QMHC eNews - Issue 33

Commissioner's Update

Hot off the press

The Premier introduced a Bill in Parliament yesterday to pave the way for increasing access to justice for survivors of child sexual abuse.

Responses to the accompanying discussion paper are due on 26 October 2016. Get details

Working together to prevent suicide

It’s great to see both State and Commonwealth governments increasing their focus on suicide prevention. Every initiative contributes to our aim of reducing suicide by 50 per cent within a decade.

I look forward to participating in the suicide prevention health taskforce being led by Queensland Health and the Primary Health Networks.

Our performance: What we heard

Thank you to all 854 people who responded to our annual survey. The survey is our main tool to monitor our performance. A report on what you said is currently being finalised.

Most of you think it will take at least five years for us to make a difference and trends are generally positive, but of course there is always much more to do to meet expectations.

• Most people think positive reform is underway (49% in 2014 to 64% in 2016)
• We are building collaboration across sectors (42% to 51%)
• Our research and review work is considered relevant by 65% of respondents (up from 62%)

Meeting your expectations

One of our challenges is to increase opportunity for input. We would be very happy to hear from people who have ideas about how we can better meet expectations. This is particularly important as we begin planning for a refreshed Strategic Plan in 2017.

Heading 3

Grants program open

Apply now

The 2016-17 Stronger Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Grants Program is now open.

Grants up to $50,000 are available for locally-led, collaborative initiatives that support Queenslanders experiencing mental illness, mental health problems and problems related to alcohol and other drug use.

This year we’re focusing on initiatives that support social inclusion, community participation and/or improved physical health.

Applications close 31 August 2016

More information about the Grants Program and how to apply on our website

Achievements of previous years

Previous years of the Stronger Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Grants Program has supported local activities across Queensland – from Cape York in the north, the Gold Coast in the south, and west to Longreach and Mount Isa.

The 2014-15 Program supported 46 local projects to increase community and individual connectedness, raise awareness and build individual and community capacity to address mental health and problematic alcohol and other drug use issues. The results:

• 1,648 people attended workshops on mental health and wellbeing
• 821 people trained in Mental Health First Aid, Suicide Intervention Skills and other recognised courses
• 47 people trained as mentors or speakers
• 13 people accredited as instructors or facilitators.

In 2015-16 the Program provided grants of up to $50,000 for projects to support social inclusion and community participation for Queenslanders experiencing mental illness, mental health problems and problems related to alcohol and other drug use.

Read about past grant recipients

Health service complaints

Improving the system

Making a complaint in Queensland’s mental health, alcohol and other drug system can at times be frustrating.

Earlier this month we made a submission to the Parliamentary Inquiry into the Queensland Health Ombudsman’s performance and the health service complaints management system. The inquiry is looking at the operation of the health service complaints management system and how it might be improved and the performance of the Health Ombudsman in relation to legislation.

Our submission focused on ways the health service complaints management system might be improved from the perspective of people with mental health and alcohol and other drug issues. We drew on feedback already received regarding the complaints system and its accessibility.

Our submission will be available on our website in the coming weeks.

Read more about the Parliamentary Inquiry

Lived experience

Survey: Resources to support people bereaved by suicide

The Commission has partnered with Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health to improve resources to support Queenslanders bereaved by suicide, or with a lived experience of suicide. The project is an action from the Queensland Suicide Prevention Action Plan 2015-17.

As part of the project Orygen is undertaking a review of the quality, availability and accessibility of services and has released an online survey to determine the accessibility of existing resources and identify any gaps. People can participate in the survey if they are over 18, live in Queensland, and:

• have been bereaved by suicide,
• have lived experience of suicide attempt, or
• care for someone who has attempted suicide or been bereaved by suicide (including family, friends, and other support persons).

The review is expected to be finalised by October 2016.

Promoting lived experience in mental health

Last month, we held the Promoting Lived Experience in Mental Health Forum.

The forum proved a valuable opportunity to gain input on how to enhance consumer participation and paid consumer roles and improve mental health consumer contribution to system change in Queensland. There were a range of people in attendance, including government and non-government representatives and people with lived experience.

