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Image courtesy of Richmond Fellowship Queensland Recovery in Focus photographic exhibition, 6 October 2015
Commissioner's Update
Housing report recognised
Last week we were honoured to accept an award for The Most Outstanding Health Care Report in Australasia in 2015 at the Australasian Over 50s Housing Awards. The award was for the Ordinary Report Social Housing: Systemic issues for tenants with complex needs released in May this year.
The report makes recommendations to address systemic issues and help people experiencing mental illness, mental health difficulties and substance use problems to maintain their social housing tenancies.
My thanks to everyone involved in the report, those who contributed to its development and those who are now addressing its 12 recommendations. Particularly I’d like to thank the social housing tenants, their families and supporters who shared their experiences as part of the research.
The report is on our website
Push for patient rights continues
We made a submission on the new mental health legislation to the Parliamentary Committee last month. The submission focuses on the need for Queensland to have contemporary mental health legislation which adopts a recovery-oriented, least restrictive approach which respects and protects the human rights of patients and acknowledges the important role played by families, carers and support persons in recovery.
Read the submission or watch the Parliamentary Committee Hearing
Mining questions
Questions about the impact of mining in rural communities continue to arise.
Questions are not limited to the impact of FIFO, which was the subject of a Parliamentary Inquiry, but also reflect issues raised in the 2013 Queensland Health Report about the impact of coal seam gas in the Tara region and statements across the country; pointing to the impact of the powerlessness of landowners in negotiating with mining companies.
Employment initiative
Toowoomba Clubhouse is preparing to open an exciting new Toowoomba mental health employment project, The Vanguard Centre, early next year. The project will create jobs and career development for people recovering from mental illness.
We wish Toowoomba Clubhouse, under the leadership of Luke Terry, all the best in raising the funds needed to support the launch of the Centre.
Latest news
Willing to work
The Commission has been working with the Anti-Discrimination Commission Queensland on a joint submission to the Australian Human Rights Commission Willing to Work Inquiry which considers employment discrimination against older Australians and Australians with a disability.
Be heard
To inform our submission, we want to hear from you.
- What policies, workplace practices, programs or incentives help increase participation of people with mental illness in the workforce? Are they adequate?
- Are there particular challenges in employing people with mental illness?
- What are the barriers people living with a mental illness experience in getting and keeping a job?
- What lessons can we learn from other countries?
- How well do existing laws protect people with mental illness from employment discrimination? Can they be strengthened?
- What difficulties are there for employers in understanding and complying with their obligations?
- Are there distinct challenges faced by certain groups of people living with mental illness, such as women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds or LGBTI people?
Join the conversation on our Facebook page or email us at info@qmhc.qld.gov.au.
Be quick. Comments close Monday, 16 November.
For more information about the inquiry or if you would like to make your own submission by 4 December to the Australian Human Rights Commission see the inquiry website
Preventing suicide in regional, rural and remote Queensland
Ten volunteers from regions across Queensland participated in training organised by Roses in the Ocean last week, as part of a suicide prevention initiative funded through the Commission’s grants program.
The Suicide Prevention Lived Experience Speakers Bureau program delivers training and support to volunteer speakers with lived experience of suicide. Training prepares volunteers to speak at workplaces, community groups and organisations on the importance of knowing how to give help and how to get help to prevent suicide and also teaches them to deliver the program to others in their regions.
The initiative targeted regional, rural and remote Queensland, with participants coming from a variety of areas, including Mount Isa, Cairns, Innisfail, Hervey Bay, Rockhampton, Toowoomba, Kingaroy and the Sunshine Coast.
QMHC sponsorship
We’ve been working on our sponsorship process to make applying for sponsorship easier for you.
On our website you will find information about how to apply, our sponsorship guidelines, previous sponsorship recipients and a downloadable application form and report template. Go to our website
Lived experience
Help shape health services
Health Consumers Queensland is looking for health consumers and carers to participate in high-level, strategic collaboration with Queensland Health.
The Queensland Health Consumers Collaborative is a new initiative, providing an opportunity for key consumer and carer issues to be raised at a statewide executive level. It also provides an opportunity for Queensland Health to consult with consumers and carers to gain input on issues and initiatives from a statewide perspective.
Download the expression of interest form
Expressions of interest close on Wednesday, 18 November.
Insurance discrimination
Discrimination by the insurance industry has been under the spotlight with reports people with an experience of mental illness may not be able to access insurance in the same way as the rest of the population. Examples include people being regularly denied insurance cover, forced to pay higher premiums or have their claim rejected because of their illness.
