Noticeboard Archive
News relating to promotion, prevention and early intervention for mental health for this year. The most recent items and links to older archives is available here.
| 2008/8/20 |
Profiles of family relationships practices
The Australian Family Relationships Clearinghouse (AFRC) is developing a collection of profiles on family relationships practices. Profiles may relate to programs and/or practices conducted throughout Australia that would be of interest to other service providers or practitioners. This may include past and present training initiatives, community awareness strategies, services that target particular groups or any other examples of interesting or innovative practice.
Further information, including the process for submissions, can be found at Family Relationships Practice Profiles. (from AFRC alert)
| 2008/8/12 |
Vietnam veterans' family study
The Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) is seeking Vietnam veterans and their families to take part in a study into their health and wellbeing. The study will look at what effect veterans' service in Vietnam may have had on veterans' families.
The first focus will be on Vietnam veterans and their families, while later studies will look at the families of veterans from more recent deployments. The research includes children, partners, siblings, nieces and nephews. The study aims to identify any common risk factors for veterans and their families, as well as factors that protect families' health and wellbeing. The entire study is expected to take 8 years. It will be completed by 2016.
For more information go to the DVA Family Study webpage.
| 2008/8/6 |
LIFE News: suicide prevention online
Crisis Support Services has just released the first edition of LIFE News as part of the new LIFE Communications: an innovative project that facilitates suicide and self-harm prevention expertise on behalf of the Department of Health and Ageing for the National Suicide Prevention Strategy (NSPS).
The updated LIFE website contains the newsletter, links to the latest LIFE documents plus an online professional development discussion forum. For more information go to: Living is for everyone
| 2008/7/24 |
Indigenous AOD workers' wellbeing, stress and burnout survey
The National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction (NCETA) at Flinders University has been funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing to undertake national research on the wellbeing of Indigenous and non-Indigenous health workers (who see a high proportion of Indigenous clients) working in the Alcohol and Other Drugs field.
NCETA would like to invite relevant Indigenous and non-Indigenous health workers working in the Alcohol and Other Drugs field to share their views on the level of stress and wellbeing that they experience by completing the survey. The results will be incorporated into a final report (due in 2009) for the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing and will be available on the NCETA website. To participate go to
| 2008/7/22 |
It takes a community: preventing child abuse and neglect (RHEF satellite television broadcast)
This program explores a shift to a preventive focus, looking at the development of services that emphasise protective factors, and which aim to support families and children before abuse or neglect occurs. The program illustrates the belief that a strong community underpins the effective functioning of families, and examines how traditional child health and welfare professionals are re-orienting themselves in the light of this perspective.
The program will be broadcast on Tuesday 29th July 2008. For more details go to Rural Health Education Foundation webpage.
| 2008/7/16 |
National Indigenous representative body
The Australian Government is now seeking the views of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people on a proposed national Indigenous representative body. FaHCSIA will be conducting consultation meetings in every state and the Northern Territory, including remote locations, from end of July until the end of August 2008. Consultations in regional areas will also cater for attendees from remote locations. Written submissions can also be provided. The closing date for written submissions is 19 September 2008.
For more information about the Government's consultations on a proposed National Indigenous Representative Body, please visit the FaHCSIA website.
To assist in considering relevant issues for a National Indigenous Representative Body, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner, Tom Calma, released an Issues Paper on 12 July 2008 titled: Building a Sustainable National Indigenous Representative Body. (Sourced from HREOC Mailing List.)
| 2008/7/9 |
Changes to Auseinet site
Work is underway to create a new 'search by topic' page on the Auseinet site which will give quicker and easier access to resources across all of our collections. The new page will allow for browsing through publications, activities, notices, and sitelinks via one comprehensive listing of subject headings.
Whilst this re-structure is taking place you may find that some resources have been moved: our priority is to ensure minimum disruption to accessing information. If you are having problems finding resources please contact the Information Officer.
| 2008/7/9 |
From Margins to Mainstream: 5th World Conference on the Promotion of Mental Health and the Prevention of Mental and Behavioral Disorders
The full conference program (correct as of 8th July 2008) is now available from the Margins to Mainstream website.
