News and resources from the community-managed mental health sector
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ACT Mental Health Sector Update
In this Sector Update, find:
- The CEO blog, from Melanie Poole
- Sector News
- Upcoming events from the MHCC ACT and in Canberra
- Grants, community resources, and other opportunities
Our next Sector Update will be on 15 September. Let us know if you have anything you'd like us to include by replying to this email.
From the CEO
It has been an energising fortnight at MHCC ACT.
Today, I am in the Canberra Times speaking about climate change, mental health and the cost of living – drawing especially on the ACTCOSS report released this month. You can read my op ed here.
This week, we offered Connecting with People training for ACT NGO mental health sector executives in partnership with the ACT Office of Mental Health and Wellbeing. Connecting with People is a training approach to suicide prevention that challenges the traditional notions of risk quantification, prediction, and management of suicidality. Emphasis on the use of compassionate and informed engagement with those in suicidal distress is championed.
At its core the philosophy of Connecting with People is that suicide is not a foregone conclusion for those living with suicidality and that talking about suicide is not a contributory risk factor.
Recently, we have also made a submission to the NDIS review. I would like to recognise the work of Lauren O’Brien, a well-known disability policy expert and advocate, for her wonderful input into this submission. I would also like to acknowledge the wonderful Pam Boyer, a long-time MHCC Board member and ongoing friend to MHCC, for providing advice.
Many of you will be all-too-familiar with the decrease in community-based mental health service funding since the start of the NDIS. More than 150,000 people in Australia (including at least 2,500 Canberrans) with severe and complex mental health conditions are currently receiving no psychosocial support services from either the NDIS or from any other Commonwealth or state/territory-funded services.
We argue for more equitable access to the NDIS for those with psychosocial disability, but we also call for an expansion of services and resources beyond the NDIS such that the NDIS does not remain an “oasis in the desert”. The NDIS is an important and transformative opportunity for many people – including those who experience substantial and profound impacts of severe mental ill-health. But not everyone who experiences mental ill health or disability will want or need the level or types of individual support offerings in the NDIS.
One of our recommendations is that mental health prevention and early support via community-managed mental health services is increased, commensurate with level of needs.
I am delighted that I will be able to represent our position on the NDIS and community mental health funding reforms needed in meetings we – and fellow state and territory community mental health peaks - have secured with key MPs, including Federal Health Minister Mark Butler, Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Emma McBride, and NDIS Minister Bill Shorten, in mid-September. I would welcome input from any member CEOs ahead of these meetings – please get in touch.
Coming up, Our Events Manager, Rahni, is also in the thick of organising ACT’s Mental Health Month (October). A highpoint of the celebrations will be a mental health awards evening on November 1, for which we will be joined by Federal Charities Minister Dr Andrew Leigh, who will speak about the loneliness epidemic and the role of our sector in building community. If you know a hero working towards the mental health of our local community, be sure to nominate them!
Finally, please save the date for our Annual General Meeting, which will be held on 14 November 2023 at 2pm. Further details to follow.
- Melanie Poole, CEO MHCC ACT
In our sector
In the news
Reconnection: Meeting the Climate Crisis Inside Out | The Mindfulness Initiative
Why the Voice is the missing puzzle piece in Indigenous health | Croakey
New research to probe the mental health of young Australian refugees | SBS News
Done wrong, the new housing promise could worsen climate and health outcomes | Croakey
International student aims to destigmatise mental health discussions | SBS News
Govt refuses to provide info on alleged Dhulwa violence due to privacy laws | The Canberra Times
Consultation opened to adopt social model of disability inclusion across the Territory | Riotact
ACT proposes reforms to rapid alcohol delivery amid underage, harm concerns | Riotact
Planning and consultations
Suicide Prevention and Intervention Framework AMC and ACT Court Cells Guideline
Have you experienced incarceration at the AMC? Do you know of any mental health consumers who have? The Network is holding a Forum for consumers with lived experience of mental illness on Tuesday 5 September 2023 from 1pm to 2.30pm regarding the Suicide Prevention & Intervention Framework AMC & ACT Court Cells Guideline. This forum will be held in person and via Zoom and will be an opportunity for you to provide feedback to the Guideline which will be provided when you RSVP.
