The diary next week

• On Wednesday I will be dialling into the Allies for Uluru: Continuing Allyship Series - Truth Telling webinar (for details to register, please see below). I am also meeting with the Embrace Alliance group for our Quarterly meeting.
• On Thursday I’m meeting with the Australian Council of Social Services, then I’ll be meeting with the Charter for Compassion.
• On Monday I will be meeting with the National Ethnic Disability Alliance.
• On Tuesday I will be joining the Mental Health First Aid team to provide an update on Mental Health Australia and the broader sector.

National Reconciliation Week 

This week is National Reconciliation Week, 27 May to 3 June.

This year’s theme is Now more than ever, is a reminder to all of us that no matter what, the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will - and must - continue.

In 2023, Mental Health Australia joined the Allies for Uluru in the lead-up to the referendum. Allies for Uluru is a coalition of 300 member organisations from across the country that came together to support the implementation of the Uluru Statement from the Heart. 

To continue our support, earlier this month, Mental Health Australia signed Allies for Uluru Statement of Commitment which demonstrates our full and unwavering support for the cores principles of the Uluru Statement from the Heart.  

During Reconciliation Week, Allies for Uluru is hosting Karen Mundine – CEO of Reconciliation Australia – for an overview of the importance of truth-telling, how Reconciliation Australia is supporting truth-telling processes across the country and how allies can support.

Mental Health Australia encourages members and stakeholders to join this important conversation as we navigate supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the principles of the Uluru Statement from the Heart, post-referendum.

Allies for Uluru: Continuing Allyship Series Part 3 - Truth Telling 
When: 1pm AEST, Wednesday 29 May 2024

You can register for this webinar here.

I encourage you all to explore events and activities available to you in your state/territory and get involved, share, reflect and act on Now more than ever.

How to get involved:

• Read Reconciliation Australia’s May edition of Reconciliation News – it’s all about Now More Than Ever 
  https://www.reconciliation.org.au/nrw-reconciliation-news-out-now/
  
• Reconciliation Week – Events (filter by State/Territory) https://www.reconciliation.org.au/calendar/photo/
• Reconciliation Australia – Book recommendations https://www.reconciliation.org.au/look-for-a-book-first-nations-fiction-history-and-poetry/
• Download and use these posters, resources, and information for National Reconciliation Week 2024
  • Posters and Resources
  • Translated versions

Condolence Notice

Mental Health Australia was saddened to learn of the passing of 2020 Grace Groom Scholarship recipient, Isabelle Yujuico. The Australian National University (ANU) has recently notified Mental Health Australia that Isabelle died earlier this month while at home in the Philippines.

When the Mental Health Australia/ANU Scholarship was awarded, Isabelle was a PhD candidate at ANU’s Centre for Mental Health Research. Her research focused on disclosures of suicidal thoughts, exploring factors that affect whether disclosures and responses to them are beneficial or harmful. The research will inform interventions and strategies for suicide prevention and consumer help-seeking. It can also prepare consumers to make disclosures, and carers to respond to disclosures in helpful ways.

We know that Isabelle was very appreciative of the Grace Groom Memorial Scholarship. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Isabelle’s family, friends, and colleagues.

Beyond Blue appoints new Chair

The Beyond Blue Board has appointed The Honourable Linda Dessau AC CVO as Beyond Blue Chair.

Ms Dessau – a widely respected former Governor, celebrated community leader and pioneering legal figure – was unanimously endorsed for the role by Beyond Blue directors at a meeting last week. She will take up the role immediately.

Prevention United launches policy brief

Prevention United has just published their latest policy brief produced in collaboration with their youth advisory group - “The impact of screentime and social media on the mental health of young Australians”. The brief explores both the benefits and risks to young people’s mental health and discusses how we can harness the positive aspects of the digital environment while averting or minimising potential mental health harms among young Australians. 

