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.
| 2008/7/1 |
Comorbidity Professional Development Scholarships.
The National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction (NCETA) is pleased to announce the third round of Comorbidity Professional Development Scholarships. The Scholarships are open to Alcohol and Other Drug and Mental Health workers employed in non-government organisations. The initiative aims to enhance workers professional skills and knowledge across the comorbidities of AOD and Mental Health by providing funding to support eligible workers to undertake relevant professional development and/or training.
Application details, guidelines and related information can be found at: NCETA webpage.
| 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 |
Australian Rotary Health Research Fund: mental health research grants
The Australian Rotary Health Research Fund (ARHRF) invites applications from individuals or research teams for grants in support of research projects. 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.
Closing date for all applications is Friday, 8 August, 2008. Application forms can be downloaded from
2008/5/21
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 |
Inquiry into better support for carers
The Standing Committee on Family, Community, Housing and Youth will conduct an inquiry to determine how to better meet the needs of carers.
In announcing the inquiry Committee Chair Annette Ellis said "Carers are often the hidden and unsung heroes who tirelessly look after family members and friends who cannot look after themselves. The demands placed on these carers often mean that they are exhausted, socially isolated and under extreme financial pressure. Not surprisingly, carers have been found to have significantly worse physical health and psychological wellbeing than the general population."
The Committee embraces this opportunity to hear first-hand through a formal inquiry from carers about their day-to-day experiences and to learn more about the social, economic and physical costs of being a carer. Interested persons and organisations are invited to make submissions addressing the terms of reference by Friday 4 July 2008. For more information 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.
| 2008/5/5 |
Raising awareness and recognition for people with biploar disorder: online survey
This international survey for people with bipolar aims to gain a patient perspective (rather than clinical) on important issues. The survey is being conducted by PatientView, in association with the World Federation of Mental Health (WFMH) and GAMIAN-Europe, as well as the European family and carer federation, EUFAMI. The survey is part of a new project to create a global website for people living with bipolar depression, designed by people with bipolar themselves.
The brief survey is due to close on Monday 30th June 2008 and is available from online bipolar survey.
| 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.
| 2008/4/1 |
Development of e-learning package: COPMI consultation
The National COPMI Initiative is currently consulting with consumers, carers, mental health professionals, academics and professional colleges and associations from around Australia about the content for an e-learning package. The package will be a free resource available to mental health workers (psychiatrists, nurses, social workers, psychologists, occupational therapists) and GP’s who interact with children and families where a parent has a mental illness.
COPMI is also hoping to interview people who have developed and/or implemented workforce training programs in the past two years in Australia. Information about the process is available from the COPMI Website or contact Kylie Eddy, Ph:(08) 83670888 Ext 25, Email: Kylie Eddy until April 30th.
| 2008/4/1 |
New research into parent fatigue
According to Associate Professor Jan Matthews, Director of Research and Practice at the Parenting Research Centre (PRC), when parents are coping with fatigue it can have an impact on their ability to raise children. This survey of parent wellbeing will help to determine the level of fatigue that families are coping with on a daily basis, as well as to identify any potential impact on parenting. The research findings will be of real value in developing information and strategies to help support families.
The PRC would like to hear from any parents of children aged 0-6 who would like to participate in the parent fatigue and wellbeing survey: for more information go to Parent Fatigue Survey.
| 2008/3/31 |
Angels and Demons: Andrew Denton looks at the world of mental illness
At the 2007 Annual Mental Health Services Conference in Melbourne Andrew Denton met people from many walks of life who have struggled with severe mental illness. "Angels and Demons" provides a rare insight into the experiences of those with mental illness and finds the possibility of a better life for people often dismissed as beyond hope.
This episode of Enough Rope will screen on ABC TV, Monday April 7th at 9.35pm.
| 2008/3/31 |
Mental Health (MH), Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) and MH/AOD Comorbidity Courses: Scoping exercise
The National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction (NCETA) has been contracted by the Australian Department of Health and Ageing to undertake a scoping exercise of Mental Health (MH), Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) and MH/AOD Comorbidity courses in Australia.
A list of accredited courses is available for viewing on the NCETA website. If you are involved with, or aware of, any accredited courses suitable for inclusion: please see guidelines and a submission pro-forma for key stakeholders and the general public on same webpage.