If you are:
- a consumer and you would like to participate please send your RSVP to policy@actmhcn.org.au by TODAY, Friday 1 September 2023. You will then receive the location/Zoom details for the meeting.
- an organisation, please forward this invitation to your members with lived experience of mental illness or contact policy@actmhcn.org.au and I will be in touch to discuss any feedback you may have.
Study Participants - Listening Together: Co-design Working Group
Molly Saunders and Laura Davy, from the Australian National University, are researching how young people with disability and young carers understand listening, and whether they feel listened to by the people, organisations and institutions that impact their lives.
They want to find out whether young people with disability and young carers feel listened to by the people in their lives. They want young people with disability and young carers to help them plan this research, by joining a Working Group.
- You can join the Working Group if:
- You have a disability or are a carer
- You are between 15 and 29 years old, and
- You live in, or near, the Australian Capital Territory
Please contact Laura (Phone: 02 6125 2558; Email: laura.davy@anu.edu.au) or Molly (Phone: 02 6125 2648; Email: molly.saunders@anu.edu.au) to find out more.
Consultation on the types of psychosocial supports that need to be available outside the National Disability Insurance Scheme
Mental Health Australia is inviting you to an online consultation that Mental Health Australia and the National Mental Health Consumer and Carer Forum (NMHCCF) will host on the types of psychosocial supports that need to be available outside the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
As you may already be aware, the Productivity Commission estimated that 154,000 people are not able to access the psychosocial support services they require outside the NDIS. It estimated the funding shortfall for these services to be in the order of $610 million per year.
Through the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement, Australian governments are currently estimating demand compared to current availability of psychosocial supports outside the NDIS. Mental Health Australia in partnership with the National Mental Health Consumer and Carer Forum intends to provide the Australian Government with advice on the evidence-based and best practice psychosocial support services, initiatives and approaches it should prioritise funding after it completes its analysis. This consultation will inform Mental Health Australia’s advice to governments.
Mental Health Australia members and people with lived experience, and carers and family members, will provide feedback on the updated list of psychosocial services.
Date: Thursday 26 October 2023
Time: 10.00am – 12.00pm
Location: Online via Zoom
For more information, to RSVP, or to provide input if you are not available at this time, please email policy@mhaustralia.org.
NDIS General Issues Inquiry
The Joint Standing Committee on the NDIS is seeking information about the implementation, performance, governance, administration and expenditure of the NDIS. In particular, the committee invites input from participants, their carers and family members, service providers, and representative organisations.
National Public Co-Design for Consensus Statement Phase 2 Families Pathway
Are you a parent living with mental ill-health or a partner of a parent who has lived-experience or a child or family member of a parent/s with lived-experience?
We would like to invite you to participate in the Public Co-Design for the Consensus Statement Phase 2 as part of the Roadmap for The ALIVE National Centre for Research Translation.
Suicide Prevention & Intervention Framework AMC & ACT Court Cells Guideline Forum
Have you experienced incarceration at the AMC? Do you know of any mental health consumers who have?
The Network is holding a Forum for consumers with lived experience of mental illness on Tuesday 5 September 2023 from 1pm to 2.30pm regarding the attached Suicide Prevention & Intervention Framework AMC & ACT Court Cells Guideline.
This forum will be held in person and via Zoom and will be an opportunity for you to provide feedback to the Guideline.
