Commission Update - September 2019 Issue 61
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Living Well mid term review update
The Commission has been holding community consultations around the state as part of the Living Well mid term review. We are showcasing local initiatives and findings from these consultations on our website and Nepean Blue Mountains content is now available.
Watch the video showcase on the Wellbeing Centre at Lithgow High School, developed to support the mental health and wellbeing of students.
Enhancing engagement with children and young people
The Commission coordinated a workshop in December 2018 to hear from young people and agencies working with children and young people. The aim was to understand how the Commission could improve its engagement with children and young people. A report has been published which summarises the workshop discussions and presents a foundation for further collaboration.
Participants of the Horse Tales program run by Dungog Shire Community Centre in Dungog, NSW.
Wagga Wagga GP recognised as community champion
The NSW Mental Health Commissioner was pleased to present Dr. Jonathan Ho with the 2019 Commissioner's Community Champion Award on 27 September 2019 at the Mental Health Matters Awards ceremony hosted by WayAhead in Sydney.
NSW Mental Health Commissioner Catherine Lourey with Dr. Jonathan Ho and his son.
Aboriginal Governance and Engagement Consultation
The Commission coordinated a workshop in December 2018 to hear from Aboriginal people and agency representatives about strengthening engagement and governance. A report has been published which summarises the workshop discussions and represents a foundation for further collaboration.
Participants at a consultation for the Living Well mid term review in Newcastle, NSW.
More work needed on suicide prevention in NSW
NSW Mental Health Commissioner has called for more to be done to curb suicide rates in NSW following the release of a new Australian Bureau of Statistics report. NSW was the only state to record an increase in number of suicides from 880 in 2017 to 899 in 2018.
Wagga Wagga, NSW.
Farewell to Deputy Commissioner Allan Sparkes
The Mental Health Commission of NSW farewelled Allan Sparkes CV, VA in August 2019, who stepped down from his role as Deputy Commissioner after three years. Allan has recently been made a fellow of the Royal Society of New South Wales and a Director of the Gidget Foundation Board and will continue his suicide prevention advocacy work.
Allan Sparkes at a consultation for Living Well mid term review in Tahmoor, NSW.
Enhancing engagement with LGBTIQ+ communities
The Commission coordinated a workshop in December 2018 to hear from LGBTIQ+ people and agencies working with LGBTIQ+ people. The aim was to understand how the Commission could improve its engagement with LGBTIQ+ people. A report has been developed which summarises the workshop discussions and presents a foundation for further collaboration.
Dr Jonathan Ho with participants at a consultation for the Living Well mid term review in Wagga Wagga, NSW. Dr Ho wears the rainbow flag and the trans flag to acknowledge inclusion of the LGBTIQ+ community.
Declaration on rural and remote mental health
The Orange Declaration was launched in August 2019. This Declaration was developed after researchers and service providers met in Orange to consider the challenges in addressing poor mental health outcomes in rural and remote communities.
Experiences of Functional Neurological Disorder
A new report summarises the findings of a research project on the experiences of people diagnosed with Functional Neurological Disorder, an emerging field of research that falls at the intersection of physical and mental health.
BHI releases new report on mental health
The Bureau of Health Information (BHI) has released a new report: Healthcare in Focus: People’s use and experiences of mental health services in NSW, which provides information and evidence to continue discussions on what people in NSW need in mental health services.
Paws for a second for HSC students
Mondays and Wednesdays during October 2019, Narellan
Wellness Walk for Mental Health
13 October 2019, Sydney
In Harmony festival by Mostly Mad Music
14-18 October 2019, Sydney
#LivingWellNSW
The end of year can be a stressful time for young people who have exams and assessments. Tips to reduce stress for students include taking a proper lunch break, getting some light exercise such as going for a walk, and setting small, manageable goals each day. Listen here for more advice from ABC's Life Matters.
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800
NSW Mental Health Line: 1800 011 511
Are you looking for a mental health service in your area? Try the WayAhead Directory.
