Assistance for people affected by disaster

The NSW Mental Health Commission joins others in thanking the volunteers and emergency services who are fighting fires and assisting people in distress across NSW. Our thoughts are with the resilient communities and people who have been impacted by the current bushfire emergency, including those who are helping out. The Commission encourages everyone in NSW to reach out for help if you are in distress and need support.

Bushfire mental health funding welcomed

The Commission welcomes the federal government’s announcement of $76 million to support the mental health and wellbeing of people affected by bush fires. Young people will have access to additional headspace sites in affected areas, specialised trauma-informed training will be available for front line staff and community resilience and recovery efforts will be expanded in affected communities.

Batemans Bay, NSW taken during a community consultation in March 2019.

Gladesville Hospital Cemetery Memorial

On Tuesday 10 December 2019, the NSW Mental Health Commission held a memorial to acknowledge and remember the lives of former residents of the Gladesville Psychiatric Hospital on Victoria Road in Gladesville, NSW. Thank you to everyone who attended the event and joined the Commission in restoring dignity and showing respect for the former residents. 

Brendan Kerin from the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council performs a traditional smoking ceremony.

Stories of strength and resilience

As part of Gladesville Hospital Cemetery Memorial project, a selection of former residents and ancestors of former residents have shared their experiences. Read Janet’s story. Janet Meagher is a leader, a teacher, librarian, manager, advocate and founder of consumer organisations who lived at Gladesville Hospital for ten years.

Janet Meagher AM.

Mental healthcare made easy

The Health Literacy Initiative is a transformational program designed to support organisations to make information, resources, supports and environments available and more accessible to people.The first statewide Health Literacy workshop, 'Mental healthcare made easy', was held on the 4 December 2019 in Sydney, NSW. 

Image created by our graphic scribe to show what was discussed and shared in the workshop.

Living Well mid term review update

The Commission is on track with the mid term review of Living Well, the strategic plan for mental health in NSW. Visit the Commission website to see the innovative programs and initiatives that are improving mental health and wellbeing around NSW, such as the Tahmoor Integrated Subspecialty Clinic in South Western Sydney.

Video showcasing the Tahmoor Integrated Subspecialty Clinic in South Western Sydney.

#LivingWellNSW

As January comes to a close, children and young people are starting a new school year. This can be an exciting time, but it can also be stressful and anxiety-inducing. Our friends at Beyond Blue have put together strategies to make the transition back to school a positive experience.