APAG win at Mental Health Month We are thrilled to announce that the Mental Health Carers Voice Advocacy and Policy Advisory Group (APAG) were one of the deserving award recipients of the Mental Health Month Awards, hosted by Mental Health Community Coalition on November 1st. This award is a testament to their tireless efforts and unwavering dedication in advocating for the rights and needs of mental health carers in the ACT.
For years, APAG has been instrumental in centering lived experience in our policy and advocacy efforts, ensuring the voices of carers are heard and integrated into decision-making processes. Their work is founded on evidence-based approaches, and their contributions have been invaluable in providing context-specific support to all unpaid carers in the ACT. We extend our heartfelt thanks to each member of APAG and congratulations on this well-deserved recognition!
Pictured (L-R): Dr Elizabeth Moore, Heather Lamb (APAG member), Minister Emma Davidson, and Mary Gilmore (APAG member) Update on our visit to the Peacock Centre This month, members from Carers ACT MHCV team had the pleasure of joining our colleagues from the Mental Health Consumer Network (MHCN) and Health Care Consumer Association (HCCA) on a visit to the Peacock Centre in Hobart. Inspired by the Trieste Model, the Centre combines a short-stay Acute Treatment Unit, Safe Haven, Integration Hub, and Recovery College in one shared space.
Our visit offered an insightful view into their unique model of integrated care, which is enhanced by a homely environment and the inclusion of family and community in the recovery process. We also met with the Acute Care Team to discuss public mental health reform and service delivery. In addition, we got a chance to catch up with the Tasmanian Mental Health Families and Friends to share common experiences in carer advocacy.
We look forward to applying our learnings from Tasmania and advocating for similar integrated mental health care models in the ACT that prioritise clinical care, recovery-oriented practice, and social inclusion. Pictured: Carers ACT MHCV staff joined by HCCA, MHCN, Peacock Centre, and Tasmanian Mental Health, Alcohol and Drug Directorate representatives in front of the Peacock Centre in Hobart. New guide to respite and wellbeing Carers ACT has unveiled 'A Carer's Guide to Respite and Wellbeing' - thoughtfully curated based on input from unpaid family and friend carers, offering support for both newcomers and experienced carers.
This guide shares practical insights, real-life experiences and 180 ideas to enhance wellbeing, from acquiring new skills to simple acts of self-kindness like treating yourself to fresh flowers. The aim is to assist carers in maintaining a harmonious balance between caring duties and self-nurturing and will act as a handy reference to help carers have a regular break.
You can check out the online version of the Guide here.
MHCC - Unpacking the Disability Royal Commission The NSW Mental Health Coordinating Council (MHCC) has produced a summary and overview, interpreting the implications of the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of people with Disability's landmark final report on the mental health sector. The report, which includes 222 far-reaching recommendations, suggests a roadmap for transformative reform.
If you would like to learn more about how the Royal Commission's recommendations may affect the mental health sector, read MHCC’s summary report here.
AMA - Public Hospital Report Card: mental health editionThe Australian Medical Association’s Public hospital report card: mental health edition shows more patients with mental health-related conditions are arriving in emergency departments by ambulance and police services, and more are arriving in a critical condition needing urgent care. Interestingly, the ACT is the only state or territory government that increased the number of public hospital mental health beds, both in real terms and measured per 100,000 population. The report also notes that the rate of ED presentations for mental health-related issues per 10,000 population in the ACT almost doubled between 2004–05 and 2020–21.
To learn more, you can check out the Public Hospital Report Card and the Mental Health Edition here.
Help review consent guidelines in Canberra Health ServicesQuality, Safety, Innovation, and Improvement division of Canberra Health Services are reviewing the Consent for Healthcare Treatment guidelines and invite you to provide feedback on the document by Friday, December 8th.
If you wish to read the guideline and provide your valuable feedback please email mhcarers@carersact.org.au.
Be part of designing ACT’s newest Safe Haven Are 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 Friday, December 8th. Applicants with experience of the Safe Haven in Belconnen are particularly welcome.
Inform the mental health needs of the ACT multicultural communityThe Office of Mental Health and Wellbeing is inviting lived experience carers from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to review mental health services in the ACT.
