All Together Better

Embrace will be exhibiting alongside Mental Health Australia at the Mental Health Professional’s Network conference, All Together Better, from Tuesday 28 March to Thursday 30 March. The conference will be entirely online and provide hands-on opportunities to collaborate and network with fellow professionals and service providers in the mental health sector.

NSW alliance calls for urgent reform and investment in mental health

The sector has come together in NSW to call for comprehensive reform and investment in the states mental health system.

A report was released titled The NSW mental health care system on the brink: Evidence from the frontline, documenting a mental health system that is under-funded, with a workforce under stress and people unable to get the support they need. The report comes from the NSW Branch of the RANZCP in partnership with an alliance of peak bodies representing mental work workers, consumers and carers across NSW, who are calling on all parties to commit to comprehensive reform and investment in the next parliament.

The alliance is calling for establishment of an expert taskforce to conduct a gap analysis, improvement in access and quality of care, and new funding.

New suicide prevention tool for farmers now available

Taking Stock, a free online wellbeing and suicide prevention tool designed by and for
Australia’s farmers, hosts resources including films, interviews and podcasts, and information on establishing local suicide prevention groups and connecting with communities for early approaches to suicide prevention.

The tool is the final stage of a three-year research project led by the University of South Australia in partnership with grassroots community groups in three different states.

Mental health help for emergency service workers

Australia’s emergency workers will receive additional mental health support through the establishment of the National Emergency Workers Support Service (NEWSS).

The Government is providing $4 million to the Black Dog Institute to establish and deliver the NEWSS, which is an expansion of the National Bush Fire Support Service. This service will be extended to all emergency services workers who respond to national disasters such as bushfires, floods, and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Study investigates mental health outcomes in paramedics

A joint Monash University and Ambulance Victoria study investigated whether poor sleep pre-exposure to paramedic work increases the risk of future mental health outcomes.

During the first six months of emergency work, the research team found insomnia and depression symptoms increased in paramedic recruits. Those recruits who already experienced higher insomnia symptoms before starting their careers as paramedics were more likely to have higher depression symptoms after six months.

The findings will pave the way for more early interventions and support for new paramedics.

Lifeline’s founder celebrated on 60th anniversary

Australia’s national 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention service celebrated 60 years of saving lives on Thursday. Established by the late Rev Sir Alan Walker, the former Superintendent of Wesley Mission, Lifeline exists to ensure no one faces their darkest moments alone.

Wesley Mission will celebrate Rev Alan Walker’s remarkable legacy with a special service at Wesley Conference Centre, 220 Pitt Street, on Sunday, 26 March, at 4pm.

headspace Mandurah relocates to new purpose-built premises

headspace Mandurah has moved into a new, centrally located premises nearby to several schools and activity centers to continue providing young people and their families and friends with holistic, culturally safe access to mental health support.

headspace Mandurah provides the full range of headspace services including mental health, physical and sexual health, work and study support and alcohol and other drug services. Young people aged 12 to 25, and their families and friends, can contact headspace Mandurah directly or be referred by their GP or mental health professional.

Peacock Centre in Tasmania redeveloped

Mental health services being delivered in Southern Tasmania have been transformed with the opening of the redeveloped Peacock Centre this week.

The first of its kind in Tasmania, the innovative Centre hosts four new services that provide contemporary, recovery-focused care for those who need it, their families and their friends. The new Peacock Centre is designed to make mental health care in the community more comfortable, taking a holistic, compassionate approach.

New training centre to be built in Broadmeadows

Work has started on a new centre of excellence in Broadmeadows that will deliver vital training for jobs in health and community services. The new centre will deliver courses in high priority areas including aged care, mental health, disability, pathology, allied health, and early childhood education and care.

The centre is being built at Kangan Institute’s Broadmeadows campus in Pearcedale Parade, with construction expected to be completed in late 2024. Kangan Institute has signed Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with local healthcare providers, including DPV Health and Northern Health, to support future training needs.

Promoting mental health and wellbeing in the workplace

batyr has launched its latest research report, funded by Ethical Partners, to identify current trends associated with young people and expectations for mentally healthy workplaces.

95% of those surveyed for the report agreed or strongly agreed that if their workplace prioritises mental health, wellbeing or a healthy workplace culture, they are more likely to continue working for them. Trust, empathy, authenticity and meaningful action are common factors identified to address greater redundancies and mental health challenges for employees.

Inclusive of survey findings, case studies and a wellbeing framework, the report offers practical recommendations any workplace can take onboard to create positive outcomes into the future.

World Bipolar Day Gala Dinner

Bipolar Australia is celebrating World Bipolar Day at the Parkroyal Parramatta on Friday 31 March. It will be an informative and entertaining social event counting with the presence of internationally renowned speakers, a live auction, quality food, and music.

The not-for-profit organisation carries out its important work with support from the community. Ticket sales will help Bipolar Australia to continue providing essential services including free courses, peer support, campaigns, advocacy, and more.

2023 Carer Wellbeing Survey still taking submissions

Carers Australia is the peak body advocating for carers in Australia. The Carer Wellbeing Survey asks people to share their experiences past and present of being a carer and the support services they use, including the Australian Government Carer Gateway.

The survey was designed in collaboration between the University of Canberra, the Department of Social Services, and Carers Australia. Analysis of results is undertaken by the University of Canberra. Researchers and advocates need to know more about how to support the wellbeing of carers, ensuring they have a high quality of life while providing quality of life to the people they care for. The national Carer Wellbeing Survey is addressing this gap and it seeks to build a comprehensive picture of the wellbeing of carers overtime, and how carers can best be supported.

The survey closes on March 31.