services

More than 90 ninety mental health and social services organisations have joined forces to review the way services are provided to people affected by mental illness in Australia, following their first ever Council of Non-Government Organisations ( CONGO ) on Mental Health meeting in Canberra. “In many ways, Australia is already a world-leader in mental health” says Frank Quinlan, CEO of the Mental Health Council of Australia, which co-hosted the historic meeting along with the National Mental Health Commission.

The inaugural meeting of the Australian Council of Non-Government Organisations ( CONGO ) saw members of the sector discussing issues and challenges experienced by those designing and delivering mental health policy and services. “The inaugural meeting of CONGO is the first gathering of a collaboration that we hope will soon become recognised by governments around the country as a highly influential and vocal advocacy group for the mental health sector”, said Frank Quinlan, CEO of the Mental Health Council of Australia.

The Mental Health Council of Australia has welcomed the introduction of Commonwealth legislation to protect the ability of contracted non-government organisations to advocate for better policy and legislation. “Non-government organisations, who are delivering services at the frontline, are often best placed to share their insights to advance better policy and better legislation”, said Frank Quinlan, CEO of the Mental Health Council of Australia, and member of the Gillard Government’s Not-for-Profit Reform Council.

The annual Mental Health Australia Grace Groom Memorial Oration pays tribute to the former Chief Executive Officer of the organisation, then known as the Mental Health Council of Australia. Grace Groom served as CEO of the MHCA from 2002 through to 2005, leaving an outstanding legacy through her knowledge, energy, enthusiasm and contribution to mental health reform in Australia…

A study by the Mental Health Council of Australia has revealed that the levels of stigma experienced by mental health consumers seeking treatment from mental health and other health professionals are similar to the levels of stigma reported in the general population. “The MHCA is calling on all health professions to examine their approach to mental illness and ensure people experiencing mental illness and their carers receive the same level of non-judgemental care and concern as people with any other health condition”, said Frank Quinlan, CEO of the Mental Health Council of Australia.

A study by the Mental Health Council of Australia has revealed that the levels of stigma experienced by mental health consumers seeking treatment from mental health and other health professionals are similar to the levels of stigma reported in the general population. “The MHCA is calling on all health professions to examine their approach to mental illness and ensure people experiencing mental illness and their carers receive the same level of non-judgemental care and concern as people with any other health condition”, said Frank Quinlan, CEO of the Mental Health Council of Australia.

10 October 2011 was World Mental Health Day. This day is a time to recognise and acknowledge the advancements and progress we have made in ensuring all Australians have access to a quality mental health system.

10 October 2011 was World Mental Health Day. World Mental Health Day is a time to recognise and acknowledge the advancements and progress we have made in ensuring all Australians have access to a quality mental health system.

A long awaited evaluation into the mental health Better Access initiative shows that while the Commonwealth’s billion dollar outlay through the Medical Benefits Schedule has increased the rates of treatment for some, too many Australians in need of services are still missing out.

The 2010 Australian of the Year, Professor Pat McGorry, leaves an indelible and important legacy – he has pushed mental health to the forefront of the political agenda and been a passionate and tireless advocate for reform and investment in mental health services.