We are sorry to advise that Jacqui Bell is leaving WAAMH and moving back to her home state of Victoria, her last day with WAAMH will be Friday 19th July. This also means that an exciting opportunity is now available to work with WAAMH in the position of Manager Sector Development.  A position description and key selection criteria is available: Sector Development Manager vacancy.

Please contact Rod Astbury if you have any questions about this opportunity.

WAAMH will be hosting a second sector forum for 2013 on 30th October and we will hold our AGM on the same day.  The forum will have a major focus on the progress of the reform agenda and will introduce participants to a range of new resources and services available on WAAMHs updated website and service directory. Our first forum of the year was held in the lead up to the WA election, our second is likely to follow the Federal election, both with significant implications for the sector!

If you have any questions about WAAMH’s sector forum, please contact Rod Astbury.

WAAMH have consistently advocated for the development of the Individual Placement and Support model of supported employment in Western Australia.   WAAMH are pleased to announce a 12 month project grant to improve access to employment for people with mental health issues through state-wide capacity building, development and advocacy.

WAAMH will be continuing to resource the state wide IPS Steering Committee, provide mentoring and consultation to highly motivated mental health services and DES providers and full fidelity support to four IPS partnerships in both regional and metropolitan areas.

The level of interest has grown significantly over the past six months and it is hoped that services offering an IPS Program will fill the landscape of the mental health and employment sectors of WA, aiding recovery, improving social inclusion and reducing the demand for acute treatment services.

Please go to http://www.waamh.org.au/ips to learn more about WAAMH’s work around IPS or contact PDickson@waamh.org.au.

The State Government will include people with mental health needs in the extension of the My Way program to Western Australia’s lower South-West. The Lower South West trial site will align the funding principles with the principles of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

While the state government has indicated that WA will participate in the NDIS, it wants to retain key elements of WA’s existing disability services system.

The means by which people with mental health needs will be included are yet to be determined and the Mental Health Commission has begun a process of consultation about the approach to be taken. 

If you have any questions about MyWay/NDIS Trial, please contact Rod Astbury.

Mental Health Week is a wonderful example of what can be done through strong partnerships as we successfully engage with our sector, the broader community, and encourage government and corporate organisations to participate in the promotion of positive mental health messages.

The aim of Mental Health Week is to promote social and emotional wellbeing to the community, encouraging people to maximise their health potential, enhancing the coping capacity of communities, families, individuals and increasing mental health recovery.

The theme Celebrate Connect Grow was a huge success for 2012 so we have chosen to promote this again for 2013.

• Celebrate the positive things in your life, as well as the strengths and values that have helped you through more challenging times.
• Connect with others by paying attention to your close relationships or by reaching out and making new friends.
• Grow by expanding your horizons and trying something new that creates meaning and purpose for you.

Glenn Mitchell – Ambassador for Mental Health Week

Glenn has been an energetic advocate to Mental Health Week—his enthusiasm and passion to speak about his personal journey of recovery and the stigma attached to mental illness has been keenly received by the general public. Glenn’s ability to hold the audience with his knowledge, his personal experience and his fun personality definitely promotes the messages we want to deliver during the Week in a qualified and engaging manner.

Find out more at our Mental Health Week website.

With the closing date drawing near we are now beginning to receive some fabulous entries for the competition.  If you know of a school who would still like to participate follow this link for more information Design a poster.  Prizes include four winning pieces of artwork will be printed onto postcards and used as promotional material during Mental Health Week.

If you have any questions about Mental Health Week, please contact Anne Preston Carter.

Exploring dual diagnosis of mental illness and intellectual disability – Prevention and treatment

5-8 August 2013 – Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre

The School of Occupational Therapy and Social Work, Curtin University, in partnership with the Western Australian Disability Services Commission and the Western Australian Mental Health Commission, is holding a four-day conference on Health, Mental Health and Intellectual Disability from August 5 – 8, 2013.

Registrations for this event are now closed.

Further information can be found on our event page.

The MHS 23rd Annual Conference 20-23 August 2013

Melbourne Convention Centre, Victoria

Mental health services across Australasia are changing rapidly. Join us in Melbourne with our exciting keynote speakers and a great diversity of conference participants to discuss and debate the issues and services important to Forging the Future in a rapidly changing world.

More Information:

• Conference Brochure
• Program
• Accommodation

Keynote Speakers (Steve Harrington (USA), Mike Slade (UK), Bernadette McSherry (Australia)

14-16 October 2013, Geelong VIC

The 5th Australian Rural and Remote Mental Health Symposium will explore the challenges and effectiveness of alliances between government, NGO’s, and communities through presentations and evaluations of partnership initiatives.  It will also examine “diagnosable mild to moderate mental illness” in regional, rural and remote Australia.

This Conference offers an invaluable opportunity to build relationships with individuals involved in Rural and Remote Mental Health. Partnerships are vital in the interaction between mental health service providers, particularly in rural and remote locations.

For more information about sponsorship and exhibition opportunities please view the prospectus.

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

Are you interested in improving the choice and control citizens and communities have, and in having a say in how you get the services you need for yourself, your family and your community?

Self-directed Services is all about citizens and communities as consumers or users of human and community services systems being part of the decision making and design of the services they use.  The Western Australian government supports the implementation of self-directed services approaches across government departments and community organisations. 

The Self-directed Services Consumer Advocacy Group will provide feedback and input on what is working well in the shift to self-directed services and what needs improving.  It will also be an opportunity to share ideas, examples and concerns about self-directed services.  The group will meet every three months and seek information or share information from the wider network as required.

Please contact: Taryn Harvey 0488 661 277 or Sam Jenkinson 0412 887 674 for more information.

Information sessions:

Friday 2 August and Sunday 25 August, 1.30 – 3.30pm.
City West Lotteries House, 2 Delhi Street, West Perth