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June 2017

eNews June

In this issue

MESSAGE FROM ROD ASTBURY
 
 
SECTOR DEVELOPMENT & TRAINING
WA Mental Health Conference and Awards 2017
Towards Transformative Change: your low-budget conference taster pass!
Huge Response to the WA Mental Health Awards
Frame of Mind with Mikey Robins
Embrace Nature Photography Exhibition, Calendar and Wellbeing Workshops
 
People's experience of mental health services - survey
 
WAAMH Training - June / July
 
ADVOCACY & REPRESENTATION
Mental Health under a Labor Government
 
UN Special Rapporteur Report on Mental Health
 
Accommodation, Housing and Support
Forthcoming State Budget
No news yet on which NDIS model for WA
 
WAAMH’s Strategic Plan 2017 - 2020 and operational plan for systemic advocacy
 
Attorney General to reform CLMIA Act
 
MENTAL HEALTH PROMOTION
Mental Health Week 2017 poster and theme unveiled!
Mental Health Week Opening Ceremony 2017 is going bush!
Calendar of Events
Follow Mental Health Week!
Sponsorship Opportunities
Thanks to our Mental Health Week sponsors
 
OTHER EVENTS AND INITIATIVES
Borderline Personality Disorder Conference
 
Hepatitis WA survey for mental health workforce
Funding boost for children's mental health
 
Free family-centred practice workshop
 
Peer workforce survey

MESSAGE FROM ROD ASTBURY

I WAS delighted for the Western Australian Association for Mental Health to host Parliamentary Secretary The Hon. Alanna Clohesy and Mental Health Commissioner Tim Marney at a members and stakeholders forum on new directions in mental health in WA on 7 June.

We especially appreciated the openness of both Ms Clohesy and Mr Marney, and were also pleased to expand regional participation in the forum through hosted video conferencing.

At the same event we presented WAAMH’s 2017-20 Strategic Plan to our members and consulted on our operational priorities for systemic advocacy. Further details are below and we intend to host further forums like this for our members throughout the year.

WAAMH members are now invited to renew their membership for the 2017/18 financial year. If you renew your membership or apply to become a member before 30 June, you will pay current financial year rates. To seize this offer, use the code EB_WAAMH when prompted.

You can read all about our membership benefits and categories here, and apply / renew here.

Rod Astbury
Chief Executive Officer
Western Australian Association for Mental Health

 

SECTOR DEVELOPMENT & TRAINING

WA Mental Health Conference and Awards 2017

THE WA Mental Health Conference and Awards is only weeks away on 13 and 14 July 2017.

There is so much to look forward to. Have you purchased your tickets to these conference extras yet?

Towards Transformative Change: your low-budget conference taster pass!

FOR those who are unable to commit to the full two days of the WA Mental Health Conference and Awards, there is great news:

Towards Transformative Change is a 'taster' package, designed to help students and people on low incomes enjoy some event highlights.

For just $65 (or $25 concession) you get to experience some of the most exciting parts of the event, including Dr Mark Salzer (USA), a widely published researcher, and pioneer of community inclusion and mental health rehabilitation services, morning tea and a range of other great opportunities.

Book now to secure your place!

Huge Response to the WA Mental Health Awards

WAAMH thanks all those who nominated someone for the WA Mental Health Awards which attracted more than 150 entries across eight categories.

We're pleased to announce that Perth’s own Narelda Jacobs, presenter of TEN Eyewitness News First At Five Perth, will MC the WA Mental Health Awards and there are still a few tickets available for this gala sector event.

Award finalists will be announced soon!

Frame of Mind with Mikey Robins

BRING your friends and join Triple J / Good News Week’s Mikey Robins with MC Peter Rowsthorn (Kath & Kim) for this hilarious night out.

Raising funds to support mental health awareness and suicide prevention in WA, the Frame of Mind comedy show also features Perth’s comedy Godfather Werzel Montague and codeswitching Noongar sensation Ingrid Cumming.

Ticket sales close 11 July or when sold out and cost $39 ($29 concession).

Embrace Nature Photography Exhibition, Calendar and Wellbeing Workshops

CAPTURE the interaction between humans and nature for this unique photography competition.

Free entry, all welcome, great prizes! Entries close 21 June 2017.
Need some inspiration before you enter? Or just craving a creative re-charge immersed in nature?

