Online appointment bookings now available for Services Australia Services Australia has launched a national online booking system to help people schedule appointments at their local service centres. The new system is available for a range of services, including the Carer Payment, Disability Support Pension, and Age Pension and designed to assist older Australians, people with disabilities, parents with young children, and carers access appointments easier.
You can now book, reschedule, or cancel appointments online using your Centrelink account via myGov or the Centrelink Express Plus mobile app.
For more information, visit servicesaustralia.gov.au/appointments. You can also read the full media release from the Minister for Government Services here.
National Unmet Needs report released Federal Health Minister Mark Butler and Health Ministers from across the states and territories gathered on 16th August 2024 to discuss priority issues in Australia’s health system, including mental health. A key outcome from the meeting was the release of the national report on Unmet Need, focusing on psychosocial disability and those who are missing out on NDIS support.
The report highlights that many people are receiving no formal mental health services beyond GPs or psychologists, while others only have support from families, carers, and informal networks. This report is crucial for understanding the gaps in community support and informing future reforms, particularly as foundational supports are being developed.
You can read the final report here.
ACTforCommunity campaign launched Carers ACT is proud to join over 50 community organisations in the ACTforCommunity campaign, calling for increased investment in community services. The campaign highlights the urgent need for a thriving and sustainable community sector that can meet the growing demands of Canberrans.
Lisa Kelly, CEO of Carers ACT, emphasised the importance of adequate funding: “All Canberrans access services run by community organisations, and it is vital we ensure the funding levels of these organisations reflect the Canberra of 2024 and beyond.” You can read Lisa’s op-ed on the RiotACT here.
ACTforCommunity encourages Canberrans to send letters to candidates, urging them to prioritise community sector funding ahead of the upcoming election. To get involved and learn more, visit the ACT for Community website.
ACTCOSS has also released its 2024 ACT Election priorities, pushing for equity, wellbeing, and social cohesion across the territory. Their platform outlines key actions needed to address the most pressing social challenges in Canberra. For full details on ACTCOSS’s election statements and priorities, visit ACTCOSS Election Platform.
New facility for child and adolescent mental health services A new purpose-built facility for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services is set to be developed in the ACT. Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith stated that this is part of the larger $1 billion northside hospital project, with the first of several services currently based at the North Canberra Hospital campus being relocated to make way for future development.
Read the joint media release by Minister Stephen-Smith and Minister Emma Davidson for more details here.
2024 ACT Cost of Living reportThe 2024 ACT Cost of Living Report, released by ACTCOSS, shows that financial stress in Canberra has worsened, with low-income households being hit hardest. The report reveals that children, young people, and families have been disproportionately affected by rising costs over the past five years.
The increased cost of living has led to a growing demand for support services, putting even more pressure on Canberra’s already overstretched community sector. Find out more by reading the full report using this link.
Towards youth mental health system reform: An evaluation of participatory systems modelling in the ACTA new evaluation report from the University of Sydney’s Brain and Mind Centre, in collaboration with the Australian National University, ACT Health Directorate, Capital Health Network, and the Youth Coalition of the ACT, explores the use of participatory systems modelling (PSM) to support youth mental health system reform in the ACT. The report highlights the necessity of systemic reform and the frustration many stakeholders feel about the lack of influence in current decision-making processes.
The study finds that PSM holds significant promise for improving transparency and accountability in decision-making for youth mental health, but calls for more time and resources to drive transformative change.
You read the full journal article for free here.
First stage of consultation on Foundational Supports now openThe Australian Government has announced the first stage of consultations on Foundational Supports, designed to assist individuals who are not eligible for the NDIS but may still need help beyond what mainstream services offer, such as in early childhood education, schools, and community mental health. The consultations are part of a collaborative effort between Commonwealth, state, and territory governments.
Targeted Foundational Supports, including those related to psychosocial disability, will begin consultation in October. The current consultation phase focuses on General Foundational Supports, and your feedback is essential in shaping these services.
An introductory webinar will be held on 20 September 2024, at 12 pm (AEST), offering an opportunity to learn about the different types of Foundational Supports and how to participate in the consultation process. You can sign up for the webinar here.
Consultation is open until 30 November 2024, with opportunities to provide feedback through online surveys, in-person and virtual consultation sessions, and an online ideas wall. For more information, sign up for updates on Foundational Supports by visiting the Foundational Supports page here.
Be part of designing ACT’s newest Safe Haven Are you looking to get involved in service design to support people in distress and their carers? Are you keen to gain experience in bringing the mental health carer voice to developing our model of care and designing the space at The Canberra Hospital?
