Inside this edition you'll find

• A message from our CEO Melanie Wilde with her reflections on mental health and intersecting issues here at home and across Australia. 
• Mental health sector must reads of press releases and perspectives published within the past three weeks. 
• Training, events, opportunities and resources curated by us, for professionals, practitioners and people like us.  

Hello friends, 

It's been a big few weeks for many in our community who are working for a better mental health system in the ACT and across the country. LGBTIQ+ people are feeling isolated by the damaging 2026 Census debate while First Nations families and young people are devastated by the decision to rollback raise the age reforms in the NT and Victoria. 

Here in our home state, news coverage of ACTCOSS annual cost-of-living report confirmed what community services experience the pointy end of: that rising household costs are deepening social isolation and disadvantage. It's no shock to hear that more people are struggling and seeking help in ACT for their mental health, domestic violence, homelessness and poverty when the cost of education has risen by 26 percent and housing, food, childcare, hospital and health products are up 20 percent in the last five years. The report tabled in state parliament on the Inquiry into Loneliness and Social Isolation shared this sentiment (that the increased cost of living is a driver of social disconnection and disadvantage) but also backed our calls for a dedicated Ministry that would take responsibility for tackling this growing public health risk and other recommendations to improve connectivity in our public transport system, increase the availability of third spaces, and to implement a public awareness campaign on the importance of social connection for health and wellbeing. 

All of us gearing up to celebrate Mental Health Month share in the excitement to promote a more positively connected Canberra. I know that I personally mark out most of October with insightful and fun events this time of year. But I'm especially eager for the events run by community-based organisations and groups experiencing social isolation and loneliness who will be the beneficiaries of our 2024 Mental Health Month ACT Reimbursement Grant Program totalling $10,000 thanks to generous donors—more on that in my update and our on website. 

Who's counted and criminalised matters 

If you're supporting LGBTIQ+ people or you're a member of the community yourself (like me) you'd be acutely aware that being at the centre of a national debate about your value to Australian society can have negative and lasting impacts. It's not too far from my own memory when this public conversation first played out seven years ago in the Australian Marriage Law postal plebiscite asking the entire nation if we should have the right to be legally wed. Now, against its own advice the Federal Government is contemplating questions sent to every household by the ABS in the 2026 Census Test and has reversed a commitment to include transgender or intersex people in this critical data set.

Each letter of the LGBTIQ+ acronym represents a person and their potential access and interaction with health facilities, specialist services, schools, childcare and community programs. In our sector we certainly understand the common sense propositions of co-creation, partnership and data to inform decisions on service delivery and infrastructure investment. We know that to plan and develop an effective response to the mental health crisis the first step is always to involve people affected by it in the solution. Me and my colleagues at MHCC ACT recognise the effect that this decision has on LGBTIQ+ people and their families, caregivers, chosen family and service providers. In our national snapshot every LBGTIQ+ person deserves to be seen, and what isn't measured can't be seen.

The Federal Government’s Analysis of unmet need for psychosocial supports outside of the National Disability Insurance Scheme final report has been released. It demonstrates the significant shortfall in psychosocial support service provision for people with a mental illness in Australia and found that 336,000 people with severe and 311,000 with moderate mental illness are currently missing out on care. To put this colossal service gap into the context of that's 1.4 times the last estimate of the entire ACT resident population.

As Local, State and Federal Government's grapple with changes to the NDIS, foundational supports, and a reconsideration of what services are covered under the National Health Reform Agreement there will be huge challenges, both in terms of cost and workforce, to build the vibrant psychosocial sector necessary to provide care to those with unmet needs. The report doesn't really address these issues or consider the interplay between psychosocial and clinical services. But it does represent important new evidence supporting advocacy to make psychosocial care a much bigger part of the way Australia’s responds to mental illness. We'll be sharing a deeper dive on the opportunity of this new data and a detailed brief shortly on our website. 

In the spirit of promoting self-determination and equal opportunity in the upcoming ACT election I wanted to re-share a recording of a recent webinar which you can watch here from the ACT Electoral Commission on accessible and low sensory voting options which includes participation by post, telephone, electronically or with assistance. To maintain a healthy democracy it's important that every voice is heard. Please share this information far and wide with any groups or individuals who would benefit from it. And if you're free consider attending (and sharing with your networks) our free, accessible and online ACT 2024 Election Disability Town Hall hosted by Advocacy for Inclusion in partnership with us, Women with Disabilities ACT, ACT Down Syndrome and Intellectual Disability, and ABC journalist emcee Emily Groves.  

Despite our own state election offering choice and hope at the ballot box from 8 October Northern Territorians have just lost hard-fought reforms for First Nations communities. In a devastating blow to health and justice incoming Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro and Leader of the NT Country Liberals outlined plans to rollback evidence-based policy recently introduced to raise the age of criminal responsibility and send 10 and 11 year old children back to juvenile detention.

