News and resources from the community-managed mental health sector
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ACT Mental Health Sector Update
From the CEO
It is with great pleasure and enthusiasm that I bring you my first Sector Update as the newly appointed CEO of MHCC. I am truly delighted to have the opportunity to collaborate with members and the wider ACT community.
Through a combination of my lived experiences, along with a 20-year background in the non-profit, community, and public sectors, I bring dedication and enthusiasm to MHCC. My work on issues such as family and domestic violence, homelessness, LGBTIQ equality, First Nations justice, the criminalisation of addiction, and mass incarceration, has convinced me that improving our mental health system is pivotal in addressing almost every major social policy challenge we face in this country.
I draw inspiration from the incredible work of MHCC’s 48 members. Your collective achievements, such as the recent $38 million funding boost to mental health services in the ACT, are a testament to the impact that can be achieved through collaboration.
I am excited to build upon these successes alongside you. Drawing from my previous leadership roles in peak bodies and national coalitions, particularly those representing community and Aboriginal legal services, trade unions, and alcohol and other drug services, I am eager to share valuable insights and contribute to our collective progress.
As I’m beginning my role, MHCC ACT has also appointed a new Media and Communications Manager, Erin Stewart. Erin has experience in the sector through her previous work at Mental Health Australia, is an author, and holds a PhD in non-fiction writing. Together, Erin and I will work closely to ensure that our mental health is brought to a wider audience, fostering greater awareness and understanding of the critical work of the sector.
This work is of particular relevance as the ACT budget will be handed down next week. Alongside other ACT community organisations in a joint media release, we have urged the Barr government to deliver on commitments to people with disabilities in the region.
We also have our mid-year forum coming up with excellent speakers talking about the intersection between climate change and mental health. It will be an amazing free, and hybrid event sure to spark conversations on this important topic.
In the coming months, my priority will be to engage closely with each of you, taking the time to understand your perspectives, ideas, and aspirations. I believe that through open dialogue and shared vision, we can make a lasting positive change in our community’s mental health landscape.
- Melanie Poole, CEO MHCC ACT
In our sector
Media releases
Latest releases | Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
Voice legislation builds momentum for Yes vote | ACOSS
Inquiry into the recognition of unpaid carers | Parliament of Australia
Appointment of new Secretary of the Department of Health and Aged Care | Prime Minister of Australia
New guide explores 20-year impact of human rights legislation | ACT Human Rights Commission
Building a stronger mental health system for Canberrans | ACT Government
In the news
Safe Haven to be established at Canberra Hospital | The Canberra Times
Is it anxiety or ADHD, or both? How to tell the difference and why it matters | The Conversation
Why the disability support sector is in a 'precarious' position | SBS News
Support payments for health students 'really important' | The Canberra Times
Supporting resilience and preventing burnout in nonprofits | McKinsey & Company
New data on Closing the Gap reveals only 4 out of 19 targets are on track | NITV
Voice to Parliament: What to know about to referendum | SBS News
2023/24 NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Pricing Limits documents released | DSC
Advice for health organisations on engaging with consumers | Croakey
Matt had no idea this condition could affect men. Then he was diagnosed | SBS
How to help multilingual communities and newcomers to Australia | The Canberra Times
Coalition attempt to force Senate inquiry into Calvary takeover falls short | Riotact
ACT Budget
$28 million for mental healthcare | Canberra CityNews
ACT Budget: $200 million for health workforce, $20 million for homelessness services | Riotact
ACT to receive $50m of social housing spend | The Canberra Times
Junior doctors to get greater support in upcoming budget | The Canberra Times
Homelessness services get $20m boost amid 'worst housing crisis in generations' | The Canberra Times
Planning and consultations
ACT Government: Designing Mental Health Services
The ACT Health Directorate (ACTHD) is embarking on a new approach to commissioning community-based Non-Government Organisation (NGO) mental health services in the ACT. Working in collaboration with the mental health sector, other areas of Government and people with lived experience, we have been researching and consulting to refine our understanding of the mental health community NGO system that we want to foster in the ACT. You can access the discovery paper and listening report from our previous consultations here.
