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Hello everyone
The importance of employment to the recovery and ongoing wellbeing of people with a lived experience of mental illness or problematic alcohol or other drug use was again brought home to me during a visit to Vanguard Laundry Services in Toowoomba last week.
As the city’s only social enterprise laundry service, Vanguard promotes its work as ‘changing lives one wash at a time’. The laundry is staffed by people who have a lived experience of mental illness, and managed by social entrepreneur Luke Terry.
Vanguard provides people living with mental illness the opportunity to gain paid employment and participate in development opportunities.
When I spoke with members of the Vanguard staff, it was obvious how much their work and job meant to them. Many had struggled to secure work previously, and working at Vanguard was helping them develop the skills they needed to transition to other jobs and careers. Their job also provided social engagement and interaction, which again aids recovery and wellbeing.
Vanguard has shown that you can employ people with a mental illness in a social enterprise and be competitive.
I know there are many thriving social enterprises in Queensland, many of which I’ve had the privilege of visiting.
The Commission, through a partnership with the Department of Housing and Public Works, is supporting the Queensland Government to enable more opportunities for social enterprises to secure government tenders through embedding social procurement practices into government procurement approaches.
I’ve mentioned before that employment along with housing, high quality inpatient and community clinical services, and community and residential psychosocial support services are the pillars of 21st century mental health, alcohol and other drug reforms.
In the coming year the Commission will continue to examine how it can best work with key stakeholders and, importantly, people with a lived experience, to improve access to and participation in employment.
Best wishes
Ivan Frkovic
Queensland Mental Health Commissioner
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Qld's new carer representative
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Sara Roxburgh is the new Queensland carer representative on the National Mental Health Consumer and Carer Forum. Ms Roxburgh will represent Queensland carers’ voices at this high-level forum.
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Meet Sara >> |
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A new report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare shows that ‘rough sleepers’ are generally older males, often with mental health or alcohol and/or drug issues. The report reinforces the importance of safe, secure and affordable accommodation as one of the most important factors in keeping people well.
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Read the report >> |
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An inside job: meet Gabrielle Vilic |
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Gabrielle Vilic, Deputy Chair of the Queensland Mental Health and Drug Advisory Council, is an accomplished and respected leader in the mental health sector, having been instrumental in spear-heading the lived experience workforce movement here in Queensland.
Hers is a story of resilience, unlikely destinations and above all gratitude for the twists and turns that life takes.
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Read Gabrielle's inspirational story >> |
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Strengthening mental health and wellbeing
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Image by St Andrew's Catholic College Cairns |
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Register your Queensland Mental Health Week event
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Take a hike for Queensland Mental Health Week
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QMHW in South-East Queensland will open and close this year with community walks suitable for people of all ages and abilities.
Opening the week is the Mental Awareness Foundation’s Walk for Awareness on Sunday 7 October. This scenic morning 8km Brisbane River loop walk is wheelchair friendly, with children under 13 free and fur-babies welcome! Register now >>
Closing out QMHW is Canefields Clubhouse’s annual 5km nature walk circuit in the picturesque Berrinba Wetlands (in the Logan area of Brisbane) on Sunday 14 October. Join in the fun for young and the not-so-young, with disability access for the walk, and pets also welcome! Register now >> |
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Queensland Mental Health Week Achievement Awards
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Nominations for the 2018 Queensland Mental Health Week Achievement Awards are open. Now in its sixth year, the Achievement Awards presentation ceremony is a major event on the QMHW calendar.
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Nominate your mental health hero >> |
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2017 Achievement Awards winners |
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WoW-ing mental health leaders
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The Queensland Health Commission was well represented at the 19th International Mental Health Conference held on the Gold Coast earlier this month. Commissioner Ivan Frkovic presented a keynote address on shifting the system, and Commission staff and Wheel of Wellbeing colleagues from across the state led an experiential workshop, demonstrating the benefits of the Wheel of Wellbeing in developing capacity for improved mental health and wellbeing in communities, schools and beyond. Proof that WoW improves wellbeing is in the photo!
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Learn more >> |
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19th International Mental Health Conference attendees: Lydia Najlepszy, Mental Health Coach, Department of Education; Peta O'Neill, Co-ordinator, Centacare FNQ and FNQ Wellbeing Hubs; Victoria Homer, Project Facilitator, CentacareCQ; Russell Evans, A/Manager, Queensland Mental Health Commission; Jan Elston, Project Manager, Relationships Australia Qld; Michael Hardie, Mental Health and Wellbeing Coach, Department of Education; Dr Simone Caynes, Manager, Queensland Mental Health Commission.
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Wheel of Wellbeing program
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A further 30 school staff and leaders from across the state, independent and catholic school sectors are set to take part in the latest Wheel of Wellbeing (WoW) intensive program, known as WoW-ED. The program will be led by Department of Education Mental Health Coaches Lydia Najlepszy and Michael Hardie and WoW support program leader Jan Elston (pictured below). All three were in the QMHC office last week preparing to deliver WoW-ED. Further WoW programs focusing on the health and human service sector are planned for October. |
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Woking together to prevent suicide
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Working together to prevent suicide is the theme for World Suicide Prevention Day 2018.
We can all do something to reduce the incidence and impact of suicide in Queensland by gaining some basic awareness of the signs someone may be thinking of suicide and how to guide them to seek help. Many people in crisis have said the simple act of someone asking if they were okay and then listening to them was the first step in their seeking help.
If you are not sure how you can make a difference, there are loads of online resources, including, Lifeline or call 13 11 14, Suicide Call Back Service or call 1300 659 467, Everymind, or beyondblue. |
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World Suicide Prevention Day events
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This year the Commission has again funded Roses in the Ocean to deliver World Suicide Prevention Day breakfast events in Brisbane, Maryborough and Townsville. Register to attend >>
Roses in the Ocean is also hosting its annual community event in the Queen Street Mall on Monday 10 September from 10 am to 2 pm. Just turn up, meet local service providers, listen to live music and show your support.
Join mental health leaders and sector experts at the AISRAP World Suicide Prevention Day Community Forum on the 14 September. Register to attend >> |
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Other suicide prevention events
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Drought-affected communities
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Large parts of Queensland are again ravaged by drought, leaving some families struggling to survive mentally, physically and financially. Be aware of sources of rural and remote support including mental health services, helplines and online counselling, as well as financial assistance.
The Premier has launched the Queensland Drought Appeal to support people and communities affected.
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Please donate if you can >> |
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Wellbeing across communities
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Sponsorships
Looking to extend the reach of your mental health, drug or alcohol awareness event, conference or project? Sponsorships up to $10 000 are available. Current round closes 31 August. |
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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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