In Victoria, Premier Jacinta Allan has also prioritised detention over diversion by winding back her support for raising the age of criminal responsibility to 14 and setting a new hardline position at 12 years old. Prisons should never be a rite of passage for any child. The UN, health professionals, legal experts and youth advocates all agree—the age of criminal responsibility should be set at a minimum of 14 years of age in every jurisdiction. 

Mental health grants are back

Connected Canberra couldn't be a more timely theme for this years Mental Health Month. More than one-third of people living in ACT have reported an experience of loneliness within the past five years. These statistics have improved over time but not significantly for people with caring responsibilities, those born overseas or who identify as LGBTIQ+. 

That's why today we're thrilled to announce that our Mental Health Month grants are back to support events that benefit cohorts who experience social isolation and loneliness at disproportionate levels. Applications have officially opened to reimburse costs of events up to $2,000 for LGBTQIA+ people, First Nations people, people from CALD backgrounds, young people and adults over 65 years, children of parents affected by a mental illness, people with a disability and other isolated or at-risk groups.

So if you have an idea or are planning an event in the ACT which can be promoted in October to raise awareness and understanding of mental health, reduce stigma and discrimination, promote positive social participation and increase service connection—then this could be for you, your community group or organisation. 

Any community-based group or organisation, charity, school, university or faith-based group within or outside of the mental health sector can apply for a reimbursement grant. It doesn't matter if your organisation has deductible gift recipient status or is registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission. Government agencies and private sector businesses are ineligible to apply for a grant, but we still encourage you to host and register an event during Mental Health Month ACT. 

Tell your peers, tell your cousins, tell anyone who is into smashing mental health stigma and promoting social connection. For more information on how to apply head to our website at www.mhccact.org.au/mhmgrants

Thank you, women's health champions

Closing out for now I'd like to end on a note of good health and wellbeing for women, girls and gender-diverse individuals. I hope that everyone celebrating Women's Health Week received well-deserved attention and recognition for their work. Perinatal mental health is an advocacy pillar for MHCC ACT and something I've become intimately familiar with as a new parent. Thank you to all the mental health practitioners and people with lived and living experience in this network who champion efforts towards prevention, early intervention, stigma reduction, and fostering a nurturing cultural environment where parents feel understood and supported.

Until the next time we connect, 
Mel

Need some extra support to deliver your Mental Health Month event? You may be eligible for a reimbursement grant.

This years Mental Health Month ACT Reimbursement Grant Program provides funding of up to $2,000 to help groups and organisations located in the ACT host an event that is promoted during Mental Health Month in October. 

These grants are for positive, encouraging, informative and supportive events around topics of mental health and wellbeing that align with the theme 'Connected Canberra'.  

Have questions? Ask us at admin@mhccact.org.au

Mental health must reads

This is our curated bite-sized list of media reporting and publications on mental health issues and perspectives from the past three weeks. 

Inquiry recommends appointing ACT Minister Minister for Loneliness, free access to sporting facilities Riotact August 30
Report tabled — Inquiry into Loneliness and Social Isolation in the ACT Standing Committee on Education and Community Inclusion August 27
Statement on embedding equity, inclusion and community in Net Zero Economy Authority ACOSS August 22
Report reveals how much cost of living has risen in Canberra Canberra Times August 20
'What We Heard' Report on 2024-2025 Budget Consultation is available ACT Government August 17

If we've missed a punchy press release, longer form opinion piece or an article you think our network should see next time, please let us know by replying to this email or at admin@mhccact.org.au

Events and training

Training and workshops

LGBTIQA+[AI] Foundation training hosted at ACTCOSS in collaboration with Meridian, various dates from September 17, Canberra, free. 
'Talk to Them' train the trainer to learn how to train youth workers in understanding, recognising and responding to domestic family violence. Youth Coalition of the ACT and ACT Government, EOI closes September 20, free. 
Managing workers with Lived Experience a two-day course for managers, team leaders and HR professionals who support a peer workforce and wish to build their skills to create a supportive and safe workplace. Mental Health Coordinating Council, September 25-26, Sydney, paid. 
'Talk to Them' training for youth workers to understand, recognise and respond to domestic family violence. Youth Coalition of the ACT, October 8-9, Canberra, free.
Responding to Voices training an introduction to the Hearing Voices Approach recovery model that aims to provide tools to assist people to alleviate the distress associated with voices. Mental Health Coordinating Council, various dates in September, online, paid. 
Introduction to Trauma Informed Practice an introductory four half-day course designed to develop core principles. Mental Health Coordinating Council, October 17, online, paid. 
Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Information and Harm Reduction Training for Community Workers in the ACT to learn more about drug trends, values and attitudes towards people who use drugs and up-to-date information to have more informed conversations with clients. Alcohol Tobacco and Other Drug Association ACT, October 23, Canberra, paid. 