If you are a consumer and you would like to participate please send your RSVP to policy@actmhcn.org.au by TODAY, Friday 1 September 2023. If you are an organisation, please forward this invitation to your members with lived experience of mental illness or contact policy@actmhcn.org.au
Seeking participants
NDIS Review Survey
This survey is conducted by Women With Disabilities ACT and Advocacy for Inclusion for Women with Disabilities Australia and with funding from the Department of Social Services. Your information will be kept confidential and will be used anonymously to help us write a submission to the NDIS review. This survey will take about 10 minutes to complete. All questions are optional.
National Workforce Survey for Child, Parent and Family Mental Health
This survey is being conducted by the Emerging Minds: National Workforce Centre for Child Mental Health (NWC), to better understand the current awareness, knowledge, confidence and practice challenges facing professionals in supporting children’s mental health during their everyday practice. The NWC is funded from the Department of Health, Commonwealth Government to assist health, social and community services workers to have the skills and confidence to identify, assess and support children at risk of mental health difficulties. It is anticipated that the survey will take about 25 minutes of your time.
YWCA Canberra | Our Lives: Women in the ACT
YWCA Canberra are proud to be running the third iteration of the Our Lives: women in the ACT survey. This biannual survey is your opportunity to share your experiences of living in Canberra and the surrounding region and to help us achieve our vision of girls and women thriving. The 2023 survey is for all women and non-binary people who are aged 16 years and over, and who live, work, or study in the ACT or surrounding NSW regions. The survey should take around 10 minutes to complete depending on your responses.
The Sydney Burnout Study: Pursuing its causes, progression and treatment pathways - Black Dog Institute
Are you currently experiencing burnout? Whether you are working, retired, studying or responsible for home/care duties, you may be currently feeling burnt out. If so, you are invited to participate in research aiming to clarify the nature of burnout. This research is being conducted by Professor Gordon Parker at UNSW Sydney and the Black Dog Institute.
Survey: Co-creating Safe Spaces Project
The Co-Creating Safe Spaces project is led by A/Prof Michelle Banfield and a team of lived experience researchers based at The Australian National University. We are evaluating safe spaces and safe havens in Australia in collaboration with services and communities. The project is funded by a grant from Suicide Prevention Australia.
As a part of our research, we are seeking people from the community to fill in our anonymous online survey, to share their insights on services and support for people experiencing emotional distress and/or suicidal crisis. Anyone over 16 years is welcome to contribute, whether or not they have heard about or used safe spaces.
All questions are optional, the survey will take around 10-30 minutes depending on your choices.
Consciousness and the phenomenology of psychosis survey
ANU is seeking participants for a study exploring how changes in consciousness affect first-person experience of psychosis.
What's on
There are many exceptional people and initiatives working to promote and improve mental health understanding, awareness, service provision and wellbeing in the Canberra community.
The ACT Mental Health Month Awards recognise the achievements of individuals, groups, organisations, businesses and initiatives in the area of mental health in the ACT.
The awards are a sector-wide initiative coordinated by the Mental Health Community Coalition ACT and implemented by the Mental Health Month ACT Advisory Committee.
Awards are now open! You have until midnight 24 September to nominate. Please read the nomination guide and nominate now!
Upcoming events
Training and workshops
Volunteer Leaders Seminar 2023 - VolunteeringACT A capability-building event for volunteer managers and coordinators, 2 November, 9.30am - 2.30pm
Understanding the ACT Integrity Commission information session - ACTCOSS 7 September, 12-1pm
Lifeline Canberra - Dealing with People in Difficult Situations 7 September, 3 November, 30 January
Introduction to Grant Writing Workshop for the ACT Community Sector | ACTCOSS 20 September
Free Leadership Webinar Series 7 September, 4 October, 22 November
Cross Sector Networking Forum People exiting incarceration face many barriers and are the some of the most disadvantaged people in the Canberra community. Come and find out what services are available and how other services can assist people in this situation. 20 September, 10am - 12pm
Accidental Counsellor Training - Lifeline Canberra 28 September, 11 October, or 21 November
ReachOut webinar: What are you worried about? Young people’s stress burden and its impacts on their wellbeing. 6 September, 12pm
Menslink Midweekers Menslink Midweekers are all about discussing the issues facing young guys in the community. 13 September, 6pm.