Protecting the NDIS: taking action to further tackle scheme growth

The Australian Government is taking action against some unscrupulous providers who are exploiting the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) by encouraging thousands of participants to spend their NDIS funding too quickly and on non-disability supports.

New multi-million dollar technology protecting the NDIS

Minister for the NDIS, Bill Shorten, said the Albanese Government is further protecting National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participants by investing $160 million in a technology system.

Appointment of the President of the Australian Human Rights Commission

Last week, Attorney General, Mark Dreyfus announcde the appointment of Mr Hugh de Kretser as the next President of the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC). The AHRC promotes and protects human rights in Australia and plays a critical role in upholding the rights of all Australians to be treated with dignity and live their lives free from discrimination.

Walk-in mental health support now available in Shepparton (VIC)

The Allan Labor Government is getting on with the job of building a modern and accessible mental health system for every Victorian - with walk-ins now available at the Shepparton Mental Health and Wellbeing Local. Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt last week announced that locals aged 26 years and older in Victoria’s north can now walk in and get the help they need - it is free, and no Medicare card, GP referral or appointment is required.

New strategy to address psychological risks in the workplace with $5.6m in business assistance (NSW)

Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis, says the New South Wales Government launched a plan aimed at helping employers manage psychosocial risks and protect their workers from psychological harms. 

Queensland Carers Advisory Council welcomes new members (QLD)

Minister for Seniors and Disability Services Charis Mullen, says the state’s unpaid carers will continue to have a strong voice with the appointment of three new members to the Queensland Carers Advisory Council. Louise Faulkner from Wellways Australia is the latest appointment to the council, bringing significant personal and professional experience to her advisory role.

Expression of Interest - Sector Advisory Group - National Mental Health Workforce Working Group

Want to be a part of a voice for the sector on workforce issues? Join the Sector Advisory Group and support implementation of the National Mental Health Workforce Strategy.

The Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care (the Department) is seeking to establish a Sector Advisory Group which will support the National Mental Health Workforce Working Group (Working Group). The Working Group is overseeing implementation of the National Mental Health Workforce Strategy (Strategy) and includes representatives from the Commonwealth, all states and territories, people with lived and/or living experience of mental ill-health and First Nations representatives.

The Sector Advisory Group will be a mechanism to support input and ideas from a broad range of representatives from across the health and mental health sectors to ensure action under the Strategy is informed by a multidisciplinary and system-level approach to address mental health workforce challenges. The Sector Advisory Group will be similar to a Community of Practice, with sector voices contributing through discussions, reviewing papers, as well as providing feedback and advice on proposals and questions from the Working Group. Meetings will be held virtually throughout the year.

The Department is seeking expressions of interest for those who would like to engage with this work and support implementation of the Strategy – we welcome and encourage all interest from across the sector. If you are interested, you can provide a response to the below and send through to the Department’s Mental Health Workforce Section on: MHWorkforceStrategy@health.gov.au. Please provide your response no later than Monday 4 June 2024.

To express your interest, please complete the following, copy and paste it into an email and send to MHWorkforceStrategy@health.gov.au.

Maximise your EOFY budget with Essential Storytelling Training with Batyr

Batyr specialise in empowering young advocates and professionals through storytelling, turning lived experiences into powerful tools for change. With the EOFY approaching, it’s the perfect time to consider utilising your remaining budget to equip your team with essential public speaking and storytelling skills.

Their training offerings include:

1. Being Herd - Lived Experience Storytelling Training (18-30 year olds)
   • Focus: Crafting and sharing mental health journeys.
   • Format: 1 day workshop plus online modules.
   • Outcome: Increased confidence and impact in storytelling.
2. Get Talking! (16 years plus)
   • Focus: Distilling personal experiences into perspectives that can be shared across diverse contexts Sharing personal experiences in diverse contexts.
   • Format: 1 day workshop.
   • Outcome: Enhanced ability to share personal insights and manage boundaries
3. Introduction to Safe Storytelling (All Ages)
   • Focus: Safe communication about mental health.
   • Format: 2-hour online session.
   • Outcome: Improved advocacy and mental health conversation skills.