Grab your camera and join master facilitator and wellness specialist Deb Reveley for a unique hybrid arts and wellbeing workshop.

More information and bookings: waamh.org.au/embrace-nature

 

People's experience of mental health services - survey

AS part of WAAMH's facilitation of the Workforce Development Project, we are now surveying non-government mental health services users and family members.

You can complete the survey online here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TFNDRMK 

If you work for a mental health organisation and would like to print a copy of the survey for your clients to complete, you can download a PDF version, here.

 

WAAMH Training - June / July

16 June and 30 June 2017
Co-Creation - Organisational Readiness for Co-Design
Co-creation is the first step before engaging in co-production in your mental health service. This one-day workshop for mental health service providers focuses on strategies for building organisational readiness and integrating co-design principles and processes into service delivery.

20 June 2017
Workers with Mental Health Issues
This positive and practical workshop is designed for those who supervise and support others in the workplace and will help you achieve the best outcomes for both individual staff and the organisation as a whole.

27 June 2017
Co-Design Training 27 & 28 June 2017
Held across two days, this course will assist participants to understand and implement co-design. Looking beyond surface change, co-design identifies some of the partnership and collaborative practices that have the potential to transform the way in which mental health services are delivered.

25 July 2017
Sexual & Gender Diversity & Mental Health 
A person’s sexual orientation and gender identity can have a profound impact on their experience of mental illness as a consumer or carer, appropriate treatment options and their service needs. This workshop is designed to assist mental health and other community workers to understand diverse needs and improve service delivery for LGBTIQA communities.

26 July 2017
De-escalation Techniques 
This course is designed to assist service providers and front-line staff to respond appropriately to threatening, violent, aggressive and other unexpected or inappropriate behaviour.

27 July 2017
Creating Recovery Plans 
This workshop is designed to help mental health staff refine and develop their skills in recovery planning and create more effective and personalised documents to serve as a “roadmap” for the individual’s recovery journey.

For more details and to register for any of our training courses, please visit: https://waamh.org.au/events/training-courses.aspx

 

ADVOCACY & REPRESENTATION

Mental Health under a Labor Government

ON Wednesday 7 June, WAAMH members and stakeholders came together for the first public meeting of community mental health and representatives of the new state government.

Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Mental Health The Hon. Alanna Clohesy (pictured) and Mental Health Commissioner Tim Marney, addressed the meeting to outline the government’s intended direction.

Invitees were especially delighted to hear the Parliamentary Secretary declare the government’s commitment to implementing the 10 Year Mental Health Services Plan, but were very keen to hear more details about its review.

Audience members asked questions about the government’s plans to improve psychosocial support services, the divestment of Graylands, whether forensic beds would be increased, the mental health of older people and the current Government department amalgamations.

WAAMH’s regular meetings with Ms Clohesy regarding mental health will be ongoing. At our most recent meeting we discussed the need for urgent investment in accommodation with linked supports; the reform of the Criminal Law Mentally Impaired Accused Act; the importance of consumers and families being centre in the development of the Recovery Colleges; and the continuing need to work towards a balanced system with increased prevention and community recovery supports.

 

UN Special Rapporteur Report on Mental Health

ON 6 June the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Right to Health presented a visionary report on the rights of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health.

The report identified a world-wide crisis and under investment in mental health driven by social obstacles that hinder individual rights.

It provided a roadmap prioritising interventions that empower users and target social determinants of mental ill-health rather than individual cures. The report is a relatively short but powerful analysis and statement of purpose that can be accessed here.

 

Accommodation, Housing and Support

WAAMH has provided advice to the Mental Health Commission in the development of its Accommodation and Support Strategy through our representation on the Advisory Committee. The Commission will release the draft strategy for consultation in about a month.
Watch this space for more details!

WAAMH has written to Minister for Housing The Hon. Peter Tinley MLA urging him to consider the housing and support needs of people experiencing mental health issues through a whole of government housing strategy with a mental health stream, and a review of policy and practice including the ‘3 Strikes Policy’ and eligibility for public housing.

Forthcoming State Budget

WAAMH has written twice to State Treasurer The Hon. Ben Wyatt MLA and the Minister for Mental Health The Hon. Roger Cook MLA urging them to prioritise people with mental health issues in fiscal decisions and the forthcoming State Budget which will be released on 7 September 2017.