Not-for-Profit Finance Week - Institute of Community Directors Australia A week of free webinars, 11-15 September
The Embrace Framework for Mental Health in Multicultural Australia webinar 6 September, 2-3pm
Conferences and forums
Canberra Disability Expo 1-2 September.
The Australian & New Zealand Mental Health Association Workplace Mental Health Symposium Gold Coast, 7-8 September.
Australian Psychosis Conference 2023, Sydney, 11 to 13 September, hosted by Psychosis Australia.
Seniors Expo – COTA ACT 21 September, Canberra
Women in Leadership Summit 2023, Sydney, 23-26 October.
Indigenous Wellbeing Conference, Darwin, 30 to 31 October, hosted by the Australian & New Zealand Mental Health Association.
2023 Rural Mental Health Conference Albury, 8-10 November
The Australian Association of Social Workers Health Symposium 16 November, Online.
Third annual Australian Disability Service Conference, Melbourne, 23 November hosted by One Community.
2023 STOP Domestic Violence Conference, Hobart, 27-29 November.
2024 Frontline Mental Health Conference Gold Coast, 4-5 March.
AddictionZ 2024, Breaking the Barriers Conference 29 April - 1 May, Gold Coast
17th National Rural Health Conference, Perth, 16-18 September 2024. (Save the date, link to come)
Other
Lake Rattle & Roll Support Lifeline and help break the world twist record. 8 October, 9-10am
YWCA Canberra: LGBTQIA+ & Allies Prom 2023 Young people are invited to attend; or you can sponsor a ticket for a young person to have the night of their life. 29 September 6-10pm
Lost in Diagnosis Performance Navigating the Communication Challenge of Misdiagnosis in Women, 7 September 5.30pm
MIEACT Fundraising Gala 2023 13 October, 7-11pm
Menslink Business Breakfast Fundraiser 26 September, 7.30am
African Australian Awards, Art, & Cultural Showcase, Phillip, 30 September 5-11.30PM
Opportunities
Grants
Capital of Equality Grants Program
The Capital of Equality Grants Program has been redesigned to better respond to community needs. The program aims to support and strengthen Canberra’s LGBTIQ+ communities. $700,000 has been allocated to the 2023 and 2024 grant rounds. Applications are currently open for the LGBTIQ+ Leadership stream until 3 September.
2023/2024 Volunteer Grants
Volunteer Grants support the work of local community organisations by enabling the inclusion of vulnerable people and promoting awareness to increase participation in volunteering. The 2023–24 Volunteer Grants Opportunity is open for Expressions of Interest (EOI) through Members of Parliament (MPs). Organisations interested in a grant must contact their local MP to submit an EOI and confirm when their EOI closes. Organisations that are nominated by their MP will be invited to apply for a grant in November 2023.
ACT Adult and Community Education (ACE) grants program
The ACT ACE grants program provides funding for the delivery of quality foundation skills training in accessible and inclusive community settings, to support Canberrans experiencing barriers to learning, training and work. The program will provide funding of up to $100,000 for successful applicant organisations to deliver foundation skills training in accessible and inclusive community settings. Find out more about the ACE grants program.
Other opportunities
Out From the Mist
Out From The Mist is a photography, short movie and music competition. This competition hopes to capture the breadth of diversity, from the experiences of pain and suffering, caring and empathy for loved ones, through to the elation of conquering obstacles.
You don’t need to be a professional or hold any qualifications to enter. All stories are valid and welcome.
Competition closes TODAY 1 September, with the awards night on World Mental Health Day on 10 October. Find out more.
2023 Volunteering Awards - VolunteeringACT
It’s been an important year for the volunteering sector and, of course, for volunteers. To acknowledge these efforts and recognise outstanding individuals and teams, VolunteeringACT invites you to celebrate with us the vital contribution of local volunteers by making a nomination and participating in our 2023 Volunteering Awards, Canberra region. Submit nominations by 30 October.