In this role, you will have the opportunity to bring your unique perspective to inform the mental health needs of ACT’s multicultural community. If this sounds like something you are passionate about, we encourage you to get in touch with us at mhcarers@carersact.org.au by Friday, December 8th.
Help improve support for private guardiansThe Public Trustee and Guardian (PTG) believes that everyone has the right to make decisions about their life and is seeking to improve guardianship for all. They are in the process of developing new Training and Information Packs for private guardians to clarify their roles and responsibilities and to discuss Supported Decision-Making.
The PTG is asking for interested individuals to share their thoughts, ideas, and experiences. Whether you are a guardian, a person with a disability, familiar with Supported Decision-Making, or seeking to understand the role of a Guardian, the PTG is interested in your perspective. Participants will receive a $50 voucher as a token of appreciation. Your contributions will assist in the development of Training and Information Resources for private guardians. If you are a guardian, you will also have the opportunity to take part in the training.
If you would like to take part please contact the PTG by calling (02) 6207 9800 or sending an email to guardians@act.gov.au.
Family Drug Support Stepping Stones ProgramAre you worried about someone you care about because of their drug and/or alcohol use? Family Drug Support (FDS) is offering a two-weekend STEPPING STONES course in the ACT, the recipient of the National Drug and Alcohol Award for Excellence. FDS's flagship program, Stepping Stones, helps families/carers learn how to cope with and survive the journey of dealing with substance abuse in their loved ones.
“The course was a lifesaver! It provided me with survival skills. It introduced new ways of understanding and dealing with myself and the drug user. It was comforting and supportive to be with others.” - Joan “I can now support my son in a way that encourages positive outcomes. I've learned to support and love him without the need for control. I've also regained control of my life and started to value myself as a person.” - Peter
The course will run on December 2nd, 3rd, 9th, and 10th from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm at the Denman Village Community Centre, located at 5 Felstead Vista, Denman Prospect. This experiential course requires commitment over two weekends. If you can't commit to one of these days, we encourage you to consider attending at another time. Spaces are limited and filling up quickly. An Expression of Interest Form is available.
For inquiries, please contact Chloe Span, Clinical Services Manager at 0448 177 083 or chloes@fds.ngo.org.au, and Katelyn Durbin, Family Support Worker at 0409 801 609 or katelyn@fds.ngo.org.au.
Carer-Inclusive Workplace InitiativeThe Carer-Inclusive Workplace initiative, led by Minister Amanda Rishworth MP and Carers Australia, introduces a framework for businesses to evaluate their existing practices and policies recognising carers. The initiative aims to acknowledge the significant contributions of carers and establish a more welcoming and supportive work environment for Australians engaged in unpaid care. Introducing simple modifications at the workplace can foster a more inclusive, efficient environment, benefitting employers through increased employee involvement, improved well-being, enhanced reputation, and better staff retention.
Visit the Carer-Inclusive Workplace website for more information. Autism CRC new resources for job seekers with autismThe Autism CRC has proudly announced the launch of new and improved resources specifically designed to bolster the employment prospects for individuals with autism. The upgraded version of their innovative myWAY Employability web app is now live, and starting from November, users will have access to the new Self-Advocacy@Work online resource package. Both of these valuable tools contribute to Autism CRC's comprehensive range of resources, which are aimed at fostering an understanding of neurodiversity-inclusive employment strategies.
These strategies are beneficial not only for employees but also for employers. For more information, please contact the team. ACT women's return to work grantThe ACT Women’s Return to Work grant is an ACT Government initiative that assists women to achieve increased financial independence by helping them prepare for, obtain and maintain employment. The grant is targeted at supporting ACT women looking to re-enter the workplace who face additional barriers to employment and training opportunities.
Please note, that this grant process generally takes a minimum of 4 weeks. You can apply for the grants here. Early Bird registration now open for the National Suicide Prevention Conference 2024The 2024 National Suicide Prevention Conference, themed 'Collective Courage. Accelerate Impact', presents an opportunity to engage with sector experts and explore new findings in suicide prevention. The event, hosted by Suicide Prevention Australia, will take place from April 30 to May 2, 2024, at the Adelaide Convention Centre.
Early bird registrations are now open with various discount options available. If you are interested in attending this conference or other similar learning opportunities, please reach out to us at mhcarers@carersact.org.au to discuss how we can support your attendance.
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