Collective mental health sector call to address unmet psychosocial needs in the ACT Mental Health Carers Voice has joined other peak mental health bodies in the ACT, calling on all independent candidates and parliamentary party leaders in the upcoming ACT elections to commit to urgent mental health reforms.
The call comes after alarming findings from the Analysis of unmet need for psychosocial supports outside of the National Disability Insurance Scheme – Final Report revealed that 78.5% of people in the ACT with moderate to severe mental illness are missing out on essential psychosocial supports.
The letter highlights four key areas requiring immediate action, aligning with several of Carers ACT's election platform priorities. It calls for commitments to: - Invest in a Foundational Supports Strategy to address unmet needs for both carers and consumers.
- Establish Integrated Mental Health Hubs that combine clinical and psychosocial services for more holistic, person-centred care.
- Commit to 20% of Annual Mental Health Funding for Prevention and Early Intervention, rebalancing the system towards community-based care.
- Review the Mental Health Act 2015 (ACT) to improve aftercare provisions and ensure carers are involved in decision-making and recovery processes.
The election and upcoming NDIS reforms present a critical opportunity for reform in the ACT mental health sector and we look forward to taking every opportunity to progress positive outcomes for carers and consumers. You can read the full letter here.
World Mental Health Day 2024: Connections Matter Today, 10 October, is World Mental Health Day, with this year’s theme in the ACT being a "Connected Canberra", alongside Mental Health Australia's “Meaningful Connections Matter.” Whether it’s connecting with loved ones, your community, colleagues, supports and services, or reconnecting with yourself, these connections are crucial to good mental health.
We also recognise the important role carers play in connecting people with care and supporting the mental health and wellbeing of others, while acknowledging the impact that caring can have on your own mental health. This day is a reminder for everyone to nurture meaningful connections for the benefit of your mental wellbeing.
Join the Meaningful Connections Matter campaign at worldmentalhealthday.com.au and be part of the conversation.
Advice on the Eating Disorders Residential Treatment Centre (EDRTC) The Canberra Health Services Eating Disorders Residential Treatment Centre (EDRTC) in Coombs was officially opened in August 2024. The Office of the Chief Psychiatrist is seeking feedback from carers and consumers regarding the approval of the EDRTC as an approved mental health facility under the Mental Health Act 2015 (ACT).
If you're interested in learning more or providing feedback, please email mhcarers@carersact.org.au by 21 October.
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 later in October. The current consultation phase focuses on General Foundational Supports, and your feedback is essential in shaping these services.
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.
Mental Health Month Awards nominations openCan you think of an outstanding individual, organisation, or group making a real difference in the ACT mental health sector? It’s time to recognise their invaluable contribution with an award or scholarship.
We all know someone who deserves to be in the spotlight—a person whose dedication contributes significantly to quality mental health care for all Canberrans. It might be: - A lived experience leader who showed courage in sharing their story, shaping the services we provide,
- An ally of consumers and carers who uplifted and centered their voices,
- An evaluator or researcher who highlighted what truly works, enabling more effective care models,
- A carer pivotal to a loved one’s recovery journey, or
- A consumer seeking support to advance their education and career.
Nominate a mental health champion TODAY for one of our Mental Health Month Awards from Mental Health Community Coalition ACT, Carers ACT and the ACT Mental Health Consumer Network.
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