Storytelling Event for People Living with Disability - Expressions of Interest
The Disability Royal Commission finished taking submissions in December but the impact of the Commission is ongoing and people still have stories to tell. Relationships Australia Canberra & Region Disability Royal Commission counselling and Support Service (DRCCS) have joined This is my Brave Australia (TIMBA) to invite you to join us in a creative storytelling event for people living with disability, their families, supporters and workers. We look forward to learning about others lived experiences through storytelling, art, poetry, music, or any way you wish to share!
If you have a story to share through words, dance, art, comedy or any other medium, let us know! Please contact Miah or Bex at Relationships Australia on disabilitysupport@racr.org.au or call (02) 6923 9100 for any questions, ideas, or further information.
Student Counsellor Job
ANU Counselling is seeking Psychologists or Mental Health Social Workers to join our team of Student Counsellors. The position primarily entails the provision of individual counselling to students. It requires professional expertise in psychological counselling practices and young adult mental health. An understanding of a broad range of personal, psychological, life stage, cultural and study related issues and the ability to adopt appropriate counselling frameworks is essential for this position. Apply by 11 September.
Resources
The Disaster Mental Health Hub Information, resources and training for professionals who support individuals and communities experiencing the mental health impacts of disasters.
Embracing Change: A Guide to the NDIS Practice Standards - Mental Health Coordinating Council NSW Mental Health Coordinating Council NSW has developed two resources, as part of the project Embracing Change: A Guide to the NDIS Practice Standards, to foster greater awareness of the NDIS Practice Standards from a psychosocial disability perspective, and support NDIS providers to achieve increasing alignment with the NDIS Practice Standards.
Free Counselling with Charlie Wood As part of my studies, I am building up my 1-1 client time, so I'm offering free 1-hour online counselling sessions, as a student counsellor to anyone who might be keen. The approach I am training in is strongly influenced by Process-Oriented Psychology (aka Process Work), a liberation psychology and deeply non-pathologising approach, which brings together wisdom and practices from Jungian psychology, person-centred therapy, Internal Family systems, Taoism, communications and systems theory, indigenous wisdom and quantum physics. Process Workers work at the individual therapeutic level, but also with groups and on systemic change. In my 1-1 therapeutic practice, my hope is to specialise in supporting folks navigating complex trauma, climate grief, burnout, chronic illness, and the challenges of working on systemic injustice. I welcome folks from all different backgrounds and bring a diversity-centred approach to all that I do. Sessions can be in-person (in Ainslie) or online.
Canberra Homeless Connect 2023 Canberra Homeless Connect provides connection to services for people in the Canberra community who are at-risk of or currently experiencing homelessness. Held during Anti-Poverty Week, Canberra Homeless Connect 2023 is a one-day event in the heart of Canberra CBD. There will be stalls and representatives from a number of local community organisations who all share a common goal of making their services available and accessible to members of the Canberra community who are experiencing, or at risk of experiencing homelessness.
Psychosocial Project Group Under the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement, the Commonwealth along with states and territories have committed to undertaking further analysis of psychosocial supports outside of the National Disability Insurance Scheme. The Psychosocial Project Group (Project Group) has been established as a time limited group to progress this analysis. The outcome of this work will be used to inform future arrangements for provision of these supports. The new webpage includes information about the Project Group, including its Terms of Reference and membership, as well as past project updates.
Editorial policy
Opinions expressed in articles included in this newsletter do not necessarily reflect the policy position of MHCC ACT. Information included in this newsletter is for general information purposes only and should not be seen as an endorsement of any particular service.
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Acknowledgement of Country
MHCC ACT acknowledges all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Traditional Custodians and Country and recognises their continuing connection to land, sea, culture and community. We pay our respects to their Elders, past and present.
