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This month, the Commission launched Changing attitudes, changing lives, a report on options for reducing stigma and discrimination for people experiencing problematic alcohol and other drug use.
This report, based on government and community consultation, as well as research commissioned from the Drug Policy Modelling Program, National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre at the University of New South Wales, found that stigma and discrimination is common, causes significant harm and can be a major barrier to seeking help and recovery.
It has profound negative effects and can compound exclusion and marginalisation for people who are already socially excluded, and actually trigger further problematic substance use.
What was surprising was how pervasive stigma and discrimination is, and where it exists.
We need to challenge stereotypes and reform attitudes, policies, and laws to more effectively address dependence as a public health issue, rather than a moral or criminal justice issue.
Hear more of my thoughts in this video.
Ivan Frkovic
Queensland Mental Health Commissioner |
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We all know that prevention is better than cure, yet when it comes to social and health problems, prevention and early intervention programs often get trumped by the real pressures to respond to existing needs—yet there is a strong case for shifting the focus to where problems start.
Armed with data and evidence, Dr Brian Bumbarger of Colorado State University Prevention Research Centre and a visiting academic at Griffith University is on a mission to bring #PreventionScience to governments across the world.
Dr Bumbarger relayed his experience of convincing governments around the world to shift their investment focus to early intervention and prevention at the Convincing Government to Invest in Prevention forum hosted by ARACY in late March at the Lady Cliento Children’s Hospital.
With evidence mounting that tackling social and health problems by investing in prevention and early intervention—especially for children and young people—has potential for better individual, community and economic outcomes, Dr Bumbarger is urging governments to focus upstream. The forum concluded with a panel discussion. |
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Panel members (from left): Perrin Moss (Children’s Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service), Fionnagh Dougan (Children’s Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service), Professor Ross Homel AO (Griffith University), Christine Crain (Queensland Treasury), Ivan Frkovic (Queensland Mental Health Commissioner), Giselle Olive (Children’s Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service), Dr Brian Bumbarger (Colorado State University), Susan Cary (Department of Education). |
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Nurturing future leaders in mental health |
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Emerging mental health leaders are encouraged to apply for an Australian Mental Health Leaders Fellowship.
The fellowship seeks to develop people who demonstrate commitment and capacity to improving mental health outcomes for Australians, and is open to those from within and beyond the sector who are ready to step into mental health leadership roles.
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Find out more >> |
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Have your say: rural and remote services |
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A Senate inquiry into the accessibility and quality of mental health services in rural and remote Australia is calling for submissions.
We will contribute a joint submission to the enquiry along with other mental health commissions.
If you would like to contribute to the inquiry, submissions are due 11 May 2018.
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Find out more >> |
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Strengthening mental health and wellbeing
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Research into the impact of stigma and discrimination related to problematic alcohol and other drug use on Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander communities, families and individuals is a commitment under the Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social and Emotional Wellbeing Action Plan 2016-18.
We have appointed public policy consultants ACIL Allen through a competitive tender process to undertake this research. ACIL Allen and will partner with cultural awareness specialists The Seedling Group to conduct the research project, which will include a literature review and consultation. The final report will be delivered in July 2019.
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Find out more >> |
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From active avoidance to wellbeing advocate is how one school principal describes his journey in helping promote mental health and wellbeing of students, staff and the wider community, using the Wheel of Wellbeing, otherwise known as WoW.
Following the Department of Education partnering with us to train school Mental Health Coaches as advanced practitioners in WOW, other school leadership and support people were invited to participate in WoW training. This has resulted in some very committed and converted advocates: meet Trevor Buchanan, Principal Agnes Water State School ...
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Find out more >> |
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Trevor Buchanan, Principal Agnes Water State School |
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Perinatal mental health report
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There is mounting evidence acknowledging the importance of the period before birth and of a child’s first years of life, for building the foundation for lifelong mental health and wellbeing
This was the focus of a trial mental health awareness project funded by the Commission and implemented in partnership by the Queensland Centre for Perinatal and Infant Mental Health and Women’s Health Queensland Wide. The project aimed to develop a systemic approach to improving the mental health and wellness of new parents through enhanced system interactions during pregnancy and into the first year after birth.
Centred around Redcliffe Hospital Maternity Services, the project has delivered valuable guidance, learnings and resources, which could be extended to other locations to improve the wellbeing of parents, infants and families around Queensland.
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Find out more >> |
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Tenders open for Mental Health Week
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Queensland Mental Health Week (QMHW) is now a fixture on Queensland’s community awareness events calendar.
The week aims to raise awareness of the importance of mental health and wellbeing, increase understanding of mental illness and recovery, and reduce stigma and discrimination.
This year, QMHW will be held from Saturday 6 October to Sunday 14 October.
We are seeking tenders from organisations/consortium interested in coordinating and delivering this important community event in 2018.
Tenders close 4.00pm, 27 April 2018.
All details are available on QTenders |
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For people experiencing mental illness, keeping physically healthy can support recovery.
To encourage members to adopt a healthier lifestyle, Stepping Stone Clubhouse recently ran the Healthy Active Lifestyle Program, with funding though the Commission’s grant program.
The program is an example of how co-designing programs with people with lived experience of mental illness can lead to greater engagement and long-term health outcomes.
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Find out more >> |
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Peer workers and those who work in mental health with peer workers are invited to a consultation focused on establishing a national organisation for the peer workforce in Australia.
The consultation is part of a project being run by the Private Mental Health Consumer Carer Network (Australia).
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Find out more >> |
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In the news
Read the latest Queensland Mental Health Commission media releases.
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Sector grants
The Queensland Council of Social Service (QCOSS) publishes a comprehensive list of sector grants. |
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Events
Check out the latest major sector events, hosted by the Commission and partner organisations. |
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