The forum was part of the work the Commission is leading under Shared Commitment 1 of the Queensland Mental Health, Drug and Alcohol Strategic Plan 2014-2019 ‘Engagement and leadership priorities for individuals, families and carers’.

System reform

Ageing well for Seniors Week

Older people make a valuable and often underestimated contribution to the community and economy. It is during this life stage however that community attitudes and expectations play a significant influence on the mental health and wellbeing of older people.

We held the first Age Well Working Group meeting last week – bringing both government and non-government partners together to support implementation of the Early Action Plan by focusing on the mental health and wellbeing needs of older people in Queensland. The Working Group discussed:

• Strategic priorities of the Queensland Government with implications for how we support the mental health and wellbeing of older Queenslanders
• Clinical perspectives on the mental health and wellbeing of older Queenslanders
• Building the evidence base for supporting healthy ageing
• What we are doing well and what we could do better.

Read about the Early Action Plan

This week is Seniors Week (13-21 August 2016). Find out how you can celebrate Seniors Week

Listening to frontline workers

We have heard from a number of clinicians recently, particularly in relation to locked wards and the importance of valuing experience among our nurses and the broader mental health workforce.

Reaching frontline workers is always a challenge for the Commission, but email and social media is an opportunity to get issues on the agenda. Please keep your thoughts coming.

Locked wards vs. open wards

Findings from a 15 year study examining both locked and open psychiatric wards in regards to suicide risk and patients leaving without permission has been published. Results from the study suggest that locked wards may not be able to prevent suicide or patients leaving without permission. Key findings include:

• Suicide, suicide attempts and patients leaving without permission were not increased in hospitals with an open door policy.
• Compared with treatment in locked wards, there was decreased probability of suicide attempts and patients leaving without permission in open wards.

Read the article or listen to a radio interview with Oxford University psychiatry professor Tom Burns, whose commentary on the study was also published in The Lancet Psychiatry.

Creating job opportunities

Last month over 50 Toowoomba businesses heard how they can create a positive influence in their community by modifying their purchasing behaviour and using social enterprises to assist their business.

Local social enterprises and not-for-profit organisations had the opportunity to showcase their goods and services.

The event hosted by Toowoomba Clubhouse and Social Traders Melbourne was part of the Toowoomba Social Procurement Project – a project supported by the Commission to source job opportunities for people with a lived experience of mental illness and educate government departments and businesses on how social enterprises can help their business.

Keynote speaker and leading thinker in social procurement Mark Daniels said:

“It is great to see so many organisations interested in finding out more about social enterprises and social procurement in their community. How they spend their money, who they purchase from, and what they purchase, can have profound social impacts.”

For more information contact kirsten@toowoombaclubhouse.org.au

Suicide prevention

Register your WSPD event

World Suicide Prevention Day on 10 September is fast approaching and many of you will now be organising the finer details of your event.

By registering your event with Roses in the Ocean you will get:

• A web page for your event on their website
• The WSPD logo for use on your website, social media or posters and flyers
• Recognition as helping to prevent suicide in Queensland.

Events can be registered as public or private.

Register your event

Conversations for Life

Become more confident and influential in your conversations to prevent potential suicidal thinking and behaviour.

The Conversations for Life suicide prevention program equips individuals with the skills to be ready, willing and able to help others cope better with life’s challenges.

The half-day, facilitator led program focuses on the communication and influencing skills required to help people that may be overwhelmed with issues, and not waiting for them to be in a crisis situation.

It’s great to see the community and businesses getting involved and supporting the need to have conversations, such as PRD Ipswich Real Estate who attended the program and released this great video.

Find out more about Conversations for Life

Alcohol and other drugs

Action in progress

The Queensland Alcohol and Other Drugs Reference Group met earlier this month.

The Reference group oversees and supports implementation of the Queensland Alcohol and Other Drugs Action Plan 2015–17. They discussed the progress of several key actions, including:

• the introduction of new liquor laws from 1 July 2016
• the development of an integrated framework for the delivery of specialist courts (including the Drug Court)
• the reinstatement of the Murri Court and Special Circumstances Court Diversion Program
• identifying ways to reduce stigma and discrimination that has a negative impact on the mental health and wellbeing of people experiencing problematic drug use, including a review of legislation and development of analytical case studies involving interviews with people who have had contact with treatment services.

