Investment in National Strategy and increased supports for Australia’s carers During Carers Week, we welcomed the launch of crucial initiatives to support Australia's 2.65 million plus carers. This includes an investment of $3.8 million until 2025-26 for the development of a comprehensive National Carer Strategy, the introduction of the Carer Inclusive Workplace Initiative aimed at improving support for carers in the workforce, and extending the Carer Gateway for an additional two years to ensure carers maintain access to necessary support.
For more details, please visit Minister Rishworth’s media release.
Royal Commission final report released The Final Report of the Disability Royal Commission was released on September 29th. In their report, the Royal Commission has made 222 recommendations that highlight the need for changes to laws, policies, structures, and practices. Currently, MHCV and Carers ACT are carefully reviewing the report and working together with other advocacy and peak organisations. Please stay tuned for updates as we continue our important work in this area.
You can read the final report here. Expanding suicide aftercare support Launched in June 2021, the Roses in the Ocean Peer CARE Companion warmline provides vital support for individuals with lived experience of suicide. This call-back service, guided by the CARE framework (Connection, Acceptance, Respect, and Empathy), connects individuals with trained volunteers who have shared similar experiences. The Australian Government's investment of $2.1 million for 2022-23 and 2023-24 aims to bolster the capacity and impact of this essential service.
For more details, you can visit the Roses in the Ocean website.
Carers Australia: 2023 Carer Wellbeing survey results releasedThe recently released results of the 2023 Carer Wellbeing Survey highlight the ongoing impacts of caring on all aspects of life. Out of the 5,881 carers surveyed, 58.3% reported low wellbeing, a significant increase from the previous year's 52.6%. The survey also indicated declining overall health, increased loneliness compared to the general adult population, and a 1.4 times higher likelihood of experiencing significant financial distress for carers.
Conducted by the University of Canberra and funded by Carers Australia with support from the Australian Government Department of Social Services, the survey underlines the need for continued support for carers. You can read the full report on the survey results here. Mental Health Commission: Unveiling mental distress experiences in AustraliaCompiled by Everymind, the Mental Health Commission has released a report distilling insights from five studies conducted at the University of New England that provide a window into the lived experiences of mental distress in Australia. This valuable resource reveals what individuals have found helpful and unhelpful while navigating mental ill-health, offering a personal perspective that can significantly influence future actions in shaping support systems for hopeful, connected, and fulfilling lives.
To explore the findings in-depth, you can access the full report here.
ACTCOSS: Addressing poverty and inequality in the ACTACTCOSS’s Anti-Poverty week factsheet highlights that even amid Australia's high average wages, many in the ACT grapple with the challenges of poverty and inequality. This stark contrast is emphasised by the fact that living costs in the ACT have reached their highest point in two decades due to CPI increases. In addition, the 2021 Census revealed that 1,777 people in the ACT were homeless, while only 4% of ACT community sector services could meet the growing demand for their services. These findings underscore the urgency of addressing poverty and disadvantage, especially in the nation's least affordable jurisdiction.
Explore the ACTCOSS factsheet here.
Mental Health Australia: Mapping mental health care inequities across AustraliaOn World Mental Health Day, Mental Health Australia launched a pioneering Mapping Mental Health Care research project. This initiative highlights significant disparities in access to mental health care services across the nation. The data not only provides a stark insight into the current inequities but also emphasises the pressing need for comprehensive systemic mental health reform.
Discover the interactive map and found out more via this link.
Gayaa Dhuwi: Advancing First Peoples' mental healthThe provision of mental health services through Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services stands as a key recommendation arising from an extensive national overview of the mental health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This significant policy release paves the way for a more holistic and culturally sensitive approach to addressing the mental health needs of Australia's First Peoples.
Read the full policy paper here.
Seeking your views on the MOST programMOST, the Moderated Online Social Therapy program, provides digital support to young people aged 12 to 25, offering immediate assistance while waiting for clinical intervention. ACTHD funds an 18-month trial of MOST in the ACT, run by Orygen Limited, ensuring adaptability and flexibility. The evaluation by KPMG, started in July 2023 and ending in February 2024, focuses on effective implementation, alignment with objectives, suitability for the ACT, and potential improvements.
If you or the person you care for has used the MOST service in the ACT, we invite you to share your thoughts to us via our email at mhcarers@carersact.org.au by Friday the 3rd of November.
Representative position open: Safe Haven Expansion Steering GroupAre you a mental health carer looking for an opportunity to get involved in service planning? ACT Health currently has an open position for a lived experience carer representative on the ACT Safe Haven Expansion Project.
As a carer representative, you will play a vital role in providing oversight and leadership in the design, development, and implementation of the project. Your expertise and experience will contribute to establishing the Canberra Hospital Safe Haven and assessing the need for future expansions.