This Blueprint builds on previous consultations and presents ACTHD’s vision for the NGO-funded mental health sector. They are seeking feedback on this blueprint and looking for ideas about how we can put the blueprint into practice.
To have YourSay, please review the blueprint and fill out the online survey by 7 July 2023. You can also provide feedback via email to MentalHealthCommissioning@act.gov.au.
Consultations with Young People and Parents about CAMHS
Young people, and their parents/caregivers, are invited to take part in focus groups to provide feedback about (1) their experiences accessing and engaging with CAMHS, and (2) a new brochure for young people and families about the new adolescent mental health unit.
Each participant will be reimbursed $50 for their time.
Eligibility
- Young people aged 12-25 are eligible to take part if they are currently, or have previously, been supported by or tried to get support from CAMHS.
- Parents/caregivers are eligible who are currently, or have previously within the last 5 years, accessed or tried to access CAMHS for their child or young person (aged 8-17 at the time).
Some type of CAMHS involvement is required to take part, including attending a CHOICE appointment.
Have your say on the draft National Strategy for the Care and Support Economy
The Australian Government has developed a draft national strategy for the care and support economy to drive improved quality across care and support sectors. The consultation is open until 26 June.
NDIS General Issues Inquiry
The Joint Standing Committee on the NDIS is seeking information about the implementation, performance, governance, administration and expenditure of the NDIS. In particular, the committee invites input from participants, their carers and family members, service providers, and representative organisations.
ACT Preventive Health Action Plan 2023-2025 workshop
The draft ACT Preventive Health Action Plan 2023-2025 aims to reduce the impacts of chronic disease in our community by supporting people to be healthy. You are invited to an upcoming preventive health workshop to talk about the draft action plan and discuss what other preventive health actions government could take.
Eligibility: If you identify with one or more of the below groups or if you are from an organisation that represents one or more of these groups, you can register your interest in attending by submitting an EOI via YourSay:
- Older community members, ages 45+: Thurs 20 July at 10am-12pm
- Multicultural community members: Thurs 20 July at 2-4pm
- LGBTIQ+ community members: Tues 25 July at 12-2pm
- People living with a disability or caring for someone with a disability: Tues 25 July at 3-5pm
- Young people, aged 18-30: Thurs 27 July at 10am-12pm
- Other community members and community representative groups: Tues 18 July at 4-6pm
If you cannot attend a workshop, there are a range of other ways to be involved and share your feedback before the consultation ends on 28 July 2023, including: submitting a YourSay survey; holding a group conversation with your community by using our how-to-guide and submitting a group survey; or emailing acthealthphp@act.gov.au.
Mental Health Commissioning Design Phase - Consumer Workshop
Please note that this consultation is to specifically talk about the design of NGO services as part of our commissioning process. It will not be focused on discussing acute or hospital-based mental health services.
Thursday 29 June, 10am-11am. ACT Mental Health Consumer Network Office, Level 2, Room 11, The Griffin Centre, 20 Genge Street, Canberra City.
Please email Adam.Brockway@act.gov.au for additional details.
Our Voice in Action - Roses in the Ocean
A lived experience designed and delivered, capacity building online workshop. Your voice, insight, and wisdom is critically important to guide suicide prevention activities in your local region and will help enrich the work of the Department of Health and Aged Care - Access and Equity. ‘Our Voice in Action’ is a workshop for people with a lived experience of suicide who are ready and keen to explore opportunities to be involved in suicide prevention activities. It is for people who believe they are ready to use their lived experience to help others and inform future direction for suicide prevention.
Date: Friday 30 June and Saturday 1 July 2023 8:30am - 4:30pm
Location: Online via Zoom
Complete your Expression of Interest or call 1300 411 461 for further information.
