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In Mackay talking mental health and wellbeing in rural and remote Queensland. Photo supplied by Mackay Hospital and Health Service.
Commissioner's Update
A legislative leap forward
Late last month I welcomed the news that the new mental health legislation passed through the Queensland Parliament.
The Mental Health Act 2016 represents a leap forward in improving and maintaining the health and wellbeing of Queenslanders with a mental illness. My congratulations to the Government and the Opposition on progressing new legislation.
The Act reflects many of the changes proposed by the Commission over the last two years and includes a range of reforms that respect and enhance the rights of consumers, families, carers and supporters including:
- Enabling consumers to nominate a person of their choice as a support person to help them express their wishes
- The establishment of the Independent Patient Rights Advisors to provide information to consumers, families, carers and support persons
- The use of advance health directives to enable consumers to express their wishes about their treatment.
Implementation challenge
The focus now turns to implementation. It will be important for all aspects of the Act's implementation to reflect the principles of the legislation, including taking into consideration the person’s wishes and preferences, involving family members, and respecting the cultural needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people from multicultural backgrounds.
The Queensland Health Implementation Team tells me that regular updates will be available to the public on a new website to be launched very soon.
Following the funding breadcrumbs
I am aware of concern among some stakeholders about how resources allocated to mental health, alcohol and other drugs services are spent.
The Commission has approached Queensland Health to work together in developing an information paper to enhance understanding of this complex area. I’m delighted the Director-General Queensland Health is supportive and work will commence soon.
Listening to the needs of rural & remote communities
Thanks to the communities of Longreach, Mackay and Oakey for welcoming us on recent visits. We listened to locals about their mental health and drug and alcohol service needs and the issues specific to rural and remote Queensland. Jan Kealton, the Advisory Council Deputy Chair was able to join me in Longreach.
Keep an eye on our website for a discussion paper seeking your views on developing the Rural and Remote Mental Health and Wellbeing Action Plan for Queensland.
Supporting families
I attended the inaugural National Family Drug Support Day last month and the launch of SOS Fast (Survivors of Suicide Fighting Against Suicide Toll) which has grown from a small community group to a charitable organisation.
While mental illness, alcohol and other drugs impact the whole community, the effect on individuals and families deserves special consideration, which is why initiatives like these are so important.
Our future shape
The Queensland Mental Health Commission Act 2013 requires an independent review of the effectiveness of the Commission before 30 June 2016, leading into a review of the effectiveness of the Act as soon as possible after 30 June. I have been advised that there will be an opportunity for interested people to have their say. This is an opportunity to ask:
- Have we met the expectation in the Act?
- Have we met your expectation of a Commission?
Read more about our performance and effectiveness on our website.
Lived experience
The Virtue of Complaint
Join us for a conversation about ‘The Virtue of Complaint’ on 21 March 2016.
Sometimes consumers and clients, their families and supporters find the treatment or services they receive may not be up to standard.
Your feedback is important for mental health and drug services to make sure the services and treatments they provide are of the highest quality. Services can use feedback to measure their performance and improve.
Whether you are a service user, family or support person, or represent a service provider or agency who handles complaints, join us to discuss the virtue of complaint, help demystify Queensland’s complaint system and explore how existing mechanisms to make a complaint can be made more accessible for Queensland consumers and clients, families and carers.
Seating for 100 – Register now
More information on our website
Alcohol and other drugs
Drug use can happen in any family
We proudly supported friends, families and clients of alcohol and other drug services in Queensland at Australia’s first National Family Drug Support Day on 24 February.
The day sends a message to the community that any family regardless of culture, social or economic background, can be affected by drug use, and while problematic drug use affects the whole community, behind every drug user there is a family affected by stigma and stress.
Action on alcohol and other drugs
The first meeting of the Queensland Alcohol and Other Drugs Reference Group was held last month.
The group oversees the implementation of the Queensland Alcohol and Other Drugs Action Plan 2015-17, agreed by government in 2015.
System reform
Improving Aboriginal and Islander social and emotional wellbeing
Last week we listened to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community sector, non-government and government stakeholders about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander social and emotional wellbeing.
The valuable views and perspectives gathered will help shape the Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social and Emotional Wellbeing Action Plan to be released later in the year.
Supporting multicultural Australians
People from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds, particularly the most recently arrived and refugees, may be more vulnerable to experiencing mental health difficulties and issues related to substance use, and are less likely to access services and support.
The Mental Health in Multicultural Australia (MHiMA) Project provides national advice and support to service providers and governments on mental health and suicide prevention for people from CALD backgrounds.
The Commonwealth, through Mental Health Australia, is considering submissions on future directions for the MHiMA Project.
What a Human Rights Act will mean for you
Queenslanders have an opportunity to have a say on whether we need a Human Rights Act in Queensland thanks to a Parliamentary Inquiry.
