No images? Click here
October 2023
Connector
Message from the Acting CEO Paul McCormack
Welcome to World Mental Health Day 2023.
10 October, World Mental Health Day, is an important day to acknowledge people in our community who are impacted by mental ill-health.
While relatively new to the Commission, the important work it does is close to my heart and, like many of my colleagues both at the Commission and across the mental health system, I have a deep appreciation and care for people with lived and living experience of mental health conditions, and their families.
This month our challenge in the mental health system is to improve knowledge, raise awareness and take actions that promote and protect everyone’s mental health - both on World Mental Health Day and throughout Mental Health Month in Australia. The international theme this year focuses on how ‘mental health is a universal human right’. This means that everyone, whoever and wherever they are, has a right to the highest attainable standard of mental health.
To truly support those with lived and living experience, we need to continue to foster human rights for all, and support those who are most vulnerable, such as children and people from minority population groups who face additional barriers.
Tragically, the data shows that people with mental health conditions are disproportionately likely to experience physical health conditions and reduced life expectancy. Access to integrated care and wellbeing support is essential for change to help all Australian live the life they want, with meaning and purpose.
I’d also like to acknowledge the vital role provided by carers, family members, service providers, advocates, and practitioners in supporting and caring for those with mental health conditions. Their contribution and support is invaluable.
Why not join the discussion with the Australian Human Rights Commission and BEING to find out more about how mental health is a universal human right by registering for their online event on 17 October 2023.
World Mental Health Day Videos
Executive members of the Commission have recorded their messages of support for World Mental Health Day and to celebrate Mental Health Month:
- Paul McCormack, Acting Chief Executive Officer
- Lyndall Soper, Deputy Chief Executive Officer
- Dr Ruth Vine, Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Mental Health
- Kerry Hawkins, Commissioner
- Alex Hains, Head, National Suicide Prevention Office
Other videos on our YouTube channel are available at the link below.
Curiosity, Compassion and Care
A new report on people’s lived experience of distress and mental ill-health in Australia.
Written by Everymind, this report is a plain language translation of five research studies conducted by the University of New England. It helps us to better understand how people in Australia experience distress and mental ill-health and what services and supports they have found helpful and unhelpful.
Priority Populations in Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Research Report
The Stretton Institute and School of Social Sciences at the University of Adelaide has released a report on how ‘priority populations’ are being understood and considered in current mental health and suicide prevention policy. This research includes a tool to analyse and identify priority populations in different communities and contexts.
2023 National Workforce Survey for Child, Parent and Family Mental Health
Emerging Minds is conducting the National Workforce Survey for Family, Parent and Child Mental Health. This survey informs strategies and policy to meet the needs of health, social and community services workers across Australia, and supports improved outcomes for infants, children and families. It closes on 15 November 2023.
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.
Follow us