Contact rob@batyr.com.au to discuss your training needs. See attached PDF for more information.

NDIS Community Catch Ups with Minister Shorten

The Minister for Social Services, the Hon Bill Shorten MP, has hosted a series of events in May where he is answering your questions about NDIS reform. The final of these is a community event on 5 June.

• Online NDIS Community catch up: Wednesday 5 June at 4:00pm (AEST)
  

Click on the button for further information.

Therapeutic Goods Administration seeking members for Advisory Committees 

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is seeking applications from experts in medicine, science and consumer perspectives and issues, to fill upcoming vacancies across seven statutory advisory committees.

Successful applicants will contribute significantly towards the TGA’s regulatory functions by providing independent expert advice on matters across a broad spectrum of issues relating to medicines, medical devices, vaccines, and other products and substances.

The webinar of 1 May 2024 is available on the TGA website, where you can hear first-hand from current committee members who provide their insight into these valuable roles and answer questions from the audience. 

Further information about the roles of the committees is available here.

The TGA is extending the application period to ensure all those wishing to submit have the best possible opportunity, with applications now closing at 11.30pm on Monday 10 June 2024.

Enquiries can be directed to committee.vacancies@health.gov.au

Draft National Autism Strategy released for Consultation

The Australian Government, alongside the National Autism Strategy Oversight Council and its Working Groups, has developed the draft National Autism Strategy (the Strategy) The draft Strategy has been developed from evidence and what was heard from thousands of Autistic people, their families and carers, and other stakeholders. 

The draft Strategy is a high level, guiding document. It includes a vision, goal, guiding principles, outcome areas and commitments. The final Strategy will be a whole-of-life plan for all Autistic Australians.

While feedback received to date has attempted to be reflected the Australian Austism Alliance and National Autism Strategy Oversight Committee encourage you to provide your further feedback to help shape and refine the final Strategy due for release later in 2024.

Feedback is sought including if you think the draft Strategy covers everything it needs to and do you think it will be effective in improving life outcomes for Autistic Australians. You can give feedback via until 3.00pm (AEDT) on Friday 31 May 2024.

Butterfly Body Kind Youth Survey 2023 - Results launch

The Butterfly Foundation recently launched the second annual Body Kind Youth Survey results, continuing to show the concerning status of body image among young people in Australia aged 12-18, in particular highlighting the impact it is having on their daily lives. The survey revealed:

• Over half (56.5%) of young people are dissatisfied with how their body looks – 11% more than 2022 results.
• Nearly half (48.5%) reported that their body dissatisfaction stopped them from going to school. 
• 78% of young people wished they were thinner or leaner – 16% more than 2022 results.  
• Almost two thirds (61.7%) of young Australians said social media made them feel dissatisfied with their body – up by 12% since 2022 results. 
• Young people want better body image support in schools. 8 in 10 believe primary schools need to do more, and over 90% felt the same about high schools.

To help launch the results, we’ve worked with three respected parenting influencers, Dr Preeya Alexander, Lael Stone and Ross Andrewartha, to share their reactions to these figures and signposting to a series of resources and advice with Butterfly Head of Prevention, Danni Rowlands, for any parents concerned about their teen’s body image.

To support to launch, read the full report and check out the resources for supporting children’s body image, by clicking on the button below.

TheMHS Conference in Canberra 2024 - Early bird and Volunteer opportunities

Did you know that TheMHS provides student volunteer opportunities at our events? There are limited student volunteer opportunities available for TheMHS Conference 2024 - Canberra. This is an incredible opportunity for students to complete any course requirements and create valuable connections in the industry.

What: Early bird registration and Volunteer Opportunities to attend TheMHS conference
When: 27 - 30 August 2024
Applications (for both) close: 31 May 2024

Final submissions invited on draft National Guidelines for including mental health and wellbeing in Early Childhood Health Checks

The National Mental Health Commission is leading a project to develop National Guidelines. These will support states and territories to include mental health and wellbeing in early childhood health checks (for children aged 0-5 years). 