Dual diagnosis resources

A new suite of harm reduction resources focusing on the interactions between mental health medications and alcohol and other drugs are now available.

The resources were funded by North Brisbane Partners in Recovery as part of a dual diagnosis project and developed by QNADA in collaboration with a psychopharmacologist, an addiction medicine specialist, a social worker and a psychologist. They provide information for both health professionals and clients about the potential interactions of commonly prescribed mental health medications and licit/illicit substances.

Download the resources

Global Drug Survey

Key findings from the 2016 Global Drug Survey have been released.

The world’s largest drug survey provides insight into drug taking habits across the globe, with more than 100,000 responses in 2016 from over 50 countries.

Key findings

• The top 10 drugs used across the world excluding alcohol, tobacco and caffeine products were cannabis, MDMA, cocaine, amphetamines, LSD, magic mushrooms, prescribed and non-prescribed opioid medication, nitrous oxide, ketamine and poppers.
• Synthetic cannabinoids were more likely to lead to emergency medical treatment than any other drug.
• Increasing rates of use make nitrous oxide the seventh most popular drug in the world.
• There has been an increase in the use of both MDMA and cocaine over the last three years. There are concerns over high dose MDMA pills leading to increased risk of acute harm.
• One third of drinkers would like to drink less in the coming year, yet only 10 per cent on average would like help to do so.

Read more key findings

Community

Nominate your mental health hero for an award

Nominations are open for the 2016 Queensland Mental Health Week Achievement Awards.

Now in its fourth year, the Awards celebrate the achievements of individuals, groups and organisations improving understanding and awareness of mental health and wellbeing in Queensland.

Nominate yourself, your organisation or others who you believe are deserving of an award. Complete and submit your online nomination form or email events@openminds.org.au for more information.

Nominations close 5 September 2016.

Winners will be announced at the Achievement Awards luncheon on 14 October 2016. Contact Open Minds to secure tickets.

Opportunities to sponsor an award category are still available. Contact Open Minds for more information.

Advisory Council

Member profile: Jeremy Audas

Over the course of the last twenty years Jeremy has gained a deep understanding of the service delivery and community service needs of people impacted by disadvantage, including disability and mental illness. He also understands the specific issues impacting people living in regional, rural and remote areas.

Currently the Chief Executive Officer of the Mental Illness Fellowship North Queensland, Jeremy has been actively involved in leading the establishment of a range of mental health programs, services and projects across North and Far North Queensland. While in the Department of Communities he led a team that transitioned a major drug and alcohol diversion service from government control to a community-based organisation. He has advocated at social, political and local levels on behalf of individuals and community groups and is connected to national organisations and initiatives.

Jeremy has a strong desire to bring together mental health and alcohol and other drug services to improve the lives of people impacted by mental illness and addiction. He believes that by working collaboratively better responses can be developed that lead to enhanced collective impact.

Jeremy has held a range of community leadership roles, including as current Chair of the Board of the Townsville Intercultural Centre, President of the Townsville Community Legal Service and as a former Member of the State Council of Queensland Alliance for Mental Health Inc.