ABC’s 7:30 covered this issue twice recently. If you missed the reports on TV you can still watch them on the ABC website:
- A young woman is challenging an insurance agency over its blanket exclusion of mental illness in its travel insurance policy. Watch the report
- A man has been denied life and income insurance due to PTSD, after the Bali bombings. Watch his story
Organisations such as beyondblue and Mental Health Australia are urging more potential victims of discrimination to come forward and share their stories to help fix this issue. Tune in to beyondblue CEO, Georgie Harmon, talk on ABC radio
To find out more, or if you have been a victim of discrimination and would like to take action go to beyondblue’s website
Peer support forums
Feel like a chat? SANE Australia’s Carers and Lived Experience forums provide peer support for people living with a mental illness or related mental health issues, and for family, friends and other carers. The forums provide a safe, anonymous place for sharing stories and connecting with others.
Visit the SANE forums
Complaints
Have you ever had a complaint about the mental health, alcohol and drug sector? What type of complaint was it? Did you lodge a formal complaint? Was it clear who to lodge it with?
We want to know about your experience of having your complaint heard in Queensland. Tell us on our Facebook page or by emailing us at media@qmhc.qld.gov.au.
Alcohol and other drugs
Hidden harm
Brain damage caused by drinking alcohol during pregnancy is irreversible.
Children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) can and do live a life with purpose, however they face a range of problems through their lifetime with symptoms such as behavioural issues, poor memory and learning difficulties. FASD is preventable though, with research showing the only safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy is zero.
For those who missed the Four Corners’ story ‘Hidden Harm’ on FASD you can still watch it on their website
Also make sure you tune in to ABC radio to hear more on FASD from Dr Doug Shelton here
Get resources, support or more information about FASD here
Other news
New goals to improve Indigenous health
The Commonwealth Government has released an implementation plan to improve the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The implementation plan builds on the 10 year National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Plan 2013-2023, detailing actions and achievable goals to improve the health of Indigenous children, youth and adults.
Download the plan from the Department of Health website.
Stress and wellbeing
Every year during Psychology Week (8-14 November) the Australian Psychological Society releases the results of the annual Stress and Wellbeing survey. This year’s survey results have confirmed an impact of heavy social media use on our wellbeing, particularly for teenagers. Results have also revealed a concerning number of Australians engaging in risky behaviour to manage stress. Read the key findings
To get involved in Psychology Week check out the list of events across Australia or download some fantastic resources on the APS website.
Most importantly, don’t forget to look after your mental health and wellbeing – check out these tips to stress less
South Australia Mental Health Commission announced
Congratulations to the South Australian Government and the interim Commissioner Dr Stephen Christley on the establishment of the SA Mental Health Commission on 29 October.
The Commission is established as an administrative unit reporting directly to the Minister to lead development of the state Mental Health Plan, undertake policy development and work closely with the mental health sector and the community. The National Mental Health Commission and the Western Australia Mental Health Commission are established administratively, and New South Wales and Queensland are established by legislation. Read more about the SA Mental Health Commission
Council update
Applications closed
Applications for Queensland Mental Health and Drug Advisory Council membership have closed. With over 100 applications, it will take some time for the process to be finalised.
Council meeting
Promotion, prevention and early intervention was the theme of the Advisory Council meeting on 19 October.
In addition to discussing the Council’s role in relation to the Queensland Mental Health Promotion, Prevention and Early Intervention Action Plan 2015-17, the Council welcomed guest presenters to speak on reducing mental illness and substance use disorders in children and youth and preventing alcohol-related harm.
Read the Council meeting communique or download the presentations on our website
Spotlight on Mitchell Giles
Having worked in the alcohol and other drug sector for the past 25 years in both acute and community settings, Mitchell is passionate about alcohol and other drugs and mental health, and ensuring effective services are delivered to the people who need them.
In conjunction with his role as a Council member, Mitchell is Chief Executive Officer of Lives Lived Well which oversees alcohol and other drug service delivery to communities across Queensland.
As a member of the Council, Mitchell has made valuable contributions to the work of the Commission, including to the whole-of-government, whole-of-community alcohol and other drug action plan expected to be released later this year.
Looking forward, Mitchell hopes the Council will contribute to improved integration between alcohol and other drugs and mental health, particularly in the areas of awareness, prevention and early intervention and suicide prevention.
Sector News
Board opportunities
Are you passionate about improving the social, emotional and physical wellbeing of people in Queensland? Queensland Health has begun recruiting for Chairs and Members in 15 of Queensland’s Hospital and Health Boards.
Information on positions available and application details can be found here.
Applications close Sunday, 29 November.
Perinatal Depression and Anxiety Awareness Week
Join PANDA this year in raising awareness of perinatal anxiety and depression and hold your own Lunch Out Loud.