The program is streamed using the following themes:
- National & policy approaches to mental health promotion
- Social participation
- Joining promotion, prevention & intervention
- Discrimination
- Mental illness stigma
- Violence
- Access to economic resource.
| 2008/7/1 |
National Child Protection Week
NAPCAN (the National Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect) are part of a national social change campaign – to break the cycle of child abuse and neglect. NAPCAN’s 'Children See, Children Do' advertisement presents a strong message that we all carry this responsibility. If you would like to download this advertisement or receive an information kit for Child Protection Week (7-13 September) go to Children See, Children Do website.
| 2008/6/26 |
Latest suicide statistics: updated overview available
Auseinet has updated its information paper "Australian Suicide Statistics 2006 - Key Findings", based on data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics in March 2008. The paper provides a summary which highlights the levels of, and trends in, suicide in Australia.
To access the paper go to the Suicide Prevention Statistics page of the Auseinet website.
| 2008/6/17 |
Evaluation of mental health first aid educational materials
The University of Melbourne, with the support of an Australian Rotary Health Research Fund, will be evaluating the impact of mental health first aid educational materials on participant's knowledge, attitudes and behaviours towards people with mental health problems. They are looking to recruit between 300 - 500 adult members of the general public (18 years and over) who have access to a computer with a CD drive and the internet. Participants will be randomly assigned into one of the following groups: 1) receive an e-learning CD-ROM; 2) receive a hard-copy manual or 3) be added to a waiting list to receive educational materials.
Paticipants will be asked to fill in three online surveys over a seven month period. For more information email Julie-Anne Fischer at ORYGEN Research Centre (ph: 03 9342 3768 or mob: 0401 772 648).
| 2008/6/17 |
Investigating the effects of social exclusion: research participants wanted
An MPsych/PhD student is currently investigating the nature and experience of social exclusion. As part of this research, she has set up an online questionnaire (until 31st of October) to investigate the consequences individuals may experience when they are socially excluded. This research aims to assess the adverse consequences (such as suicide and aggression) of low levels of belonging on an individual and subsequently highlight areas where intervention and support would be useful for the individual's psychological well-being.
For more information go to Investigating the Effects of Social Exclusion.
| 2008/6/17 |
Developing a men's health policy for Australia: setting the scene
The Rudd Government is about to start developing Australia's first ever National Men's Health Policy - in recognition of the fact that men often have poorer health than women, are likely to die earlier, and are at greater risk of suicide.
Over the next twelve months, the Government will be developing a comprehensive policy: they want to know what men consider to be the priorities for their health, and how to build up the evidence base in this area, including opportunities for research over the long term. Consultations will be held throughout Australia, including a forum to be held in Canberra towards the end of 2008.
More information can be found on the National Men's Health Policy page of the Department of Health and Ageing website.
| 2008/5/26 |
'From Margins to Mainstream' conference: early bird registration date extended
Due to the large number of abstracts received for the 'Margins to Mainstream: 5th World Conference on the Promotion of Mental Health and the Prevention of Mental and Behavioral Disorders', organisers have had to delay notification of presenters by a fortnight. Because of this, 'early bird' registrations will now close on 16 June 2008.
For more information go to Margins to Mainstream conference website.
| 2008/5/23 |
'Which way home? A new approach to homelessness': green paper and public discussions.
The 'Which way home?' Green Paper aims to promote public discussion on homelessness, highlight the challenges faced by people who are homeless and suggest ways forward.
The Minister for Housing, Tanya Plibersek invites your participation in the public discussion on homelessness. Your contribution will inform the development of the White Paper to be released in September 2008. The White Paper will set out the Government's plan of action for the next 10 years.