Our submission will focus on the effectiveness of current laws and mechanisms for protecting human rights in Queensland for people with mental illness and possible improvements. Read more on our website
The Anti-Discrimination Commission Queensland (ADCQ) is holding free public information sessions to explain what a Human Rights Act would mean for everyday Queenslanders. Sessions are being held in Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Ipswich, Logan, Toowoomba, Rockhampton, Townsville and Cairns.
Go to the ADCQ website for more information and to register to attend.
Community
Help prevent suicide in your community
Every year on World Suicide Prevention Day (10 September), the world recognises the impact that suicide has on our communities. This year we have partnered with Roses in the Ocean to spread WSPD events throughout Queensland communities.
For those interested in hosting a WSPD event, you are invited to join us for a workshop to help make your event a success and carefully manage the sensitive conversation about suicide. You will be supplied with a complete Event Host Pack which will provide you with everything you need to host an event in your local community.
When: 14 April 2016
Where: South Brisbane, Queensland
Send your expression of interest to media@qmhc.qld.gov.au by 31 March 2016.
Sector News
International mental health leaders in Queensland
Planning has commenced for the next International Initiative for Mental Health Leadership (IIMHL) Exchange being held in Australia in early 2017.
The Leadership Exchange is a week-long learning event held every 16 months, part of which includes site visits (matches) to various locations in the host country. New South Wales will host the 2017 Leadership Exchange, however there is opportunity to host a match in Queensland.
QMHC is working with Mental Illness Fellowship of Queensland(MIFQ) to encourage some Queensland matches. QMHC is happy to work with Queensland hosts to discuss how we can best support them.
Queenslanders who might be interested in hosting a match are invited to start planning now and can contact MIFQ for further information.
Asia Pacific International Mental Health Conference
Some of the worlds most progressive and influential mental health thought leaders will be coming to Brisbane in October 2016 to participate in the 12th Biennial Asia Pacific International Mental Health Conference.
This year we are supporting RFQ to present this conference – the region’s most significant mental health forum. The conference has emerged over two decades as a key platform to challenge conventional thinking through inclusive dialogue and debate and cross-cultural learnings. This year will see a focus on Recovered Futures: People, Practice, Partnerships, Policy.
Register your interest to attend, submit an abstract or sponsor the conference.
Grants
- auDA Foundation – With an aim to enhance the utility of the internet for all Australians, grants are available to not-for-profit organisations and research institutions for projects that will achieve practical outcomes through innovative means. Apply by 11 March. Find out more
- Stockland community grants – Local community organisations can apply for one-off cash payments up to $1,000 for projects to support local health, leisure and recreation clubs or programs, local employment, education and skills development initiatives, social engagement clubs and programs and environmental programs. More information
- National Stronger Regions Fund – Local government and incorporated not-for-profit organisations are eligible to apply for funding between $20,000 and $10 million. Find out more
- Queensland Destination Events Program – Funding available for regional events. Applications close 16 March. More information
- Westpac Foundation community grants – Grants up to $10,000 are available to local, grassroots not-for-profit organisations with big and small ideas in providing either educational opportunities, employment pathways or improving the quality of life of disadvantaged Australians in our local communities. Find out more
- Small grants for rural communities – Grants up to $5,000 available for projects and activities that offer clear public benefit for communities in rural, regional or remote Australia. More information
- Mercy Foundation small grants program – Small grants available to not-for-profit organisations for a range of social justice and community initiatives. Find out more
- Nambour RSL Community Benefit Fund – The RSL Services and Citizens Club Nambour Inc. is a provider of community based support and contributions in the local area of Nambour, with particular emphasis on sports and health. More information
- QGC Communities Fund – The fund aims to enhance regional liveability by building the sustainability of community groups and organisations. More information
- Jetstar Flying Start grants – Community groups and organisations can apply for a grant to fund a project that will enrich the lives of people in their local community. More information
- Moreton Bay Region Community Grants Program – The program is comprised of six funds. Applications close 31 March. Find out more
- Australia Post Our Neighbourhood grants – Community organisations can apply for up to $10,000 funding for projects that aim to benefit the wider community and meet an immediate need. Key focus areas are digital capacity, employment pathways, community inclusion and disaster readiness. Find out more
- Rockhampton Regional Council community assistance program – Grants up to $20,000 for projects/events within the Rockhampton Regional Council area that contribute to building community and economic capacity. Find out more
- Noosa Shire Council grants – Open to not-for-profit organisations for projects or events which will benefit the Noosa community. More information
- The Lord Mayor's Suburban Initiative Fund grants program – Applications 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
Resources
- Farmer Disaster Support – A new website provides famers and primary producers access to simple information about local support during natural disasters and drought. The website presents the full cross-section of postcode specific financial and social wellbeing support available. Visit the website