Conferences and Forums

ACT Election Candidates Forum for ACTCOSS members to engage directly with candidates. ACTCOSS, September 12, Canberra. 
ACT Election 2024 Disability Town Hall hosted by Advocacy for Inclusion in partnership with Women With Disabilities ACT, ACT Down Syndrome and Intellectual Disability and Mental Health Community Coalition ACT, September 26, online. 

Webinars and resources

Methamphetamine: working with family and friends National Centre for Clinical Research on Emerging Drugs, recorded.

ACTCOSS have released their annual report for low-income households in the ACT 2024 Cost of Living Report
Equality Australia have released an updated LGBTIQ+ Communities and the Census Factsheet
Uniting have released research on family types and experiences in the first of a 10-year series of reports Uniting Families Report 2024

Seeking feedback

National state of the sector survey

University of Western Australia's Charity Research Centre is conducting its annual survey about the state of the Australian nonprofit sector in 2024. You can take part in a 5 minute anonymous questionnaire here.

Nominations are open for ACT Chief Minister's Inclusion Awards

ACT Government Office for Disability is seeking nominations by 5pm September 23 for inclusion champions for the 2024 ACT Chief Minister's Inclusion Awards. This is to recognise those who welcome, collaborate with, support and improve the experiences of people with disability across workplaces, businesses and the wider ACT community. You can nominate someone here.

ACT Government Office for Disability is seeking nominations by 5pm September 23 for inclusion champions for the 2024 ACT Chief Minister's Inclusion Awards. This is to recognise those who welcome, collaborate with, support and improve the experiences of people with disability across workplaces, businesses and the wider ACT community. You can nominate someone here.

Paid consultation for NDIS participants

JFA Purple Orange, a social profit organisation, has been asked by the National Disability Insurance Agency to set up co-design workshops exploring a blended payments model. They're looking for NDIS participants to take part in a paid co-design group to provide feedback on how NDIS providers are paid for certain types of supports. In particular, they are looking for people with lived experience in receiving NDIS funding to access supports in one of these areas; Employment Support for School Leavers, Supported Independent Living, Younger People (<65yrs) living in Residential Aged Care. 

The co-design group will discuss: What the new blended payments model should look like, feedback on a proposed model, and how to test any models developed. For more information or to register, get in contact with JFA Purple Orange at admin@purpleorange.org.au

ACT Woman of the Year and the Young Canberra Citizen of the Year Award nominations are also open

2025 ACT Woman of the Year Awards for ACT Woman of the Year, ACT Young Woman of the Year and ACT Senior Woman of the Year (with all finalists added to ACT Honour Roll) can be nominated until October 21 to recognise a woman or gender diverse person who has made a significant contribution to the lives of women and girls in the ACT in a wide range of areas, like arts and media, education, volunteering, community advocacy and inclusion, women’s safety and many more. Find out more and nominate here. 

2024 Young Canberra Citizen of the Year Awards nominations are now open and nominations closing on 30 September. The awards are supported by the ACT Government and Award sponsors in a number of categories to include Young Canberra Citizen of the Year, Young Achiever Award, Personal Achievement Award, Individual Community Service Award, Environment and Sustainability Award, Arts and Multimedia Award and Group Achievement Award. For further information on the 2024 Young Canberra Citizen of the Year Awards, contact the Office for Youth Engagement on 6205 3064 or by email Youth.InterACT@act.gov.au or you can apply here. 

Opportunities 

ACT Adult Community Education (ACE) Grants Program 

This round of the ACE Grants Program is now open for applications from 29 August 2024. This program is designed to provide financial assistance to not-for-profit organisations to support Canberrans aged 17 years or older experiencing barriers to learning, training and work. Participants are supported to develop and use the foundation skills required to effectively participate in vocational education and training courses, apprenticeships, traineeships, higher education, and/or employment. Grant are expected to be up to $80,000 per successful application for projects which will run from February 2025 to December 2025. More information on making an application is here. 

Consumer panelist opportunity on vaping reforms

Consumer Health Forum is seeking a consumer to share their personal experiences with vaping for the next CHF Talks Webinar: Understanding vaping reforms on Thursday 12 September. As the consumer representative on the panel, you'll be required to share your experiences with vaping in the context of the recent and pending reform changes and how that has shaped your interactions with GP and pharmacy. This role is suited to a confident public speaker.  The selected consumer will be remunerated at a rate of $92.80/hr in line with the Commonwealth Renumeration Tribunal rates and EOI's are by email to CHF Public Affairs Manager, Ben Graham at b.graham@chf.org.au

Our next sector update will be on September 27. Reply to this email if you have suggestions of something you'd like us to include. 

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.