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At Healing in Exile Symposium
Hello everyone

After almost 30 years of involvement in mental health reform and service improvement in various capacities, I have the benefit of a longitudinal view. It was in the nineties, when the size and scale of mental illness was really bought home to me personally.

The first National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing in 1997 alerted us to the clear evidence that mental health disorders were much more common than generally understood, that the impact of mental illness upon lives is substantial and far reaching and that there is significant under-treatment of people living with mental illness. The second National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing in 2007 not only confirmed the size of the problem, but also highlighted the widespread negative attitudes towards mental illness and treatment.

The urgent need for a better response better galvanised governments to improve the availability, accessibility and quality of mental health services.

While there is still much more to do to improve the service system, we have a dedicated policy and funding response that is seeking to improve this situation. In stark and concerning contrast, the area that provides real potential to stem the tide and reduce the occurrence of mental illness is sadly lacking focus, priority or ownership — that is, prevention.

The value and necessity of cementing mental health promotion, prevention and early intervention as the foundation of our mental health system is the topic of my most recent opinion piece.

I encourage you to read Making prevention a priority and let me know whether you agree or not.

Best wishes

Ivan Frkovic
Queensland Mental Health Commissioner

 

System reform

National alcohol strategy
A new national alcohol strategy being developed as a sub-strategy of the National Drug Strategy 2017–2026 will outline Australia’s approach to preventing and minimising alcohol-related harm. The Ministerial Drug and Alcohol Forum is overseeing its development.

The forum sought responses to a consultation draft of the National Alcohol Strategy 2018–2026 through a public consultation. More than 100 submissions were received. Forum members considered the consultation findings at their June meeting, at which they were also updated on progress on the development of the National FASD strategy. The forum also decided to hold further consultation through a roundtable.

The strategy will be finalised by the end of 2018.

Strengthening mental health and wellbeing

Get connected

Queensland Mental Health Week (QMHW) will be here before we know it, so mark 6–14 October 2018 in your diary now. Coordinated on behalf of the sector this year by MIFQ and CheckUp, QMHW is an opportunity to focus community attention on the importance of mental health and wellbeing.

Join in now by subscribing to the QMHW newsletter or follow what’s happening on the week's FacebookTwitter or Instagram accounts.
 
Lydia Najlepszy, Mental Health Coach, Engagement and Student Wellbeing, North Coast Region, Department of Education

Early intervention

Pictured: Wheel of Wellbeing participants from community organisations and local councils during training

Community wellbeing

The reach of the Wheel of Wellbeing (WoW) is set to extend as neighbourhood and community centre staff are trained in the program.

Last month, 24 participants from community organisations and local councils began WoW intensive training facilitated by Tony Coggins (Maudsley International) and Jan Elston (WoW Support Program). Their full training program will be complete by the end of 2018.

Participants explored ways to apply the WoW program in their work, with some looking to implement self-care and wellbeing strategies and programs for volunteers, staff, and within community groups. Some participants plan to use the training to add structure to existing parenting and mental health programs and playgroups, and with families who are experiencing domestic violence or homelessness. One neighbourhood centre also plans to collaborate with a local Men’s Shed.

The training was offered through a partnership between the Commission and the Department of Communities, Disability Services and Seniors.

Stronger communities

Tenders now open! Evaluation of the Stretch2Engage pilot

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. 
Learn more

Sector grants


The Queensland Council of Social Service (QCOSS) publishes a comprehensive list of sector grants.


 

Events


Check out the latest major sector events, hosted by the Commission and partner organisations.
Learn more
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