WAAMH has asked the Government to:

  • Make a commitment for all funds gained from the forthcoming divestment of Graylands to be ring-fenced for mental health services and programs.
  • Accelerate the expansion of recovery-oriented community mental health support hours.
  • Lead cohesive, integrated changes across the housing and mental health systems to ensure access to housing and linked mental health supports, whilst saving money across systems.
  • Match the Commonwealth investment of $80 million over four years for people with severe mental illness resulting in psychosocial disability who are not eligible for the National Disability Insurance Scheme, announced in the Federal Budget 2017.
  • Further embed approaches that place consumers, carers and family members at the centre of mental health care including through capacity building, increasing peer work and the election commitments to develop two Recovery Colleges.

No news yet on which NDIS model for WA

THE Minister for Disability Services The Hon. Stephen Dawson MLC, replied to WAAMH's letter and has indicated the Government was yet to make a decision about which NDIS model would be implemented in WA.

WAAMH partnered with the Disability Coalition and the Disability Services Commission to host the NDIS in WA Conversation event in June for people with disability, including psychosocial disability, their families and carers.

With several hundred more people wishing to attend than places available, it became clear there is a very strong need for people to be able to discuss and inform the roll-out of the NDIS in WA.

WAAMH urges the WA NDIS providers to engage in genuine co-design with people with mental health issues and their families.

 

WAAMH’s Strategic Plan 2017 - 2020 and operational plan for systemic advocacy

WAAMH’s full members recently came together to comment on WAAMH's Strategic Plan 2017 - 2020 and to provide input into the priorities WAAMH should progress in systemic advocacy.

Discussion centred around the NDIS, Primary Health Networks, a balanced mental health system and human rights in the Justice and other systems.

A report on the consultation will be sent to members soon.

WAAMH's Strategic Plan 2017 - 2020 came to fruition following a comprehensive process overseen by WAAMH's board governance of directors.
View WAAMH's Strategic Plan 2017 - 2020 here [PDF].

 

Attorney General to reform CLMIA Act

WA’s Attorney-General John Quigley has told The Australian he was making progress on reforming the Criminal Law Mentally Impaired Accused (CLMIA) Act and hoped to present changes to Cabinet next month.

WAAMH calls for genuine consultation with people affected by this law and their representative organisations before the changes are progressed.

Highlights from the article include:

  • Under the proposed changes, lawyers for mentally-impaired accused people would be able to test the evidence against them in a special hearing.
  • “So in the case of Gene Gibson, his lawyer wouldn’t be scared to raise his mental impairment in the first place,” Attorney General John Quigley said.
  • Judges would also be able to make an order for community supervision of a mentally-impaired person deemed unfit to stand trial.
  • For those not suited to community supervision, the period of detention would be limited to the amount of time the accused person would have received had they been convicted of the offence with which they were charged.
  • The freeing of Mr Gibson follows the case of Marlon Noble, a mentally disabled Aboriginal man jailed for 10 years without being convicted.
  • Mr Quigley said Mr Noble “wouldn’t have spent more than a couple of weeks in the can” under his planned reforms.

Read full article here.

 

MENTAL HEALTH PROMOTION

Mental Health Week 2017 poster and theme unveiled!

TWO complementary themes will be promoted as part of Mental Health Week this year. They are:

Connect with nature, connect with community, connect with self for mental wellbeing; and

Connect with country, connect with community, connect with you for strong social and emotional wellbeing.

An Aboriginal artist is currently designing the second poster, drawing on inspiration from our traditional landowners.

The first of the two official posters (pictured) celebrating Mental Health Week can be downloaded (digital low res A4) or purchased (print high res A3) from the Mental Health Week website: mhw.waamh.org.au

Mental Health Week Opening Ceremony 2017 is going bush!

WE have some amazing events planned for Mental Health Week 2017, with our first stop being the Opening Ceremony in Kalgoorlie! This flagship event will connect the community with a range of local mental health service providers in a fun and youth-oriented environment.

We are pleased to be working with a range of local mental health service providers and government bodies to increase community awareness of mental wellbeing across regional WA. There will be activities on offer for everyone to come and try, from a range of games to show off your sporting prowess to arts and crafts to unleash your creative flair. There will be live music, food stalls, entertainment and free giveaways to get the whole community involved!

