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Learn more about our work and cross-sectoral action << Click here >> |
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At the pill testing community information event with Rebecca Lang (QNADA), Professor Fiona Meesham (co-founder of The Loop UK) and Cameron Francis (The Loop Australia). |
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Mental health and natural disasters
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Hello everyone, last week, I accompanied Agriculture Minister Mark Furner and others to Western Queensland to see first hand the impact of flooding. Over three days we visited Julia Creek, Richmond, Winton and Cloncurry and met with cattle station owners, local government representatives, emergency services personnel, school principals, local hospital staff and local mining company executives.
Overall it was great to see how governments, agencies and communities have mobilised to help those affected in the recovery process. While there was a level of psychological distress evident in these communities, it was clear from speaking with many local people that what’s needed is practical support (for example, help with burying animal carcasses and re-erecting fences) and financial assistance.
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Since our last edition in December, the public discussion around pill testing as a harm reduction strategy has become more prominent. The issue has attracted a great deal of national media coverage and debate. Contributing to the public debate, QNADA hosted a community information event this week with presentations from Professor Fiona Meesham (co-founder of The Loop UK) and Cameron Francis (The Loop Australia).
Last week, Canberra Chief Minister Andrew Barr, approved a further pill-testing trial at the same festival this year. Health Minister Steven Miles said in Parliament that he is looking forward to seeing the outcome of that second trial, and the discussion with other ministers at the COAG Health Council. He acknowledged that there is a wide range of measures that should be considered to keep festival-goers safe.
I look forward to the findings of this second trial, and will continue to support this important community debate.
In other Commission news, I am delighted to formally welcome Dr Leanne Geppert to the position of Executive Director. Many in the sector may have already worked with Leanne in her previous role as Executive Director of Mental Health and Specialised Services at West Moreton Hospital and Health Service. A large part of her role will be to oversee the implementation of Shifting minds, which will be the focus of much of the Commission’s work in the coming years.
As always, please continue to take care of each other. |
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If you want to help the communities of North West Queensland and Townsville get back on their feet, please donate to the flood appeal through the following organisations:
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At the launch of the Redcliffe Safe Space. Juliet Middleton, General Manager-Community Aftercare; Russel Evans, Manager QMHC; Nicole Hunter, Senior Policy Advisor QMHC; Tania Schmakeit, Acting Service Manager Redcliffe| Regional Manager QLD – AfterCare; Shele Liddle, MHS Practice Manager Wesley Mission Queensland & Convenor Safe Space CiM Working Group. |
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The communities in which we live can and should be places where we go to for help—and Caboolture and now Redcliffe communities just got a boost. The Brisbane North Safe Space Network, which recently launched its Redcliffe Safe Space, aims to offer improved responsiveness and expanded options for people experiencing social or emotional distress.
Guests at the recent launch of the Redcliffe Safe Space heard how people can access a mental health support worker, use the sensory modulation room, complete a safety plan, create take-home sensory resources, engage with a therapeutic art space, access a mindfulness corner, or simply rest and reflect in a place of welcoming support. With no referral necessary, appointments are welcomed and walk in support is available too. |
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Art as therapy: a powerful change-agent
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“The art therapy program helped me to work through my problems and go from a kid in crisis to become someone able to contribute to the community and function as an adult.” ~ Participant
Art therapy helps bring what we are feeling on the inside to the outside and is one way to build a bridge to self-awareness and healing. It offers opportunities for mindfulness while acting as a catalyst for new insights.
Through Commission seed funding, Open Doors Youth Service, deliver the PRIDE art therapy program in which young people, who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, sistergirl and/or brotherboy (LGBTIQ+SB) have the opportunity to express themselves in new and different ways. The outcomes of this ongoing program are impressive … |
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We’ve had an overwhelming response to our new Better Futures Grants launched late last year. The grants are designed to fund innovative initiatives—in employment and/or housing—that improve the mental health and wellbeing, and social inclusion of Queenslanders with a lived experience of mental illness, problematic alcohol and other drug use, or those impacted by suicide. We anticipate announcement of the successful applications in late March/early April. |
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Calling all mental health sector workers
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To support the development of the mental health lived experience workforce, we invite anyone who works in the mental health sector to take part in a research survey. Findings from the survey will inform a project to support Queensland organisations to develop and manage this workforce. Outcomes of the project will include strategies in training, supervision, support, culture and career progression, as well as an evidence-based framework relevant for urban and regional locations, and appropriate or adaptable for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and culturally and linguistically diverse groups. |
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Have your say: national mental health inquiry
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The Productivity Commission is seeking submissions to its inquiry into the role of mental health in supporting social and economic participation, and its effects on productivity and economic growth.
The inquiry will consider how mental illness can affect all aspects of a person’s quality of life including physical health, social participation, education, employment and financial status and will make recommendations as to how the government can better support Australians living with mental illness. |
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To align our work with the new strategic plan Shifting Minds, we have a number of positions to be filled.
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Mindframe has released two critical reviews of suicide and media literature, which serve as confirmation of the caution required in public portrayal of suicide. The reviews consider scientific studies focusing on the association and causal relationship between: suicide and the entertainment media (including film and television, music, and plays); and suicide and the news and information media (including newspapers, television, books, online and mixed media). |
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Stigma in Queensland workplaces is still a regular occurrence for people living with mental health conditions, according to research undertaken by EY Sweeney for the Commission. The report confirms that mental illness and stigma in workplaces presents challenges and opportunities for both employers and employees, and outlines strategies for promoting greater awareness and understanding of mental health conditions and creating inclusive workplace environments. |
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The Floresco service model, a ‘one-stop’ centre, where community-based mental health services offer personalised support, delivers simplified access to a range of services for people with mental illness and their families and carers—for example, general practitioners, psychology, and mental health social work services. The recently published evaluation of the model, run out of Floresco Centre in Ipswich, found that adopting an integrated approach to mental health care can improve client outcomes despite logistical and other challenges. |
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On safe and effective consumer and carer engagement, read the report recently published by the National Mental Health Commission that examines ways to support people with lived experience to effectively and safely participate with services, organisations and systems. While acknowledging positive changes, the report finds more still needs to be done. |
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Our Annual report and stakeholder survey
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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 28 February.
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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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