For more information about the paper, public forums and submissions: go to FaHCSIA webpage.
| 2008/5/21 |
Extra funding for carer support services
The Australian Government is providing certainty and extra funding for carer organisations through $6.9 million in national one-off grants for community-based respite and carer support services through the National Respite for Carers Program and Commonwealth Carelink Program. one-off grants will be distributed through the National Respite for Carers Program and Commonwealth Carelink Program.
It is estimated that nearly 130,000 carers use the National Respite for Carers Program and Commonwealth Carelink Programs a year - accessing respite care, counselling, carer information and support services and planning.
To view the full media release click here.
| 2008/5/20 |
Recovery: multicultural story project
The NSW Transcultural Mental Health Centre (TMHC) is collecting personal recovery stories from people from people of CALD backgrounds who have a mental illness. The TMHC plans to produce a book from this collection to be launched during Multicultural Health Week in July. If you have a story that you would like to share with this project please contact 02 9840 3800.
| 2008/5/14 |
Positive psychology and adolescent well-being study seeking research participants
A new Monash University research study on positive psychology and adolescent well-being is looking for participants aged 12 to 17.
The purpose of this study is to identify characteristics that are present in adolescents with high well-being. The information gained from this study will be used to develop a psychological program or intervention that will aim to help other adolescents improve their well-being and mental health.
Participation would involve completing a set of questionnaires. A small number of participants will be invited to participate in either focus groups or phone interviews. For more information contact:
Jacolyn Norrish or Dr Dianne Vella-Brodrick.
| 2008/4/16 |
Mental Health Council of Australia (MHCA) Carers Engagement Project
MHCA is currently organising and delivering a series of nationwide workshops that will provide opportunities for family members and carers of a person with a mental illness to further develop their coping and management skills.
There will be specific workshops for carers who are Indigenous, from a culturally and linguistically diverse background, and young carers.
Mental health carers will not only have the opportunity to share and learn but also provide the MHCA with information of relevance to advance the issue and needs of mental health carers in Australia at the national level. For more information about the workshops and where they will be held go to Mental Health Council of Australia website.
| 2008/4/9 |
The Oasis: Australia's homeless youth
Documentary about the daily chaos and drama of a group of homeless kids at Oasis youth refuge, followed by a panel discussion hosted by Lateline's Tony Jones about this complex issue.
The documentary and panel discussion turn the spotlight on disadvantaged teenagers through their challenges with drug addiction, mental illness, criminal convictions, domestic abuse and teenage pregnancy.
Screening on ABC TV on 8:30pm Thursday, 10 Apr 2008. For links to reports and additional information go to Oasis website
| 2008/4/7 |
Carers research project
A clinical psychology PhD student at the University of Wollongong is undertaking research with families or people who care for someone with a serious mental illness:"Paving the way: can identity, relationships & perceived control help map the caregiving journey?"
If you are a carer or relative (sibling, partner, parent, adult child or friend), are 18 years or older and would like to paricipate, please phone 0404 159 379, or email Cathy Bentley.
| 2008/3/13 |
National Indigenous Health Equality Summit
More than 100 representatives from peak Indigenous and mainstream health bodies, non-government organisations and the reconciliation movement will partner with the Australian Government in convening a National Indigenous Health Equality Summit from 18-20 March in Canberra. The summit will be led by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner, Tom Calma.
The summit will then culminate in a public event at the Great Hall of Parliament House on 20 March with the Minister for Health and Ageing, other members of the government and Opposition, as well as Olympians Catherine Freeman and Ian Thorpe. This event is open to all members of the public: RSVP Brett Harrison .
For more information go to HREOC webpage.
| 2008/3/7 |
Self-injury and eating pathology questionnaire
A student of the Doctorate of Clinical Psychology at Deakin University, Melbourne, is seeking females aged 18 years and over to fill out an online questionnaire. This research is looking at how specific personality traits (impulsivity and compulsivity) may or may not be related to certain behaviours (disordered eating and self-harm) in females. This questionnaire will take about half an hour to fill out. The results will be confidential, and can be anonymous (if you opt not to receive the results of the research or to participate in the follow-up study). This research project has Deakin University Human Research Ethics Committee approval.
