Our directions for the future

The Mental Health Commission of NSW this month released two documents that outline our focus areas and priorities for the next five years.

Partnering with the community
for a stronger Commission details our response to the recent independent Review of the Mental Health Commission of NSW, including how the Commission will act on the Review's recommendations. 

Key Directions 2018-2023 outlines the  Commission's six strategic objectives for the next five years. These have been informed by the Review, the Commission's achievements to date, feedback from the community, and the impact of broader changes happening in mental health care. 

Seeking new Deputy Commissioners

The Commission is seeking expressions of interest for up to three Deputy Commissioner roles, with terms scheduled to begin from 1 December 2018.

Tracking mental health reform

The Commission is working with the community to update how it tracks and reports on the progress of mental health reform in NSW. 

Throughout August, the Commission travelled to Blacktown, Armidale and Griffith to hear from individuals and families affected by mental health issues on how they would like efforts to improve mental health to be measured. Government agencies, service providers and data analysts have also provided input. 

Joint Commissioners Meeting August 2018

The latest research on wellbeing and the value of psychiatrists with lived experience of mental health issues were among the items discussed when the Australia's Mental Health Commissioners came together this month.

Supporting NSW’s Vietnamese community to learn about medications

The Commission has published a new resource to help Vietnamese speakers in our community learn more about mental health medications. 

Get ready for Mental Health Month

October is Mental Health Month in NSW. The annual campaign is organised by WayAhead - Mental Health Association NSW with support from the Commission.  You can see what is happening in your local area on the Mental Health Month website. Look out for details of the Commission's events for Mental Health Month in next month's newsletter. 

Art competition now open

People with lived experience of mental health issues are encouraged to enter One Door Mental Health's 11th Art Competition. The competition has this year expanded to include three prize categories including a first prize of $3500. Entries are open until 7 November. 

Farewell Karen Burns

After a short but significant time at the NSW Mental Health Commission on a full-time basis, we farewelled NSW Deputy Mental Health Commissioner Karen Burns on 3 August 2018.

Congratulations Kate

A big congratulations to Dr Katherine Gill for being named a 2018 Hocking Fellow. The Fellowship is offered by SANE Australia. 

Dr Gill, who is a mental health researcher and regular adviser to the Commission, will use the study grant to increase people's understanding of functional neurological disorder (FND). She will do this by collecting lived experience stories and evidence.

Read more about Kate on our website.

#LivingWellNSW

If you are looking to improve your mental health and wellbeing – or support those around you – beyondblue's Personal best is for you. There you can find information, stories, tips and strategies to inspire you to achieve your all round personal best, and every single bit of advice is backed up by research evidence.