The deadline for submissions is Friday 11 April 2008. Electronic submissions are preferred and should be forwarded to nceta@flinders.edu.au.
| 2008/3/26 |
National 'Listening Tour'
Sex Discrimination Commissioner and Commissioner responsible for Age Discrimination, Elizabeth Broderick, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner and Acting Race Discrimination Commissioner, Tom Calma, joined with the Northern Territory Anti-Discrimination Commission and the NT Legal Aid Commission, in the first 'Listening Tour' consultation yesterday in Darwin. The consultation was part of Commissioner Broderick’s national tour.
"We had a vibrant conversation about the unique challenges in the NT on the three themes of the tour - economic independence for women, work and family balance across the life cycle, and freedom from discrimination, harassment and violence" Ms Broderick said.
The 'Listening Tour' can be found online at Listening Tour Blog.
| 2008/3/17 |
Racism research tender: request for researchers
The Foundation for Young Australians is seeking Expressions of Interest from experienced researchers interested in conducting qualitative and quantitative research on the experiences and impact of racism on the health and wellbeing of young Australians in 2008.
Expressions of Interest should briefly outline the proposed research methodology for undertaking the research (including details of research tools and analytic frameworks), provide an itemised budget, and indicate availability and timeframe. Expressions of Interest should be received by email or in hardcopy by 5pm Monday 21 April 2008
Further information about the project is available on the Foundation for Young Australians website.
| 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.
| 2008/3/12 |
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners Research Foundation: Funding research into indigenous health and more
The RACGP Research Foundation supports general practice research through the provision of grants, scholarships, fellowships and awards each year. The Foundation especially encourages the provision of high quality health care to Indigenous people. In cooperation with the Australian Primary Health Care Research Institute (APHCRI) the Foundation will offer three RACGP/APHCRI Indigenous Health Awards in 2008;
Up to 9 alternative awards are also being offered to fund a plan of study or travel, or to undertake research.
Applications are open and all interested RACGP members are invited to apply. Applications close 14 April at 5pm (EST). Grant descriptions, eligibility criteria and application forms can be downloaded online at RACGP grants 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.
| 2008/3/3 |
Membership of COPMI (Children of Parents with a Mental Illness) National Family Forum: Expression of interest
The COPMI National Family Forum and its governing body AICAFMHA is committed to participation of consumers, carers and young people in the COPMI initiative. One of the participation avenues is the COPMI National Family Forum (CNFF) that will consist of a group of 8-10 people who will inform and advise the COPMI team on consumer and carer perspectives. Applicants for the CNFF will be selected from a diverse group of consumers, carers and young people so that as far as possible a variety of communities are included.
Expressions of interest are due by Friday the 14th of March 2008. For more information contact Chris Alliston, ph: 08 83670888 Ext 30.
| 2008/2/15 |
'Social Alternatives' issue on mental health: call for papers
Social Alternatives is an independent, quarterly refereed journal, committed to the principles of social justice. The journal will publish a special issue focusing on mental health and is seeking relevant papers, personal stories and poetry. The submission deadline is 1st June 2008 with a release date in November 2008.
Guidelines for interested contributors can be found at: Social Alternatives webpage. Or contact guest editor Dr. Victoria Palmer (Research Fellow, Mental Health, Primary Care Research Unit, The University of Melbourne)
E-mail: vpalmer@unimelb.edu.au.
| 2008/2/14 |
Greater focus needed on prevention
The Rudd Government believes prevention should play a far greater role in the health system and has already taken steps in this direction. The government has committed to a National Preventative Health Strategy, to be developed by a National Preventative Health Taskforce and has also announced that the forthcoming Australian Health Care Agreements will include a focus on preventative care.
In a press release Nicola Roxon, Minister for Health and Ageing, stated "We are determined to shift prevention from the margins to the centre of health care – a crucial part of building a health system for a modern Australia".
To read the full release go to 13th Feb. Press Release.
| 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
| 2008/1/16 |
From Margins to Mainstream: 5th World Conference on the Promotion of Mental Health and the Prevention of Mental and Behavioral Disorders
This international biennial conference will be held at the Melbourne Convention Centre, on 10-12 September 2008.
The conference will highlight activities that contribute to promoting individual and community mental health and wellbeing. The conference also aims to show the mental health and wider community that the promotion of mental health and the prevention of mental illness is no longer on the margins of the health debate. Instead, it is integrated into mainstream areas of research, policy and practice, across many diverse sectors, such as the arts, sports, housing, justice, education, employment, health and others.
Potential presenters at the conference are invited to submit abstracts of their proposed paper for consideration by the International Scientific Committee. For more information go to: 'From Margins to Mainstream' website.
| 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.