- Mental Health in the Workplace – The Conversation website published a series of articles relevant for both employees and employers about mental health in the workplace. A range of topics are covered including discrimination, disclosure and work and organisational design. Go to The Conversation
- The invisible discriminator – beyondblue's anti-discrimination campaign highlights the impact of racism on the social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. This powerful and thought provoking video encourages all Australians to check their behaviour. Watch the video clip
- School of Hard Knocks — 2016 program up and running for client referrals. Find out more
- Insight training and webinars – The Alcohol and Drug Training and Workforce Development service has launched their training and webinar calendar for the first semester of 2016. All training is free of charge. Webinars occur every Wednesday morning from 10am. For more information or to book a place, go to the Insight website
- Mindful Parenting: A Bringing Up Great Kids Resource – A free booklet filled with ideas and strategies to support mindful and reflective parenting. Download the booklet
- Generation Next YouTube Channel – A free online education resource makes the latest strategies and information in youth mental health available anywhere, anytime, providing useful tips to better support young people. Content accessed on the channel can count towards self-allocated PD points for teachers, counsellors and psychologists. Go to the YouTube channel
- Substance use and the adolescent brain – The Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience journal published a special edition entirely focused on the impacts of substance use on the adolescent brain. All articles can be accessed free of charge. Go to the Journal
- Queensland perspectives on alcohol – The Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE) commissioned research to gain an understanding of Queenslander's perspectives on alcohol policies.Read the findings
- Mental health service expenditure and facilities – The Mental Health Services in Australia online publication has updated the areas of Expenditure and Facilities. Read the report
Events
- 10 March 2016 Northern Queensland Social Procurement Forum and Market Day – Cairns Convention Centre. An opportunity for government, industry and not-for-profits to come together and discuss how to leverage the Government’s significant procurement spend for social benefit. More information
- 11 March 2016 Generation Next Mental Health and Wellbeing of Young People Student Seminar – Gold Coast. This student only event for senior high school students will include panel discussions, presentations, polling and Q&A. More information
- 12 March 2016 Brook Red Peer Worker Brekkie Session – A series of pilot sessions to give an opportunity for peer workers to connect, network and learn from one another. The next session will focus on 'Peer Work in Clinical and Community Settings'. Download the flyer
- 23 & 24 March 2016 Mental Health issues at work – What’s my role? This online workshop aims to give you tips on how to support a staff member experiencing mental health issues. Find out more
- 31 March 2016 Townsville Mental Health Forum ‘Transitioning to the future’ – Free entry. Download the flyer
- 6 April 2016 Mental Health Practitioner National Conference – Sydney. The ‘My Career’ Pathways to Practice, Mental Health Practitioner 2016 National Conference is a one-day, interactive networking and learning event exploring the professional development and strategic positioning of this rapidly growing role, so as to leverage maximum benefit to all stakeholders. Register or get more information
- 13-14 April 2016 Australian Winter School Workshops – Join international facilitator Colin O'Driscoll, Assoc Prof Nicole Lee and Dr Joel Porter as they present: Piecing the puzzle together - Designing, developing and implementing evidence-based AOD services. Early bird registration closes soon. Register
- 6 May 2016 Master class on responsible reporting of suicide and mental illness – Sydney. Mindframe are presenting a one-hour master class at the Australian Press Council International Conference. More information
- 13 May 2016 Walk on the Wild Side Annual Symposium – Hosted by Metro North Hospital and Health Service for clinicians working in the field of alcohol and drugs. This year’s theme is ‘Superstition or Evidence?’. Early bird registrations available until 30 April. More information
- 18-20 May 2016 The Australian and New Zealand Addiction Conference – Gold Coast. The Conference will include workshops, presentations and forums dedicated to sharing skills and understanding in the treatment of all addictive disorders, including alcohol and other drugs, behavioural addictions, and the emerging field of online compulsive behaviour in both adults and children. More information
- 27 May 2016 Generation Next Mental Health and Wellbeing of Young People Seminar – The seminar will explore a variety of topics, including respectful relationships education, building resilience skills, an update on the latest drug trends, self-harm, racism and mental health, radicalisation and more. Register online
Surveys
- Mental Health Week 2015 Event Attendees – Did you attend a Queensland Mental Health Week event in 2015? Please give us your feedback and help us make 2016 even better. Take the survey
- The Queensland Aged and Disability Advocacy (QADA) Survey – Older Queenslanders, people with a disability and their carers are encouraged to voice the issues that affect them most. Complete the survey
Other
- Call for Abstracts — RANZCP Faculty of Forensic Psychiatry, 2016 Conference. Submissions close 1 April. More information
- Aftercare Well Ways Building a Future program— A 12 session peer education program, commencing 9 March, to assist families, friends and carers of people with a mental illness to sustain their wellbeing. Download the flyer
Give your feedback
Take five minutes to give us your feedback! Evaluate:
Queensland Mental Health Week 2015
Queensland Alcohol and Other Drugs Action Plan 2015-17
Queensland Suicide Prevention Action Plan 2015-17
Ordinary Report Social Housing: Systemic issues for tenants with complex needs