Mental health concerns often begin during childhood. We also know that supporting children’s experiences, health, and development in the first 2,000 days of life is critical. 

All states and territories include wellbeing milestones in their early childhood health checks. However, when and how wellbeing is explored varies. Introducing National Guidelines supports national consistency. The National Guidelines aim to help children early, and to allow families to get timely support and advice. 

Over the past year, the Commission has held an extensive consultation process, involving up to 600 people, and now invite feedback on the draft National Guidelines.  

Watch the video for a summary of the process here and go to our Have Your Say page to share your feedback by 2 June 2024.  

Consultation Paper on the Pricing Framework for Australian Public Hospital Services 2025–26 open for public comment

The Independent Health and Aged Care Pricing Authority (IHACPA) has today released its Consultation Paper on the Pricing Framework for Australian Public Hospital Services 2025–26.

The aim of the public consultation process is to seek feedback on our approach to classification and pricing model development, as well as improvements to data collection and safety and quality measures.

Feedback gathered during the public consultation process will be used to inform the policy decisions in the Pricing Framework for Australian Public Hospital Services 2025–26, which underpins the national efficient price (NEP) and national efficient cost (NEC) determinations. These determinations play a crucial role in calculating the Commonwealth funding contribution to Australian public hospitals for the next financial year.

To make a submission, email to submissions.ihacpa@ihacpa.gov.au or post to PO Box 483, Darlinghurst NSW 1300 by Friday 7 June 2024.

Wayahead’s Grant applications and Mental Health Matters Awards nominations are now officially open!

Mental Health Month Grants ranging from $500 to $1000 to support community groups and organisations in implementing projects or events aligned with this year’s theme, “Let’s Talk About It.” These grants aim to facilitate conversations surrounding mental health, ultimately breaking down stigma and empowering individuals to seek help when needed.

The deadline for grant applications is Friday 7 June.

Mental Health Month Grants Link: https://mentalhealthmonth.wayahead.org.au/apply-for-small-grant/

The Mental Health Matters Awards is a significant event that celebrates the outstanding achievements of individuals, groups, and organisations dedicated to enhancing understanding, awareness, service provision, and overall mental health within communities across NSW during the previous year (2023-2024). Through these awards, Wayahead endeavours to acknowledge and honour those who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to improving mental health.

Each category recognises remarkable contributions and endeavours to promote mental health awareness and support across various sectors of society.

The deadline for award nominations is Sunday 7 July.

Mental Health Matters Award Nominations Link: https://mentalhealthmonth.wayahead.org.au/apply-for-an-award/

The Creswick Foundation

The Creswick Foundation supports investigation, research and dissemination of
knowledge and information about the continuum of children and young people’s
mental health and wellbeing up to the age of 18 years.

The Foundation generally provide two to four grants each year of between $10,000 and $40,000 each and operates on the understanding that the following are critical factors
in understanding and supporting children and young people’s mental health and
wellbeing:

• development and learning
• education
• physical health
• family
• community.

To fulfil its aims, the Foundation funds fellowships which are granted to
applicants who have relevant knowledge, expertise and experience in this area.

The closing date for applications for funding is 30 June each year.

Prevention United’s inaugural National Youth Survey

The recent surge in depression and anxiety has left many young people in the community at risk of not being able to live a complete and fulfilled life. We need to understand how to prevent these conditions before they have the chance to develop. From 21 May to 16 July, we’re inviting young people living in Australia aged 16-25 to be the architects of future prevention policy. In just 10 – 15 minutes, you can anonymously share your experiences and views on the things that impact your mental health, and the government’s current approach to mental ill-health prevention programs and policy. To thank you for your participation, you will be able to enter a draw to win 1 of 5 x $50 vouchers. 

