Canberra Hospital Dos and Don't Flyer
With the evolving situation of COVID-19 in the ACT, Canberra Hospital has released a easy-to-read two-page information flyer for patients and visitors.
You can check out the flyer here.
Funding Boost for ACT Carers Strategy
On Friday the 22nd of July it was announced that the 2022-2023 ACT budget will include a significant investment in carer wellbeing and visibility, with a funding package worth $825,000 allocated to Carers ACT for use over 4 years.
The funding will continue to progress the outcomes and objectives of the ACT Carers Strategy, recognising the valuable contribution that carers make to the territory.
Carers ACT CEO Lisa Kelly noted that "funding the ACT Carers Strategy is an excellent step in sharing the responsibility of care and we are deeply grateful to the carers, Ministers, government, service providers and members of the Community Services Directorate who started this journey in 2016 and who continue to invest in a Canberra that cares for Carers.”
You can read the full Carers ACT press release here.
Young Carer Bursary Applications Now Open
The Young Carer Bursary Program supports young carers to continue with their education. The program offers 1000 bursaries of $3000 each year to assist with education needs and resources. Young carers across Australia can apply from July until the 13th of September.
If you are a young carer who would like to apply or find out more, check out the Carers Australia Young Carers Network website.
Recovery Oriented Language Guide Updated
The Mental Health Coordinating Council has released an updated version of the Recovery Oriented Language Guide for use in mental health services to promote respectful and inclusive language. The popular guide, which is available for free download, contains lists of destigmatising language and practical Dos and Don'ts to assist in reframing language positively. The most recent edition has new chapters on using language that is inclusive of diversity, discussing suicide, and working with young people.
We encourage everyone working in the sector to download a copy, distribute it among colleagues, or request printed copies.
The Guide can be found here.
Census Data Reveals Mental Health Conditions the Most Common Long-Term Health Concern
As a first in Australia, the 2021 Census has collected data for diagnosed long-term health conditions. The recently released census data has shown mental health conditions to be the most common long-term health condition for Australians, with over 2.2 million out of 8 million that have reported a long-term health concern.
Find out more here.
Thirrili - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention, Intervention, Postvention and Aftercare Service coming to Canberra
Thirrili Limited, a leading Aboriginal community-controlled organisation service provider, will implement a new initiative to assist in reducing suicide and the repercussions of suicide within the ACT's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community. The local Way Back Support Service at Woden Community Service will collaborate with the program's delivery team.
To guarantee that this service offers culturally appropriate help, Thirrili was hired through a community-led commissioning process. The service is essential for both suicide prevention and providing aid to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander persons in the ACT who have been affected by suicide. To ensure that the programme meets their needs, supports families, and fosters strength and resilience, Thirrili will collaborate closely with the ACT's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Before launching the service, Thirrili will first prioritise community engagement and obtaining local cultural insight into the mental health issues of the ACT's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community.