Lunch Out Loud raises awareness and funds for the ongoing support and education of the community regarding perinatal anxiety and depression. It’s an opportunity to have a positive and honest conversation about parenthood with friends and workmates. Find out more
Surveys
The Australian Government has opened a consumer survey on private health insurance as part of their consultation focused on the value of private health insurance for consumers and long term sustainability. All consumers, including those without private health insurance, are encouraged to participate and share their views. Take the survey.
Grants
The Gambling Community Benefit Fund grant program is open and closes on 30 November 2015. Grants up to $35,000 are available. Apply here
Applications are open for Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month Community Grants. Grants up to $3,000 are available to hold activities or events during Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month in May 2016 to raise awareness and help prevent domestic and family violence. Applications close 12pm on 13 November. Find out more
The Brisbane City Council Men’s Shed Grants Program is open. Grants up to $20,000 are available to support the establishment and development of Men's Sheds in Brisbane. Submissions close 14 December. Apply
The Brisbane City Council Housing Support Program is open for applications of up to $10,000 in funding from community organisations for projects or services that respond to the housing and social needs of homeless people in Brisbane's inner north. Applications close 14 December. Apply here
The Lord Mayor's Suburban Initiative Fund grants program is open. Grants up to $10,000 are available to community projects which contribute to the Brisbane Vision, by helping to achieve the aspiration to be a friendly and safe, active and healthy, clean and green or vibrant and creative city. More information or apply here
One-off capital grants up to $1 million and small grants up to $50,000 are now available under the Elderly Parent Carer Innovation Initiative. The initiative aims to support elderly parents to secure sustainable living arrangements for their adult children with disability when they are no longer able to care for them. Applications close 30 November and there are information sessions being held for applicants. Find out more
Resources
Free online training for engaging with people who use alcohol and other drugs – Three free online learning modules for workers who engage with people who use alcohol and other drugs. The modules include ‘Introduction to crystal methamphetamine’, ‘Introduction to Brief Interventions’ and ‘Introduction to young people and drugs’. Find out more
'Sick with worry…' Stories from the front-line of inequality – Released by the St Vincent de Paul Society National Council of Australia, the national report contains stories from those doing it toughest and 14 recommendations to the Federal Government to help enable people to overcome poverty. Read the report
Healthy Dads? The challenge of being a new father – Research project findings released by beyondblue. The research highlights the need to value and support both mothers and fathers in the transition to parenthood. Read the report
Stayin' on Track – A new website launched to help young Aboriginal men transition to fatherhood. The online resource is developed by Aboriginal men for Aboriginal dads and provides advice and links to services. Go to the website
The best for me and my baby – This booklet was developed by COPMI with and for women with a mental health condition or mental illness (and their partners) who are thinking about having a baby, are new parents or are about to have a baby. Download the booklet
Alcohol Demotivator – UK organisation Abbeycare has developed this useful and interactive online tool to help individuals reconsider their drinking habits and ‘demotivates’ them by presenting the potential consequences in their life, both health and otherwise. Go to the website
Events
13 November: Outreach Symposium & Cocktail Reception – Brisbane. The Outreach Symposium is a collaborative event hosted by CheckUP and the Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council to showcase best practice models of care that are delivering vital health care services to people in rural and remote areas of Queensland. More information about registration here
11-13 November: Youth Health Conference – Melbourne. The 3-day conference is convened by the Australian Association for Adolescent Health (AAAH) and will feature keynote speeches, plenary sessions, paper presentations, panel discussions, workshops, performances and social events. More information here
14 November: Mental Health Skills Training for General Practitioners – Brisbane. Accredited by the General Practice Mental Health Standards Collaboration, the workshop focuses on the assessment, planning and review cycle of common mental health conditions and the development of mental health treatment plans. Find out more
18 November: Politics in the Pub discussion on suicide – Communify invites the community to discuss suicide with an expert panel of speakers from a range of suicide prevention organisations. More information on Facebook
23 & 24 November: Mental Health First Aid Training – Brisbane. Register here
1-3 December: 4th Indigenous Health Conference – Cairns. More information
18-19 February 2016: Annual TheMHS Summer Forum – Sydney. The topic for discussion during this 2-day conference is Cracks in the ice? Illicit drugs and the mental health impact on our communities. Early bird registrations now open
Give your feedback
Take five minutes to give us your feedback! Evaluate:
Queensland Mental Health Week 2015
Queensland Suicide Prevention Action Plan 2015-17
Ordinary Report Social Housing: Systemic issues for tenants with complex needs
Submission on Queensland’s Mental Health Bill 2015
Suicide Prevention Discussion Paper
Awareness, Prevention and Early Intervention Discussion Paper
Reducing alcohol and other drug impacts in Queensland Discussion Paper
