Commission Update - January 2020 Issue 65 No images? Click here Assistance for people affected by disasterThe 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 welcomedThe 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. Gladesville Hospital Cemetery MemorialOn 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. Stories of strength and resilienceAs 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. Mental healthcare made easyThe 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. Living Well mid term review updateThe 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. Online services for LGBTIQ+ young peopleRural and Remote Health have published their study 'Virtually Caring' which explores how lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender young adults in Australian rural communities experience internet-based mental health services. Members sought for Mental Health Review TribunalThe Mental Health Review Tribunal is seeking EOI's for new members in the following categories: Australian legal practitioners, psychiatrists and ‘other suitably qualified persons’. Applications close Sunday 23 February 2020. $5 million for bushfire related health researchThe mental health effects and physiological impacts of the bushfires on affected people and communities will be studied under two major research streams commissioned by the Government. Grants close on Friday 31 January 2020. Upcoming eventsRAHMP Community Skills training course 4 February 2020, Nyngan Psychosocial Disability - Accessing the NDIS 5 February 2020, Corrimal 15 February 2020, Colo Heights #LivingWellNSWAs 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. Lifeline: 13 11 14 Are you looking for a mental health service in your area? Try the WayAhead Directory. |