All responses will be kept confidential, and the questions are voluntary and can be skipped at any time. Further questions are welcome and can be sent to the researchers at youth@preventionunited.org.au

2024 Rural Mental Health Conference

Cairns, Qld 6th – 8th November, mark the dates in your calendar now for this year’s Rural Mental Health Conference.

This event is the place to be if you work in mental or allied health within rural and remote communities or with companies that support better mental health outcomes for rural communities.

Use the code: MHA20 via this link: https://anzmh.asn.au/rmhc and gain 20% off your registration.

GPs can now apply for the ANZAED Eating Disorder Credential

The Australia & New Zealand Academy for Eating Disorders (ANZAED) has expanded the ANZAED Eating Disorder Credential to GPs providing care for people with eating disorders, and applications are now open.

Funded by the Department of Health and Aged Care, the ANZAED Eating Disorder Credential for GPs aims to further enhance the effectiveness and consistency of care for eating disorders in Australia. The Credential for GPs emphasises early identification and initial response for people with eating disorders, encompassing screening, assessment, diagnosis, and referral to appropriate treatment providers. An additional aim of the Credential is to grow the eating disorder workforce so people experiencing eating disorders can access the right care at the right time.

You can view the GP Information Webinar here.

Applications for the new ANZAED Eating Disorder Credential for GPs are free until 30 June 2024.

Keep the money - it’s yours.

The Collab 2024 Conference

Perinatal Mental Health Week - new dates - now 17-23 November

Due to ministerial availability, Perinatal Mental Health Week team have moved Perinatal Mental Health Week from 10-16 November to 17–23 November.
 
The launch event will be held at Parliament House in Canberra on 
18 November at 11:30am.
 
Please contact the team at hello@pmhweek.org.au should you have any questions.

Evaluating a resource for supporting voice-hearers

The University of Sydney is offering mental health workers who work with people who hear voices the opportunity to use and help evaluate a new resource. The resource has been co-designed by voice hearers and clinical experts. It can be used to support voice hearers using an evidence-based approach and anecdotal evidence suggests that it is both useful and easy to use.

All mental health workers (e.g., clinicians, support workers, peer workers, psychiatrists etc) are invited to participate. The study will take less than 3 hours of your time spread over 8 weeks and you can use the resource afterward if you find it helpful.

The research has been approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee at the University of Sydney (Protocol #2023/819).

Please use the link via the button or contact Associate Professor Anne Honey: anne.honey@sydney.edu.au if you would like more information.

Implementation resources for the NSQMHCMO Standards

Are you planning to implement the National Safety and Quality Mental Health Standards for Community Managed Organisations (NSQMHCMO Standards)? Accreditation begins on 1 July 2024.

The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care has released a range of practical resources to support CMO service providers, consumers and carers, and accrediting agencies.

Improving emergency department care for suicidal teens and their families

Youth suicide is a growing problem in Australia. There is increasing recognition that brief interventions and strategies may be an important aspect of a comprehensive treatment strategy.

In a joint project between Deakin University and Monash Health, their teams are conducting research to develop a new intervention to support young people who present to the emergency department at risk of suicide and their parents.

One part of the intervention will be a series of text messages to support young people and their parents  in the days and weeks after they are discharged from the ED. To do this, we are seeking input via surveys from:

• Young people currently aged 16-24 who experienced suicidal thoughts or attempted suicide while aged 12-18
• Parents/carers of a teen who experienced suicidal thoughts or attempted suicide
• Clinicians with at least one year experience in working with young people at risk of suicide.

Participants will also have the opportunity to participate in an interview. If you are in one of these groups, or know others in these groups, please complete our survey or advertise to your networks!

Share your news, job vacancies, or upcoming events to more than 5,000 people in the mental health sector each week.

Mental Health Australia members are invited to send us news, announcements, job vacancies, events or other notices for inclusion in the Weekly CEO Update newsletter. To do so, simply fill out this form by COB each Monday for your notice to appear in the newsletter.