January 2019

Hi

Welcome to the first edition of Coordinator Connect for 2019. We are excited to begin the year with fresh energy and see what networks get up to this year. This issue provides an update on the coordinator survey, network funding and some tips on planning the year's meetings. Looking for inspiration? Read about three networks who invited a panel of practitioners to lead the discussion at their meetings.

Coordinator survey and network funding

Thank you to the coordinators who completed the survey, as a result of your feedback we are pleased to announce network funding as of January 2019 will be based on projected participant numbers, with extra support provided for those networks that attract high attendance. Also, new funding will be provided to help engage guest speakers. See all the details on our fact sheet.  

Four steps to get organised 
Use these steps as a starting point to set your dates and get meeting for the year.

1. Set the date/s

Plan ahead and set the meeting dates for the year. Use the 2019 calendar, to assist with date selection. Public/ school holidays and some health promotion/awareness days are included. Get in touch if you would like to send a 'save the dates' email to network members.

2. Decide the focus

Brainstorm the focus for the meeting/s, last year's top topics may provide some inspiration. Get the network members involved and set aside some time at your first meeting, or get in touch if you would like to survey the network on what topics they would like to hear about.

3. Contact speaker/s, source content

Are there experts within the network that may present or share resources? Do you have contacts within your professional network?  Get in touch and I'll check the guest speaker register to see if there are any speakers that may suit. Funding may be available for speakers. 

4. Final details

To help make everything run smoothly on the day: book the venue, arrange catering (if required) and get in touch to arrange the meeting invitation or ask any questions. Aim to send the meeting invitation four weeks prior to the meeting. 

Get in touch if at any point you have questions or get stuck, your project team are here to help!

Meeting inspiration
Planning a panel discussion is easier than you think. Here are three examples:

We acknowledge that not all networks have access to a range of practitioners in their area. If you are in a rural or remote location, take a look at the MHPN webinar library, there are over 80-panel discussions on various mental health topics to choose from. You could watch and discuss one of the recordings.

Have access to a projector and good internet? You could invite the network members to watch a live webinar for your next meeting.

Upcoming webinars

Kind regards,  
Holly Carey
Project Officer

Email: h.carey@mhpn.org.au
Direct line: 03 8662 6620
Freecall: 1800 209 031