December 2023

Connector

Message from the Interim CEO

As we approach the end of 2023, we reflect on some of the heightened stressors being experienced across Australia, impacted by housing and economic insecurity, and the global impact of natural disasters, displacement of people, and hostilities. We acknowledge the very real challenges faced by those who are experiencing mental health conditions, and their carers, family, and kin.

Lived Experience Prioritised

This year we have released several reports that focus on lived experience, including the National Report 2022 – Reflections on a Journey of Change which looks at what has changed over the past 10 years against the context of Australia grappling with the impact of conditions in which people are born, grow, work, live, and age, and the wider forces and systems shaping daily life.

We shared a series of the companion documents for the Lived Experience (Peer) Workforce Guidelines to support the crucial role the Lived Experience (Peer) workforce plays in meeting the mental health needs of our community.

We released Curiosity, Compassion and Care, a report on people’s lived experience of distress and mental ill-health in Australia. And just this week we have published a Summary Report of Pandemic Research Projects. This summarises 10 research projects on the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on 10 priority populations. It contains key insights to better our understanding of the mental health and wellbeing needs of Australians, and of the system required to meet these needs, particularly in times of crisis.

We acknowledge all the individual and collective expertise of those with a living or lived experience of mental ill-health and suicide, as well as the lived experience of their families, carers, and kin. We recognise their vital contribution at all levels and value the courage of those who share this unique perspective for the purpose of learning and growing together to achieve better outcomes for all. And we thank in particular all of those with lived experience who shared their experiences to create these reports.

We held public consultations to inform the development of National Guidelines for the inclusion of mental health and wellbeing in Early Childhood Health Checks. We also deepened the conversation around digital technologies and mental health to better understand how technology use is helpful or harmful for young people through public consultation and engagement with the Office for Youth’s Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Youth Advisory Group. Consultation summary reports from both these projects will be available on the Commission’s website next year.

National Suicide Prevention Office

The National Suicide Prevention Office (NSPO) focused on drafting the National Suicide Prevention Strategy (the Strategy.) The team is now nearing final stages of draft development. The NSPO has advised of a shift in timelines to allow for more in-depth consultation, both within and across governments, prior to release for public consultation. This purposeful engagement deep into departments is intended to enable the whole-of-government approach required for reform, by ensuring support for the Strategy at all levels. The NSPO is currently talking with the many portfolios of Commonwealth Government where specific recommendations within the Strategy would be actioned. The Strategy will then undergo consultation with states and territory governments before the draft is released for public consultation in early 2024.

For more information on the development process of the draft national Suicide Prevention Strategy, click here. If you would like to be notified directly by the NSPO of the public consultation opportunity, please register here.

Several submissions to public enquiries and consultations were also completed.

On a final note, you may be aware that the National Mental Health Commission itself has experienced challenges in providing the right support for its workforce, which was highlighted in the media in April. Following an Investigation and Functional and Efficiency Review, we have developed several plans, and have a targeted staff Action Plan. We are also using the Blueprint and other resources from the National Workplace Initiative to help guide our internal reform.

Thank you for your ongoing support and interest.

Paul McCormack
Interim CEO

Mental Health Calendar

Our 2024 mental health calendar has now been published. This is a compilation of mental health and wellbeing events and days for acknowledgement throughout the year.

View here

Seeking support this holiday season

We would like to thank the mental health sector for supporting the Australian community this year - we are grateful for your efforts.

The holiday season can be difficult for people who live alone or may not have close friends or family near them. If you are struggling or know someone who is, support is available. Click below for details of these free services.

Find support

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.