Seeking participants
The 2023 Commissioning Survey
Time is running out to share your views and experience of commissioning in the ACT. Your annual feedback helps us look at the strength of the relationship between government and the non-government sector and our collective levels of optimism and trust.
Closing on Friday 23 June 2023, this year’s insights will be benchmarked against 2022 and identify what is working and where we need to improve. Be part of the benchmark in the 8 minutes it takes to complete the survey.
Public Advocate and Children and Young People Commissioner annual satisfaction survey
The Public Advocate and Children and Young People Commissioner is committed to pursuing a supportive and caring community where the rights and interests of people experiencing vulnerability are protected. The Commissioner invites you to participate in their annual survey to improve their services. Survey closes 30 June.
Consciousness and the phenomenology of psychosis survey
ANU is seeking participants for a study exploring how changes in consciousness affect first-person experience of psychosis.
What's on
Upcoming MHCC ACT training
Alcohol, Tobacco & Other Drugs Information and Harm Reduction training
The Alcohol Tobacco and Other Drug Association ACT (ATODA) is hosting alcohol, tobacco and other drug (ATOD) information & harm reduction training in collaboration with MHCC ACT, Youth Coalition of the ACT and ACT Shelter.
The training will seek to provide participants with:
- Improved knowledge of ATOD use and trends in the ACT/Australia
- Improved knowledge on ATOD and harm reduction strategies to share with your clients
- Improved confidence in working with people ATOD issues
- New skills in harm reduction practice.
When: 26 and 27 June
Where: Youth Coalition of the ACT
Cost: $80 - $120
DoNoHarm Training
The words we use matter.
It’s everybody’s responsibility to ensure they communicate in a way that is healing, rather than harmful, especially when discussing sensitive topics like mental health.
Join our upcoming training to learn how to communicate appropriately, and inclusively about mental health conditions, traumatic experiences, suicide, self-harm and disordered eating.
Whether you are telling your own story, or communicating about mental health concerns, this session will equip you to share and hear stories safely.
This workshop is based on the DoNoHarm framework© by Mental Illness Education ACT (MIEACT).
Upcoming MHCC ACT events
MHCC ACT Mid-year forum
Join MHCC ACT for an afternoon of celebration, learning, and networking at our 2023 mid-year forum: Weathering the Storm: Mental health and climate change. In a Q&A panel, facilitated by Keith Mahar, a respected lived experience and peer worker advocate, we will delve into the intersection between climate change and mental health.
Our panelists include:
Fay Jackson: General Manager Inclusion at Flourish Australia, Inaugural Deputy Commissioner of the NSW Mental Health Commission, Associate Fellow UTS, and CEO of Vision in Mind. Fay brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the discussion.
Dr. Grant Blashki: Lead Clinical Advisor of Beyond Blue and a renowned expert in the field. With over two decades of research on climate change and health, Dr. Blashki has played a pivotal role in exploring these links and advocating for change.
Leanne Craze: A seasoned mental health advocate and author of the National Framework for Recovery Oriented Mental Health Services. Leanne has also been actively raising awareness about the mental health impacts of climate change, fostering collaborative responses from services and communities.
Sharon Friel: An Australian Research Council Laureate Fellow and Professor of Health Equity, Sharon's work focuses on addressing health inequities stemming from social, commercial, and planetary determinants. Her insights shed light on the broader dimensions of the issue.
This is a free, hybrid event, open to all. If you join us in person, you’ll also have ample networking opportunities and light refreshments.
Thursday 6 July 1-2.30pm AEST
Other upcoming events
Training and workshops
"Break the Barrier" - an intergenerational learning circle, 25 June and 10 September, hosted by SiTara's Story.
Upcoming Courses with the Mental Health Coordinating Council Including courses in peer leadership, responding to voices, understanding mental health, and Certificate IV in Mental Health.
New Imagine More Workshops for families of students with disability Workshops on school to work for different age groups, developing a visual resume, and creating home.
