief for people suffering from depression, anxiety, insomnia or musculoskeletal pain.
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