To fill out the questionnaire go to: Deakin University webpage.
| 2008/2/11 |
Indigenous gathering: 'Live Long, Live Strong'
Suicide Prevention Australia (SPA) has begun planning for a 'Live Long, Live Strong' gathering, to be held in September 2008 (date to be confirmed). The general aim of this gathering is to assist the healing of grief and loss felt by Indigenous communities; as well as contributing to the further development of strategies for advancing indigenous issues within the National Framework for the Prevention of Suicide in Australia.
An interim National Indigenous Gathering Working Group has been formed, chaired by Mick Adams and funding is being sought to progress this project. Any individual, organisation or business interested in this initiative is encouraged to email Suicide Prevention Australia or phone (02) 9568 3111.
| 2008/2/4 |
Workshops and grants for small non-government organisations
The Department of Health and Ageing has provided the Mental Health Council of Australia (MHCA) with $6 million to assist in the development of the capacity of non-government mental health organisations and other organisations delivering services relating to mental health. The MHCA will be providing 14 free, full day workshops around the country (designed to build stronger not for profit organisations and projects) and one-off grants of up to $40,000.
The MHCA is keen to hear from organisations working in: drug and alcohol rehabilitation, counseling, telephone help lines, family support services, men’s services, asylum seeker support, eating disorders, suicide prevention and addiction.
For more information please contact Rachelle Irving, or go to the MHCA website.
| 2008/1/31 |
Saying sorry is essential for moving forward
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner (Tom Calma) says that saying sorry to members of the Stolen Generations is an essential step in healing and progressing life outcomes for Indigenous Australians and congratulated the federal government for its announcement today that it would make a formal apology on 13 February.
"An apology that acknowledges the existence and the impact of this dark aspect of our history where Indigenous children were forcibly removed from their families, and which pays respect to the Stolen Generations for their suffering, their resilience and their dignity, is an early and exceptional sign of goodwill from the new government," Mr Calma said.
To read more of this media release go to HREOC media release page
| 2008/1/29 |
Launch of the National Register of Mental Health Consumer and Carer Representatives
The National Register of Mental Health Consumer and Carer Representatives is set to be launched in April 2008 following the National Register workshop (31 March–1 April) that will further develop the skills of 60 mental health consumer and carer representatives. The workshop will strengthen the skills of participants to successfully promote the interests of consumers and carers at a national level. The workshop will focus on leadership, advocacy, training, policy development, mentoring and a range of other relevant topics.
Those seeking a mental health consumer and/or carer representative should contact the Project Manager, Emma de Tassanyi, (Project Manager, Consumer and Carer Mentoring Project) Mental Health Council of Australia on (02) 6285 3100 or at emma.detassanyi@mhca.org.au.
| 2008/1/24 |
Comorbidity Professional Development Scholarships
The Alcohol and Other Drugs and Mental Health Comorbidity Professional Development Scholarships Program is being coordinated by NCETA on behalf of the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing. Eligible applicants can apply for scholarships to increase their capacity in the detection and treatment of co-occurring mental health and drug and alcohol-related problems. Scholarships are available for existing, not-for-profit, incorporated, non-government owned organisations and/or their staff whose role substantially involves providing services to clients with AOD- or MH-related issues.
Applications close 3 March 2008. For further information go to NCETA Comorbidity Scholarships
| 2008/1/14 |
Evaluation of Australian Rotary Health Research Fund (ARHRF) Community Mental Health Awareness Forums
The Australian Rotary Health Research Fund (ARHRF) wishes to engage an independent external evaluator to evaluate the “Looking after our mental health” Awareness Campaign to ensure good practice in mental health promotion. The Evaluator will become a member of the ARHRF Reference Group which will run over the term of the contract (to 14th September 2009).
The closing date is 31st January, 2008. For more information contact: Cheryl Deguara, Project Manager, Australian Rotary Health Research Fund, PO Box 3455, Parramatta, NSW, 2124. Telephone 02 8837 1900. Email cheryldeguara@arhrf.org.au.