Advanced leadership for community chairs - The Institute of Community Directors Australia. New course dates have been announced.
Chronic Conditions Network Online Meeting - Health Care Consumer's Association Zoom, 28 June
A New Approach to ACT Mental Health Care Services System Reform - Canberra Deepend General Practice, AMA ACT and Capital Health Network. Workshops are free and will be held June 23 and July 7.
Conferences and forums
National Equally Well Symposium 2023 – Equally Well, Sydney, 25-27 July
Stride with us for better mental health, scenic rim 2023, Gold Coast, 26 to 28 July, hosted by Stride.
Free CME Conference – Body Image and Body Dysmorphia – 11 RACGP CPD Education Hours – Waratah Private Hospital, Sydney, 12 August
33rd Annual Mental Health Services Conference, Adelaide, 15 to 18 August, hosted by the MHS Learning Network.
Australian Psychosis Conference 2023, Sydney, 11 to 13 September, hosted by Psychosis Australia.
Women in Leadership Summit 2023, Sydney, 23-26 October.
Indigenous Wellbeing Conference, Darwin, 30 to 31 October, hosted by the Australian & New Zealand Mental Health Association.
Third annual Australian Disability Service Conference, Melbourne, 23 November hosted by One Community.
2023 STOP Domestic Violence Conference, Hobart, 27-29 November.
Other
Opportunities
Grants
2023 Mental Health Month Reimbursement Grants Program
The Mental Health Month Reimbursement Grants Program provides funding to help local ACT groups and organisations host a mental health-focused event during Mental Health Month. The scope of Mental Health Month events is limited only by your imagination and enthusiasm!
Events should seek to maximise the wellbeing of individuals and the wider community and promote positive mental health.
Grants are for any community group or organisation, charity, school, university or faith-based group within or outside of the mental health sector in the ACT. Government agencies and private sector businesses are ineligible for grant funding.
To apply for a Mental Health Month ACT Reimbursement Grant:
Read the advice in the Application guidelines, including who can apply and what the grant can be used for.
Develop your event plan in line with the Mental Health Month objectives and theme. This could include a timeline, run sheet, project plan or similar.
Develop a detailed budget to determine how much funding you need to apply for (noting that grant funding is reimbursed after the event).
Consider COVID-smart planning and how your event might need to change if there is an outbreak and restrictions in place.
Complete the online form.
Grants applications close at midnight 25 June.
Peer Work Scholarship Grants
The Mental Health Peer Work Scholarship Program is now taking applications from people with lived mental health experience and is open until 23 June 2023. Successful applicants will receive funding to undertake a Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work in 2023.
Funding is available for up to six scholarships in the ACT. The scholarship consists of up to a $4,000 course fee and $1,000 stipend per successful scholarship recipient. Additional costs may be incurred by the recipient depending on the course they enrol in.
The scholarship aims to aid the development of an experienced, skilled and engaged workforce that delivers high-quality services and support for people experiencing mental health issues, their families and their carers.
Creating and growing a skilled mental health peer workforce is supported through the ACT Mental Health Workforce Strategy, the Office for Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategic Approach to Mental Health in the ACT, and the ACT Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan.
To be eligible for a scholarship applicants must:
- be 17 years or older and/or a school leaver
- be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, a holder of a permanent residence visa, or a migrant, refugee or asylum seeker holding a temporary or bridging visa providing work and/or study rights
- have lived experience of mental distress/ill-health and/or suicide as a consumer, carer or family member
- meet the attendance and study requirements to complete your chosen course
- be seeking to enter the Peer Workforce or are currently working in the peer mental health workforce
- have access to the internet and somewhere suitable to study
- have well developed self-care strategies and access to support networks you will use to complete the course
- agree to enrol in a Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work and commence study with the Registered Training Organisations (RTO) of their choice by 31 December 2023
- be willing to participate in the evaluation of the scholarship program.