ACT Health currently has an open position for a lived experience carer representative on the ACT Safe Haven Expansion Project Steering Group.
People will be able to visit the Safe Haven and speak with peer workers who can offer them support in managing their distress. It is not just for people with mental health conditions but is available to all Canberrans aged 16 and over, including people in caring roles, who may be facing some challenges and additional stress in their lives.
As a carer representative, you will play a vital role in providing a carer lived experience perspective to overseeing and leading the design, development, and implementation of the Safe Haven at The Canberra Hospital, and shaping the future of the Safe Haven network in the ACT.
The Steering Group meets for up to 1.5 hours every two months, with a small amount of pre-reading.
If you're interested in this work, we would love to hear from you! Please reach out to us at mhcarers@carersact.org.au as soon as possible.
Suicide prevention research opportunity for young people, parents, and carers Following a visit to the Emergency Department (ED) for suicidal ideation or an attempt, both young people and their parents/carers often require additional support. Research suggests that a range of face-to-face and online supports, as well as brief interventions administered by health professionals, could play an important role in a comprehensive care strategy.
A new research project by Monash Health aims to develop a text message intervention program, paired with safety planning and a parent factsheet, to assist young people who present to an ED for suicide-related concerns, as well as their parents/carers. This program will be delivered by trained clinicians to ensure appropriate follow-up care.
The project seeks input from the following groups to help shape the intervention: - Young people aged 16-24 who have experienced suicidal thoughts or attempts between the ages of 12-18
- Parents/carers of young people aged 12-18 who have faced similar challenges
- Clinicians with at least one year of experience supporting young people with suicide-related concerns
Participation in interviews will be compensated with a $50 gift voucher. To learn more, click this link.
Lived experience positions now open with the national mental health families, carers, and kin peak bodyMental Health Carers Australia (MHCA) has received grant funding from the Australian Government to establish a new national peak body, dedicated to representing the needs and interests of mental health families, carers, and kin in the national arena. As the peak begins to form, there is a unique opportunity for those with lived experience to join the team and help shape the future of national mental health carer advocacy.
Current openings: Applications will be shortlisted and interviewed as they are received, with final applications closing on 22 September.
R U OK? Any DayLife is full of ups and downs, and you and the people you care about may be facing challenges any day of the year. That’s why R U OK? is encouraging everyone to check in regularly, not just on R U OK? Day. New research shows that 90% of people who are regularly asked how they are doing feel more supported and connected.
Visit ruok.org.au for tips and tools to help make asking R U OK? a regular habit in your everyday life.
Emerging Minds: Understanding shame and stigmaShame and stigma can impact families and carers in many ways, making life more difficult and damaging relationships. Emerging Minds has created a new collection of resources to help people understand these challenges, support their children, and rebuild connections. These resources, based on real experiences, provide insights into how families and carers can move forward with empathy and respect.
Explore the resources via this link.
Live-in support for eating disorders now available in CanberraA new Eating Disorders Residential Centre has opened in Coombs, providing care for people in the Canberra region living with eating disorders. The centre provides 24/7 care, seven days a week, offering intensive therapy, including specialist nutritional and psychological treatment, in a home-like environment. This new facility aims to support individuals in their recovery journey with comprehensive, round-the-clock care.
Learn more about the Centre via the Canberra Health Services website.
New emergency department opens at Canberra HospitalThe new Emergency Department at Canberra Hospital opened on August 17. Located in Building 5, the new facilities include the Emergency Department, Intensive Care Unit, Operating Theatres, and several other key services. This marks a significant upgrade in care delivery for the region.
For more information visit the Building 5 webpage or watch this video.
Family Drug Support (FDS) - Helping families navigate alcohol and drug useFamily Drug Support (FDS) provides non-judgemental support and education to families and friends affected by alcohol and drug use. Their services include:
- A 24/7 Telephone Support Line (1300 368 186)
- Support groups in Canberra and online
- Education programs like Stepping Forward and Stepping Stones to Success
- Individual support through phone, in-person, or online sessions
To explore FDS’s resources or learn more about their support services, visit the FDS website.
International Network for School Attendance (INSA)The International Network for School Attendance (INSA) brings together academics, practitioners, and policymakers who are dedicated to addressing ‘School Can’t/Refusal’ and improving school attendance worldwide. If you are interested in sharing research, accessing resources, or connecting with others, INSA offers a variety of information and opportunities for parents and carers in Australia.
Find out more about membership and how to contribute on the INSA website.
|