If you're interested in this work, we would love to hear from you. Please reach out to us at mhcarers@carersact.org.au by Monday, November 6th. Applicants with experience of the Safe Haven in Belconnen are particularly welcome.
Mental health service navigationFollowing conversations in the mental health commissioning process, as well as a range of other consultations, service navigation has repeatedly been raised as a concern for mental health services in the ACT.
ACT Health Mental Health Policy and Strategy division are asking how you think mental health service navigation in the ACT can be enhanced, and how peer workers and people with lived experience may be able to support mental health service navigation. They are interested in hearing about:
- What would help you navigate the mental health service system?
- What should the role of a peer navigator look like in the ACT?
- What kinds of settings or services could peer navigators be placed in?
- What kinds of things would you expect from a peer navigator in various settings?
If you would like to share your feedback on any of these questions please email mhcarers@carersact.org.au.
Support Canberra’s at-risk young peopleThe minimum age of criminal responsibility is being raised to 12 years in the ACT this year and raised further to 14 years by 2025. To support at-risk children and young people who will no longer go through the criminal justice system, we are establishing the Therapeutic Support Panel. The panel will facilitate therapeutic responses for these young people and refer them to the support they need.
The Government is seeking members to join the panel, with qualifications and expertise in areas like psychology, education, criminology, mental health and social work. If you have experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people, or culturally and linguistically diverse children and young people, you are also encouraged to apply.
Apply to be a part of the panel by 5pm Monday the 6th of November. Learn more about the position here.
Child and family mental health workforce surveyEmerging Minds is conducting the National Workforce Survey for Family, Parent, and Child Mental Health. Your participation in this survey will help shape the planning and policy of child mental health services in Australia. Health, social, and community services workers can provide valuable insights to improve outcomes for infants, children, and families.
Complete the survey and get a chance to win an iPad. The survey closes on Wednesday, 15th November 2023. Take the survey via the link here.
LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing study now openACT Health invites participation in the CBR Health and Wellbeing Study for the LGBTIQ+ community. By sharing your experiences, you help create a better understanding of health, wellbeing, and current challenges faced by LGBTIQ+ Canberrans. The study will inform policies and programs related to mental health, discrimination, substance use, and health promotion, ensuring services are inclusive and responsive. The study also explores mobile phone data collection methods. Enrolment is open until COB Thursday, 30th November 2023, and participants have eight weeks to complete the survey.
Read more about the study and enrol here.
Mental Health Month awardsJoin the Mental Health Community Coalition ACT (MHCC ACT) in showing your support for the mental health sector at the End of Year Celebration and Awards Night.
When: Wednesday, 1st November from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM Where: Juliet, upstairs at Verity Lane Market, 50 Northbourne Ave, Canberra City Guest Speakers: - MC Genevieve Jacobs will open the event.
- The Hon. Dr. Andrew Leigh, Federal Charities Minister, will address the audience.
- Emma Davidson, ACT Minister for Mental Health, will share insights.
- Sophie Lewis, ACT Commissioner for Sustainability and the Environment, will join us.
- MHCC CEO Melanie Poole will be in attendance.
- We will also recognise the award winners.
Live Music: Enjoy a performance by Ben Drysdale of Ben Drysdale Music.
This event holds a special place in the MHCC ACT calendar, representing the mental health service sector in the ACT. It's an opportunity to reflect on our shared vision of creating a thriving, inclusive, and healthy community. Carers ACT is happy to be supporting the event - join us in promoting belonging, connection, safety, healing, and wellbeing for all.
Book your tickets here! Support to attend conferences and forumsMHCV is committed to supporting you in your learning and growth as a carer. Here's a list of upcoming conferences and forums you might want to explore: - 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.
- 2024 Child & Adolescent Mental Health Conference, 18-20 March, Gold Coast
- AddictionZ 2024, Breaking the Barriers Conference, 29 April - 1 May, Gold Coast
- Imagine MORE Disability Conference, May, Canberra
- National Suicide Prevention Conference 2024, 30 April - 2 May
- MHomentum 2024, 22-24 May, Gold Coast
If you are interested in these or other similar learning opportunities, please reach out to us at mhcarers@carersact.org.au to discuss how we can support your attendance. Digital toolkit to support people bereaved by suicideSouth Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network has developed a postvention toolkit
providing guidance and tips to help individuals, families and carers, educators, workplaces, first responders and health professionals navigate the challenges of suicide-related grief and loss in safe and supportive environments.
It comprises a main booklet, plus four supplementary booklets which can be used independently to address the needs of specific groups, including children. Download the free digital toolkit here.
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