Commission Update - March 2019 Issue 59 No Images? Click here Farewell to Tanya Davies MPThe Commission would like to farewell Tanya Davies MP, who is stepping down as Minister for Mental Health. The Commission has had the privilege of working closely with Mrs Davies on key projects such as the Strategic Framework for Suicide Prevention in NSW 2018-2023 and the Lived Experience Framework. Thank you for your commitment to embedding lived experience into all mental health and social services in NSW and your support of the Commission's work - we wish you all the best. Lived Experience Framework grants for eligible projectsThe Commission is offering one-off grants to organisations to support planning and seeding projects that involve implementation of actions outlined in or aligned with the Lived Experience Framework. Applications close Friday 12 April. We are coming to Nepean Blue MountainsThe next consultations to support the Commission's Living Well mid-term review will be in Lithgow on Tuesday 9 April and Penrith on Wednesday 10 April. Come along and share your ideas about future focus areas for your community. South Eastern NSW consultation reflectionLast week, the Mental Health Commission of NSW had the privilege of visiting South Eastern NSW for a series of community consultations as part of our Living Well mid-term review. This included a visit to Bega High School and community consultations in Batemans Bay. Children and young people engagementIn December 2019, the Commission held a co-design workshop to discuss ways of enhancing engagement with children and young people.The discussion was robust and dynamic, with the group identifying issues faced by children and young people in relation to mental health and wellbeing. Ann's storyAnn has a lived experience of mental health issues going back to her early 20’s, but her outlook on mental health and wellbeing completely changed when she was introduced to the Illawarra Shoalhaven Suicide Prevention Collaborative several years ago. Farewell to Cathy KezelmanThe Commission would like to say thank you and farewell to long-standing Community Advisory Council (CAC) member, Cathy Kezelman, consumer advocate, medical practitioner and President of Blue Knot Foundation. While on the CAC, Cathy has worked tirelessly to advocate for survivors of child abuse and the importance of trauma-informed care. Good luck on your future endeavors. Aboriginal mindfulness appThe Central Australia's NPY Council has partnered with Smiling Mind to create an app that includes guided meditation and singing in Kriol, Ngaanyatjarra and Pitjantjiatjara languages to support wellbeing in Aboriginal communities. 'Saltwater therapy' schemeNot-for-profit surfing scheme OneWave has launched a scheme to allow people to borrow a free surfboard on Fridays to encourage 'saltwater therapy' for mental health starting in Bondi, Cronulla and Maroubra, with hopes to expand to other beaches. Support to navigate the NDISThe Mental Health Coordinating Council has added a new section to their Mental Health Rights Manual that focuses on focuses on the rights of people living with psychosocial disability under the National Disability Insurance Scheme. Upcoming eventsSupporting your young person's mental health 3 April, Charlestown 4 April, Manly NSW Youth Week, various events 10 - 18 April, NSW #LivingWellNSWHow can you enhance your own sense of authentic happiness? The Black Dog Institute recommends learning to savour positive moments, cultivating compassion and focusing on your goals. Read more here. Lifeline: 13 11 14 Are you looking for a mental health service in your area? Try the WayAhead Directory. |