August 2023

Connector

Message from the Interim CEO

The past months have gone by rapidly and already I have been working with the National Mental Health Commission for over three months. While the Commission is undergoing a review, we’ve continued work across a number of strategic areas, and in areas of core responsibility.

This includes exploring some of the impacts and associations of digital technology on youth through working with young people, an Expert Advisory Group and survey. We have also opened a consultation and survey on the wellbeing of children aged 0-5 years – particularly to consider what should be included in health checks.

National Guidelines - wellbeing in early childhood health checks

We are leading a project to develop National Guidelines to support states and territories to include wellbeing, as it relates to social and emotional development, in early childhood health checks (covering children aged 0-5). To share your feedback please complete this anonymous survey.

Insights from the public consultation on the draft National Stigma and Discrimination Reduction Strategy

We have recently released a new report ‘What We Heard’ which highlights the feedback received through the public consultation on the draft National Stigma and Discrimination Reduction Strategy. We received 99 submissions and almost 400 survey responses providing feedback on the proposed actions.

We are grateful to those who trusted us with their deeply personal experiences, and those who suggested improvements to strengthen the draft Strategy ahead of its delivery to Government.

Read the report

Supporting Lived Experience and carers

Appreciating the financial barriers people with Lived Experience and Carers may face in attending relevant conferences, the Commission has funded several bursaries for the Australian Psychosis Conference in September 2023. Applications close 11 August.

Apply here

Understanding how digital technology is impacting young people

A special thank you to everyone who shared their views via our recent survey on digital technologies and how they are impacting youth mental health. The feedback received is being reviewed. It will provide insights to inform policies that support young people to mitigate the potential for harm from digital technology while maximising the potential benefits, such as connection, innovation, and enjoyment.

Have your say

The Commission has an engagement platform called Have Your Say, so we can hear your feedback and ideas on the development of our projects and strategies. Register here if you wish to be notified of upcoming public consultations.