All applicants will need to complete and submit a Mental Health Peer Work Scholarship application in line with the application guidelines via SmartyGrants.
Applications open from 15 May to 23 June 2023.
The scholarship program is funded through the Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care.
Capital of Equality Grants Program
The Capital of Equality Grants Program has been redesigned to better respond to community needs. The program aims to support and strengthen Canberra’s LGBTIQ+ communities. $700,000 has been allocated to the 2023 and 2024 grant rounds. Funding is available across three streams:
- Connection Fund
- Partnerships and Capacity Building
- LGBTIQ+ Leadership
Further information available here.
ActewAGL 2023 Community Grants program
ActewAGL has opened applications for its 2023 Community Grants program, which distributes much-needed funding to a broad range of charities, not-for-profit and grassroots organisations.
Grants of up to $20,000 are available for projects and initiatives that support and enrich the local community across four primary areas: environmental sustainability, at-risk and disadvantaged populations, community engagement and innovation.
Other opportunities
Fee-Free TAFE
Fee-Free TAFE is a jointly funded initiative of the Commonwealth, state and territory governments. The initiative provides fee-free vocational education and training to ACT students wanting to train, retrain or upskill. Students will need to pay for any learning resources such as textbooks or other equipment required for the course.
Fee-Free TAFE is intended for new enrolments, however, you do not need to be new to CIT.
Places are limited and you must meet the eligibility requirements.
Free Legal Drop-in Service
A solicitor from the Mental Health Justice Clinic will be providing a FREE Drop-In service at the Network on the first Thursday of every month between 10am and 12pm. The Clinic offers free, independent and confidential legal services.
ACT Mental Health Consumer Network Office, Level 2, Room 11, The Griffin Centre, 20 Genge Street, Canberra City. If you are unable to make it during Drop-In you can still self access the service by email to info@canberracommunitylaw.org.au or call (02) 6218 7900.
Social Work Placements
Would your organisation like to host a Social Work student from Australian Catholic University?
All Placements can be:
- Direct (working alongside clients, group work, working with communities)
- Indirect (no direct contact with clients including policy, research or community development based) or
- Mixed (working in an agency that offers direct client work and project-based activities)
Email Michael.AduAdjei@acu.edu.au for further information, or register your interest here.
Resources
For front-line workers
Four hacks to have a great work day after a poor night’s sleep
To help consumers
Rent Relief Fund
Canberrans from low-income households who are finding it difficult to pay their rent can apply for financial assistance from the ACT Government through the Rent Relief Fund.
The Rent Relief Fund will provide targeted, short-term support for low-income households in the ACT’s private rental sector who are experiencing rental stress or severe financial hardship.
Care, a community organisation that assists people on low to moderate incomes or who are experiencing financial difficulty, will administer the fund.
Once approved, applicants can receive a one-off grant for up to four weeks of rent, capped at $2500. The grant is paid directly to the landlord or grantor in the case of occupants.
The fund is open for applications until 30 June 2024.
More information
Job opportunities
Our members are recruiting. See current job opportunities from our members.
Ending on a positive
In this section, we want to include fun, uplifting or light-hearted stories linked to mental health. If you have an idea for an article to include, please email it to communications@mhccact.org.au.
'Dementia is not scary': big message behind little community garden in Tuggeranong
A new community garden in Tuggeranong features a lemon tree, two blueberry bushes, a few hundred Floriade bulbs and one big message about people with dementia.
Editorial policy
Opinions expressed in articles included in this newsletter do not necessarily reflect the policy position of MHCC ACT. Information included in this newsletter is for general information purposes only and should not be seen as an endorsement of any particular service.
Our mailing address
Lvl 1, 20 Genge St, Canberra City, ACT 2601
Acknowledgement of Country
MHCC ACT acknowledges all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Traditional Custodians and Country and recognises their continuing connection to land, sea, culture and community. We pay our respects to their Elders, past and present.