Read about other Members of the Council

Sector news

Grants

• HESTA Community Sector Awards – The awards recognise outstanding service provision, advocacy and leadership in improving the lives of people who rely on access to the services of this sector. It is an opportunity to recognise the work individuals and organisations provide to the broader community, supporting those who need it most. Winners will share in a $30,000 prize pool. Nominate
• Westpac Social Change Fellowship – 10 Fellowships of up to $50,000 will be awarded to individuals who have the vision and commitment to deliver an initiative that will improve the wellbeing of Australians. More information
  Celebrating Multicultural Queensland grants – Grants for initiatives that celebrate and promote Queensland’s multicultural identity, increase community awareness of benefits of multiculturalism, foster community cohesion, and support equal access to opportunities by people from diverse cultural backgrounds. Apply by 26 August here
• Deaf Services Queensland Life Enrichment Grant – Life Enrichment Grants enable members of the Deaf community to achieve their goals, whether they be recreational, career-oriented or wellbeing. Recognised Deaf groups in Queensland are also eligible. Find out more
• Gambling Community Benefit Fund – Next round closes 31 August. Find out more
• Moreton Bay Region Community Grants Program – The program enables the Council to recognise leadership and individual achievement, and to develop and actively support community organisations and individuals to positively contribute to community wellbeing and the cultural life of the region. More information
• The Gulf Area Community Social Development Trust – Grants up to $50,000 for projects and initiatives that encourage educational, health, cultural and social development in the interests and welfare of residents of the Gulf Area Community. Apply here
• Aussie Cotton Farmers Grow Communities – With the aim of helping support local communities in 14 Cotton Grower Association areas in New South Wales and Queensland, the program gives farmers the opportunity to nominate a deserving not-for-profit group operating in one of the 14 eligible areas to receive one of thirty $5,000 grants. Find out more
• Access and Inclusion Community Partnership Program – Funding ranging from $2,000 to $50,000 is available to support projects that improve access and inclusion in Brisbane (community-led initiatives in particular). Apply by 12 September. More information
• Mazda Foundation – Grants available for projects by community-based organisations supporting children with physical and/or mental disabilities or elderly people with mental disabilities, or their carers. Apply here
• Sisters of Charity Foundation – Grants available to provide support and financial assistance to community initiatives that will benefit poor and marginalised people. More information

Resources

• Comorbidity guidelines – The NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Mental Health and Substance Use has updated and revised the Guidelines on the management of co-occurring alcohol and other drug and mental health conditions in alcohol and other drug treatment settings. Download the guidelines
• Sensory overload – Most children and adults living with FASD experience Sensory overload. These five videos simulate the experience of sensory overload. Watch the videos
• Guidelines on the management of co-occurring alcohol and other drug and mental health conditions – These guidelines aim to provide alcohol and other drug (AOD) workers with up-to-date, evidence-based information on the management of comorbid mental health conditions in AOD treatment settings. Download the guidelines
• Care Navigator – Find, review & recognise the best NDIS care providers in your community. Go to Care Navigator

Events

• 23-26 August 2016 World First Nations Traditional Knowledge Conference – South Brisbane. The conference will be centred on six key themes: Lore, Knowledge, Culture, Medicine, Spirit and Law. More information
• 25-26 August 2016 Interpersonal Psychotherapy for adolescents and adults: An attachment-based intervention for depression and related disorders – Brisbane. An intensive skill development workshop for Interpersonal Psychotherapy, an engaging and evidence-based therapy. Register
• 2 September 2016 CheckUp Forum – The theme this year is #health2020, representing a new healthy economy in which value and outcomes matter, not volumes, and where an engaged, informed health consumer is the major driver of value and activity. Registrations now open. More information here
• 7-8 September 2016 QCOSS State Conference – A two-day event with the theme ‘Everything is possible’. Register to attend
• 9 September 2016 AISRAP’s World Suicide Prevention Day Forum – Don’t miss this day of insightful, motivating and meaningful discussion with expert speakers, a lived experience panel and more. Register now
• 15-16 September 2016 Rural Innovation and Research Symposium – Coffs Harbour. The symposium will focus on how innovation and research can be embedded into everyday work practices and will provide an opportunity to learn from others through the sharing of experiences, strategies and lessons learned.  Visit the event website
• 11-14 October 2016 The 4^th National Indigenous Drug and Alcohol Conference – Adelaide. The theme is ‘Showing Initiative: AOD responses required to Close the Gap by 2030’. Register here
• 17-19 October 2016 World Federation for Mental Health International Conference – Cairns. Co-hosted by the World Federation for Mental Health and the Dr Edward Koch Foundation. More information
• 24-26 October 2016 12th Biennial Asia Pacific International Mental Health Conference – The conference theme is Recovered Futures: People, Practice, Partnership, Policy. Submit an abstract or register now. Find out more

Other

• Call for abstracts – The Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare is calling for abstracts for the 6th Annual Sector Research Symposium. Positive Futures: Transforming the lives of children and families through research will explore a range of approaches to research and evidence-informed practice to improve outcomes for children and families. More information here
• National Indigenous Drug and Alcohol Awards 2016 – Nominations are open for these awards which provide peer recognition and appreciation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people working in the alcohol and other drug field. Nominate

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