Keep up with all the Opening Ceremony details via our events page.

Calendar of Events

WE are very fortunate to be bringing comedy back in 2017, with the official Closing Ceremony being our annual Stand Up! for Comedy night, thanks to the Perth Theatre Trust. This night of laughs on Saturday, 14 October will be held at one of Perth's most stunning venues, the State Theatre Centre of WA.

Other events on the MHW calendar between 7-14 October include:

To discover all of the 2017 events and to register your own, please head to the Mental Health Week website.

Follow Mental Health Week!

YOU can stay up to date with Mental Health Week news and information via social media.

In 2017 we are very excited to announce we are now on Instagram and can be followed at @mentalhealthweekwa.

You can also follow @MentalHealthWeekWA on Facebook and @TheWAAMH on Twitter.

Sponsorship Opportunities

YOU are invited to be part of the action and sponsor Mental Health Week in 2017!

Our exciting schedule of events, materials and activities during Mental Health Week provides sponsors with an opportunity to promote their products, services and brand through cause-related marketing to a large portion of the WA community. Read the MHW 2017 Sponsorship Prospectus.

Thanks to our Mental Health Week sponsors

Resilient Youth Forum Sponsor

Bronze Sponsor and World Mental Health Day Celebration Stall Sponsor

 

OTHER EVENTS AND INITIATIVES

Borderline Personality Disorder Conference

THE National Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) conference draws on a strong history of successful national events around Australia, and 18 October 2017 marks the first time Western Australia will host the event.

Subscribe for updates to be the first to know when registrations to this conference open.

The National BPD conference provides an opportunity for clinicians, practitioners, consumers and carers/family members from across Australia to come together to collaborate, share information and educate the wider community.

It also plays a major role in correcting damaging myths and replacing stigma with replaced by a more positive evidence-driven outlook.

Find out more at: waamh.org.au/bpdc

 

Hepatitis WA survey for mental health workforce

Funding boost for children's mental health

FEDERAL Minister for Health Greg Hunt has announced a $73 million injection towards two new mental health programs to ensure Australian children and young people receive the support they need during their school years.

Under the National Support for Child and Youth Mental Health Program, mental health training and resources will be provided to people who regularly interact with pre-schoolers, primary and high school aged children, including teachers, school communities, doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals.

beyondblue will partner with headspace and Early Childhood Australia to run a $52.6 million program providing tools for teachers to support kids with mental health concerns, and provide resources for students to help them to deal with any challenges they may be going through.

In instances of self-harm occurring amongst students, headspace will also facilitate a rapid response service with direct intervention.

Specialist counselling services will also be offered within schools, the local community and for teachers, should a suicide occur. 

 

Free family-centred practice workshop

A FREE workshop highlighting the benefits of family-centred practice for people with mental ill-health is being hosted by HelpingMinds on Wednesday 12 July. 

Senior Clinical Psychologist Paul O’Halloran will present an interactive workshop and focus on the benefits of including, where appropriate, the family and friends of people living with mental health issues in the individual’s recovery journey.

The workshop will address barriers and obstacles to implementing family-centred practice and confidentiality, and discuss best practice interventions including addressing the needs of children whose parents have a severe mental health issue.

This event is targeted at psychologists, mental health nurses and social workers  in mental health settings. A certificate of attendance will be provided for people who wish to claim CPD hours.

For more information and to register, please click here.

 

Peer workforce survey

THE WA Peer Supporters’ Network invites you to complete this survey as part of its research into the peer workforce in mental health and alcohol and other drug services. 

Survey results will be used to develop guidance and recommendations on growing and sustaining the peer workforce for services.

The study also aims to highlight consumer and family experiences of peer work, and to understand barriers, facilitators and best practice in growing and retaining a peer workforce with mental health and alcohol and other drug sectors.

The WA Peer Supporters’ Network, is an independent network to advance peer support in services and the broader community, hosted by Consumers of Mental Health WA, with funding support from the WA Mental Health Commission. 

The survey responses will be anonymous, and takes about 10 minutes to complete. Survey closes on 31 July 2017.

Complete the survey here: http://www.comhwa.org.au/wapsn/

WA Association for Mental Health

1 Nash Street Perth WA 6000

       

 

Tel 08 6246 3000
waamh.org.au
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